A Barcelona-born entrepreneur is opening a Mediterranean specialty market in the heart of downtown Alpharetta on Friday, adding a retail concept that stocks European pantry staples rather than serving them at a table.

Grove and Barrel Provisions, owned by Josep Juncosa, opens Aug. 14 at Alpharetta City Center. The shop will carry olive oils, rice, pastas, canned and brined goods, coffees and selected wine labels, according to Appen Media.

Juncosa, who grew up in Barcelona, said his concept draws on southern European food traditions and a culture of gathering around the table. He plans to host private group tastings and partner with local restaurants to supply high-quality ingredients.

"Growing up, sharing the table with my friends and family was a cherished experience, and I learned how powerful simple but quality ingredients could truly be," Juncosa told Appen Media. "This is the spirit we are bringing every day to Grove and Barrel Provisions."

The market joins a wave of food-and-beverage openings at City Center. Amasa Mexican Kitchen is targeting a mid-August opening at 15 Academy St., as we reported July 30, and Giulia Italian Bakery is also expected to open at the development this summer.

Alpharetta City Center spans 26 acres at the intersection of Main, Academy, Broad, Market and Commerce streets. The mixed-use district holds roughly 74,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 36,000 square feet of offices and 168 apartments, alongside City Hall and the Fulton County Library branch. The development sits less than two miles from Exit 9 off GA-400 and connects to the Alpha Loop trail.

Shoppers visiting on opening day will find extra activity in the district: the Alpharetta Moonlight Market, a recurring open-air artisan market, runs along Broad and Market streets from 5 to 10 p.m. that same Friday evening.

No suite number has been listed. Store hours have not been announced.