Chanel Parker has always loved cooking. She previously ran a food and wine newsletter featuring her recipes but wanted to expand the concept. Now, the dream is becoming a reality.
Nelly’s Grocery & Wine, a curated, community-focused grocery store is set to open in Savannah this summer.
“I just had this thought, this urge. I want to be able to provide colorful food, alternative food, whole food, better for you food and foods unknown to other people. I want to bring back that joy in grocery shopping and cooking,” Parker told What Now Charleston.
Pops of color will brighten the interior.
“We have this big blue tile on the wall. People have said it reminds them of the freshness of water. Then there’s this deep maroon, Bordeaux color—that’s where the wine is going to sit. There’s sprinkles of yellow. Then, the products, the packaging, the fruit and vegetables—they’re just so full of color. It’s going to be vibrant,” she said.
Parker said all products in the store will be chosen with intention.
“We’re making sure the majority of the products can be label friendly, meaning, can you tell what the ingredients are? Where are they coming from? Are they made with real ingredients versus artificial?” she said. “The biggest part is the produce. I’m working with local farmers. They’re familiar with the soil. We really want to make sure that is present in downtown Savannah.”
Familiarity is intentional not only in the food selection but also in the name Nelly’s.
“Those really close to me growing up would call me Nelly. It’s a play on my name. I wanted something that felt familiar, but not just to me. Our goal is to make you feel familiar. You may come in as a stranger, but you’re going to leave as a friend,” Parker said.
Parker looks forward to building strong connections with the community and celebrating opening day, when Nelly’s plans to collaborate with various brands and offer samples to customers.
Visit the Nelly’s Grocery & Wine website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
