After years of touting the benefits of locally owned and patiently growing their membership, followed by months of searching for the perfect location, the West Chester Cooperative has some big news. It has signed a lease. The Borough of West Chester is getting its grocery store.

The store will be located on Market Street where the Market Street Print Shop stands today. That, for all you printing regulars, is moving half a mile west to 590 Hannum Ave. It will be a full neighborhood grocery store with a focus on supporting local farms, food producers, and prepared foods. Think Carlinos but less gourmet and artisanal and more local and sustainable.

“The most exciting part about the space is the location,” said Co-op President Judy Carrino. “It has always been our goal to open a space in the Borough, we are right next to the parking garage and other [parking] lots.”

The store, which is targeting an early 2025 launch date, will be open to everyone but there are benefits to being a member — besides, remember, they are doing this for you.

“In addition to being community-owned, this project is community-driven. The two ways folks can help out is to join and volunteer,” said Judy.  

If either of those sounds good to you, I have links. To become a member go here. To learn about volunteering click here.

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Originally published on July 19, 2024

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