South End Grocery StorePhoto ofCarol Durant
I visited the new South End Grocery Store in the South End neighborhood of Albany, New York. My friend and I were thrilled to visit and support an important new endeavor. The interest was great, purchases were made and we both had positive experiences.
Albany is the capital of New York and, as of the last week of 2022, lacked a downtown grocery store to serve the residents of this neighborhood. Before the grand opening, citizens had to travel to uptown Albany or Rensselaer County to experience a grocery store less than two miles long.
The store’s address is 106 South Pearl Street. It is a non-profit grocery store and was made possible through community partnerships led by Mr. Travon Jackson. Mr. Jackson is an inspirational and goal-oriented entrepreneur who is Executive Director of the Capital Region African American Cultural Center and President of the BlueLight Development Group.
The grocery store is in a building that used to be a McDonald’s. The fast-food restaurant, a mainstay in the city’s downtown area for almost thirty years, closed, leaving behind an open wound symbolizing the ongoing economic struggles that plagued the South End. Mr. Jackson and his partners have closed the wound by providing economic opportunity for local businesses such as area farmers and a walkable destination for an individual’s immediate or long-term food needs.
Entering the building looks familiar but is actually new. The interior design has an industrial-cool vibe with its metallic blue tones and blackboard paint with chalk writing. Guests can greet the staff and watch their meals being prepared in the open kitchen. Groceries such as vegetables and canned goods are presented on vertical shelves, wooden boxes and shelves. Perishable goods and frozen food are kept in refrigerated counters. Ready meals such as breakfast sandwiches can be ordered at the front or back counter. Prices are quoted and cash or credit cards are accepted methods of payment. Plenty of parking for those driving and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) bus stop is on the corner.
Community support is vital. The current opening times are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stop by, bring a bag and make some purchases, donate on the site and spread the word. congratulations to all. https://www.southendgrocery.org/
Comments are closed.