March 25, 2008
Downtown grocer will resemble small supermarket
I’ve been away from blogging for the last several days, because I have been sick with the flu. Finally, I have recovered.
Here’s an update on a new grocery space in downtown Roanoke that I mentioned last week. Jay Aneja, who is owner of 7 to 7 Grocery, said this new store slated for Campbell Avenue, will stock supermarket items, though it won’t be a full grocer like Kroger or Food Lion.
Aneja plans to sell dry grocery items and some produce, such as fruits, onions, tomatoes and other vegetables in season. The shop also will sell some convenience store fare, including hot dogs, fried chicken, onion rings and hot drinks.
The growing number of people residing in apartments and condominiums in downtown Roanoke prompted Aneja to create the small grocer, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The new store is located beside The Hancock, a building that is being refurbished to house apartments.
Aneja already owns and operates a neighboring convenience store on Campbell Avenue, called G&G shop. Before this shop sold convenience store items, it primarily carried jewelry and watches. Aneja plans to return to selling this kind of merchandise once 7 to 7 Grocery opens later this month or in early April.
Comments
[March 25, 2008 9:38 AM]
GregFirst off, welcome back! Glad you are feeling better. Secondly, this will be great for the residents and workers in downtown. Hopefully this will be supported!
[March 25, 2008 1:04 PM]
FrancesThis is sorely needed. Hope it will carry a wide variety of dry grocery items and some basic over the counter health items.
[March 30, 2008 5:34 PM]
JennyFrances, That's a good inquiry about whether the new store will carry health items. The next time I speak with the owner, I'll ask if he plans to stock over-the-counter medicines.
[April 2, 2008 2:06 PM]
GregAnother update Jenny! I walked past the store on my way to the Orange Dog (yes I tried it) today and they are putting merchandise in the store. It looks like it will be a nice bright and clean store. I think they will do well. This is something really needed in downtown. Do you know when they will be opening?
[April 3, 2008 11:01 AM]
JennyThanks for your observations, Greg. I've also noticed that the grocery items are rolling into this store space. The owner last told me that he expected a late March or early April opening. So, it could be any day. I'll check back with in him for a more specific opening date.
[April 19, 2008 8:46 AM]
GregPersonally I will be shocked if this store makes it beyond a year or two. Yes, it would be great for downtown to have a true "name recognized" grocery store that would befit a downtown....such as a Dean & DeLuca or at least a store with some recognition such as Tinnell's. But of course the liklihood of that occurring is quite slim; this grocery store will likely be a "souped up Getty Mart" and downtown dwellers are not into that scene. Brutal...but frank opinion.