Urban greengrocers are making a comeback across the country – and in Rochester too! Late last year RocSubway was the first to tell you about a new, locally-owned grocer opening in downtown Rochester. Construction is now underway at Hart’s Local Grocers, a new independent grocery store in the East End. Founder, Glenn Kellogg announced today that Hart’s will open its doors this summer.

The Hart’s leadership team originally announced in January their desire to open in late May. “We eyed an aggressive schedule but remain pleased with the progress of soon bringing a full-service grocery store to downtown Rochester,” said Kellogg. “We anticipate opening this summer and are confident that Hart’s will deliver the great experience that Rochesterians have been waiting for.”

In the meantime, Hart’s continues to interact with shoppers both online and in the neighborhood. They’ve been engaging with future shoppers by visiting the Rochester Public Market on Saturday mornings, handing out refrigerator magnets and encouraging shoppers to sign up for Hart’s Rewards Cards. “We’re overwhelmed at the support we’ve seen from the community at every turn,” said Andrew Katz, Communications Director of Hart’s Local Grocers. Over 650 people have signed up for Hart’s Rewards Cards that will be mailed in advance of the opening.

Get a FREE $10 Hart’s gift card when you show your fare card and sign up for a Hart’s Rewards Card on ROC Transit Day*

*First 100 people only. Come to 10 Winthrop Street on 6/19/2014 and show your bus pass. Get details at ROC Transit Day

The Hart’s Story

Hart’s Local Grocers is a locally owned and independent full-service food retailer. The store will be located in the heart of the East End occupying 20,000-square-feet of the two-story brick building at 10 Winthrop Street , located between the Little Theatre and Restaurant 2Vine. Hart’s will be the first grocery store to open downtown since the last one left Midtown Plaza more than a decade ago.

The original Hart’s was started by immigrant Moses Hart in the late 1800s and was expanded to a chain by his son, progressive businessman and philanthropist Alfred Hart. By 1929, Hart’s had 113 locations and was in most every neighborhood in the city of Rochester. After decades of success, Hart’s transitioned to Star Supermarkets in the 1960s.

According to advertisements of the time, thousands of children had the Hart’s wagons, which had painted on the side “Hart’s Spirit of Rochester.” The store’s slogans included “Rochester’s Greatest Grocers” and “The Spirit of Rochester is the Hart Spirit — the Spirit of Progress and Good Will.”

The present-day Hart’s Local Grocers will reflect the feel of a 1940s-era, full-service yet intimate food retailer and also will be a proud member of the community, with a focus on exceptional customer service.

Hart’s mission is to build community, delight the senses, and connect Rochesterians to the region’s greatest foods. This traditional neighborhood market will offer city residents local and fresh meat, dairy, produce, and baked goods alongside national brands, while raising the retail standard of excellence through a socially and environmentally responsible food system. It is estimated area grocery stores locally source between 2 and 4 percent of products, whereas Hart’s will be well into double digits. Each department head will be charged with continually searching for local and regional options for products sold at Hart’s, including natural and organic product options.

The vision for Hart’s Local Grocers is that of Glenn Kellogg, an urban economic planner from Washington, D.C. Through his company Rochester Local Capital he drafted a business plan and gathered a team of industry and startup veterans from around the region and the country. They studied demographics, looking closely at city neighborhoods, identifying the best opportunities and locations, and finding out what residents are hungry for.

Hart’s is currently renovating its new home at 10 Winthrop Street, a two-story brick building constructed in 1930. It most recently was the home of Craig Autometrics and previously served as the repair and body shop for nearby Hallman’s Chevrolet. Parking for Hart’s Local Grocers includes 130 onsite parking-lot spaces.

Hart’s is prepared to serve many city neighborhoods, including the Center City, Park and East Avenue neighborhoods, the Neighborhood of the Arts, and the South Wedge, in addition to shoppers who work in the city. More than 30 employees are being hired this spring and summer, reaching more than 50 new hires by 2015. Inquiries regarding positions can be directed to [email protected]

Tags: 10 Winthrop Street, downtown Rochester, Glenn Kellogg, grocery store, Hart's Local Grocers, Rochester, Rochester NY, urban, Winthrop Street

This entry was posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 6:28 pm and is filed under Rochester Destinations, Rochester News, Urban Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.