T-L Photo/SHELLEY HANSON DAVID ROSE, a salesman with City Advertisers of Bridgeport, checks out some of the food for sale at the new Around the World Gourmet Marketplace that kicked off its grand opening celebration Thursday in West Bellaire.

BELLAIRE — Around the World Gourmet Marketplace kicked off its grand opening celebration Thursday in West Bellaire.

Owned by Jennifer Kocher, the new shop is located in the former Frizzi’s Market building at 112 Second Ave., Bellaire. Along with Kocher, several dignitaries participated in the ribbon-cutting event that also featured free samples of the food made there.

Around the World’s specialty is making foods that are gluten-free, vegan, organic and non-GMO. Pizzas and wings are popular items, along with food items from local vendors.

For example, in the coolers people can find bison meat from Kahrig Bison Ranch in Woodsfield, Amy’s Perfect Pasta and more.

Kocher also uses the building as her manufacturing base for her vegan pizza crusts that are free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, nuts and corn. She sells the crusts online and in her store.

Much like the former Frizzi’s Market, the store continues to offer deli meats and cheeses. It also continues to make Frizzi’s famous pepperoni rolls, which follow the original recipe and not gluten-free.

The celebration continues today with a live remote by a radio station from 4-6 p.m. along with prizes and giveaways. On Saturday there will be samplings of pierogies and pasta and bison burgers from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday there will be free live music by Jule Carenbauer from 4-7 p.m.

Kocher said she is excited about the progress at the new store and for the support given to her by the Ohio Valley and village of Bellaire. She noted customers have traveled 20 miles or more to visit the new store.

“We also have a great staff who works here. I’m looking forward to growth opportunities,” she said, adding that the store is a “local vendor mecca.”

In recognition of her new store, Kocher was given a plaque from the Ohio House of Representatives and state Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire. In part it reads, “The Around the World Gourmet Marketplace is a welcome addition to the Bellaire area. A manufacturer and distributor of gluten free, organic and vegan foods, this new store will undoubtedly gain a loyal clientele and earn the gratitude and appreciation of many satisfied customers, enhancing the quality of life within Southeastern Ohio.”