A new community-owned micro-grocery store called Southside Market is getting ready to debut later this year in Chatham, located at 433 E. 79th St.
Founders Mabel Shiu, Marcea Lewis, and Monica Meriweather are moving forward with this market after receiving a nearly $240,000 Chicago Recovery Plan and Community Development Grant, according to Block Club Chicago. The trio will rejuvenate a long-vacated Chatham building and turn it into a micro-store focusing on produce and nutritious food, as well as a cafe with a rotating menu prepared by local chefs “so people can grab fresh, healthy prepared foods,” something not often found in the area.
“We want people to feel connected to their food,” Shiu tells Block Club Chicago. “When people walk into the store, we want them to feel refreshed, peaceful, safe, and welcome. We hope to be a part of building a thriving community. Food is an essential part of that but is also so core to it. We hope this improves the local health and sense of pride in the community. Accessibility is more than just having a grocery store in your neighborhood. It’s having an affordable price point and being inspired to try something new.”
On top of the grab-and-go options at the cafe, customers can expect a market stocked with goods sold by local Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Those who want to promote a local business can suggest chefs or recipes to the cafe. The community development grant covers about 75 percent of construction costs, and additional financial opportunities are being searched to have a “really strong grand opening.” While there is no exact opening date, Southside Market is expected to open later this year.
