Is Brewerytown Getting a Supermarket? (it sure looks like it)

Anyone who has spent time in the Brewerytown and Fairmount neighborhoods, is aware of the community's longstanding desire to replace the Pathmark supermarket which closed over 15 years ago. There have been several false starts and rumors since then, but nothing was ever serious. However, that is all about to change. We attended a community meeting last night hosted by Councilman Darrell Clarke, State Rep Michelle Brownlee and Councilman Bill Greenlee, the topic of which was a new proposal to build a supermarket at 31st and Girard opening in July 2012.

Representatives of the developer and the supermarket operator, Bottom Dollar, were on hand to present their plan for an 18,000 SF supermarket offering fresh produce and meats, along with national brands like Heinz Ketchup, etc. Bottom Dollar is owned by Food Lion, which is in turn owned by a a Belgian company the Delhaize Group - so this is no fly-by-night operation.

Now, I know you hear the name Bottom Dollar and think that it is the Wal Mart of supermarkets. However, they seem to have a chip on their shoulder about the name. Check out the following quote from their website:

Don’t let the name fool you. Although Bottom Dollar Food may sound like a typical discount store, we refuse to act like one! Yes, we do have food prices that kick bottom. In fact, we have the lowest prices in town. Guaranteed! To prove it, we promise to beat any competitive like item – just see the store manager for details. But Bottom Dollar Food is much more than a pretty price.

Bottom Dollar Food is also a great environment where you’ll find quality meat, fresh produce, a wide array of national brands as well as some quality private brands. In short, we have everything you would expect from a grocery store – only a whole lot cheaper!

So, to our ears this all sounds great. The possibility of walking to a grocery store instead of driving is fantastic. By no means do we believe this is a 100% done deal, as the developer is requesting subsidies from the City and/ or state. But there is a lot of momentum behind this project and, based upon our behind the scenes intelligence gathering, we are feeling very good about its chances of success.

New Fresh Grocer in North Philadlephia - neighborhood loves it

The new Fresh Grocer market recently opened in North Philadelphia at the renovated Progress Plaza on N. Broad Street in an area that had been without a supermarket for years (11) and it seems the initial response from residents (both longtime and new ones) has been overwhelming.

This is further evidence of the massive opportunity retailers are missing out on in inner city, where there is huge demand for goods and services that are convenient, high quality and deliver good value.

Click here for article from Philadelphia Inquirer

Supermarket Update

Here's an update about the planned supermarket at 31st and Girard. Below is an excerpt.

Investor makes moves on Brewerytown supermarket

Hayden Mitman

Home News Staff

It's been a long time coming, but Brewerytown might finally get a much-needed supermarket at the intersection of 31st Street and Girard Avenue.

After a meeting held Friday, Oct. 30, representatives from Farm Fresh Produce and Poultry signed a letter of intent to purchase the triangular, 2.8-acre tract along the 3100 block of Girard Ave. from the Westrum Development Co.

According to Herman Rollins - who owns Farm Fresh Produce and Poultry with his wife, Judith - the Cherry Hill, N.J.-based couple will secure the land for about $2 million.

They hope to bring a 35,000-square-foot supermarket to the site in the near future.

"We have everything we need to put the market there," said Rollins during an interview on Monday, Nov. 2.