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Chattanooga-based Five Star Food Service opens its 4,000th micro market

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Five Star CEO Richard Kennedy displays one of the company's micro markets at the company's Chattanooga headquarters April 17.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Five Star CEO Richard Kennedy displays one of the company's micro markets at the company's Chattanooga headquarters April 17. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Five Star CEO Richard Kennedy displays one of the company's micro markets at the company's Chattanooga headquarters April 17.

Since the launch of its automated kiosk of fresh-food snacks, sandwiches, meals and drinks in 2011, Five Star Food Service has added its micro markets across its 10-state region and announced Thursday it has installed its 4,000th micro market.

The Chattanooga-based vending and cafeteria provider installed its latest micro market in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Mark Stephanos, senior executive vice president for Five Star Foods, said the micro market is equipped with easy-to-use, self-checkout kiosk technology to allow touchless payment via the company’s mobile app.

Micro markets have proven to be a popular alternative to a company cafeteria or dining room, which usually takes more labor, space and money to operate for employers.

“Real-time inventory management, digital promotional display and reliable cooling equipment make this micro market an example of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing the best break time solutions,” Stephanos said in a news release Thursday. “The micro market offers custom design and premium display fixtures to immediately upgrade the look of the break room, providing a space for customers to collaborate and relax.”

(READ MORE: Five Star is Canteen’s largest franchisee)