The COVID-19 pandemic may have altered the use of downtown districts throughout the country, but two grocery businesses are betting it hasn’t changed the need for food stores in or around downtown Providence.
Rory’s Kitchen and Market opened on Washington Street in the heart of downtown on Sept. 23, and Trader Joe’s is preparing to open on South Main Street, on the edge of downtown.
Those who live and work downtown have long lamented the lack of retail food outlets in the area. But with many downtown businesses shifting to hybrid or remote work schedules and fewer office workers in the city, the demand for food stores may have shifted as well.
Rory Eames, owner and CEO of Rory’s Kitchen and Market, said the Dennis Port, Mass.-based organic food store conducted a feasibility study before opening and, as a result, has decided to add some services, such as online ordering and delivery.
“It was definitely kind of a leap of faith going into this right at the height of COVID,” Eames said. But now “the timing seems right.”
Indeed, while there may be fewer downtown workers, the recent spate of new high-end apartment projects in the area might be easing Eames’ mind, including the 249-unit Emblem 125 on Clifford Street, the 95-unit Chestnut Commons on Chestnut Street and the 143-unit Nightingale Building, the site of the new Rory’s store on Washington Street.
Carolyn Park said she was excited when she heard Rory’s was opening a 6,000-square-foot store. In the 2½ years Park has lived downtown, she’s had to walk 30 minutes to reach the nearest grocery store. With no car, she’s relied on delivery services.
On Rory’s opening day, Park was perusing the offerings, including made-to-order and grab-and-go meals, snacks and beverages, as well as organic foods.
“It’s definitely more convenient,” Park said.
Rory’s Providence location marks the first time the company, established in 1978, has expanded beyond Cape Cod.
The Rory’s team chose Providence for an expansion, Eames said, in part because the company had a connection to the developer, Cornish Associates LP, and its managing partner, Arnold “Buff” Chace Jr. Cornish owns Mashpee Commons, where a Rory’s market is located, and has part ownership of the Nightingale Building.
“An urban community always appealed to us for our first off-Cape location; we came to the space and really felt a connection with the neighborhood,” Eames said.
But with Rory’s focus on organic products and often higher prices that come with the central location, some residents approached the new market with uncertainty.
Downtown resident Samuel Lewell, who also works in the area, came across the store’s grand opening by chance. He noted its proximity to Urban Greens Food Co-op less than a mile away in the city’s West End.
Still, Lewell said he hopes the store will support a diverse range of customers, adding that the market would need to keep price points in check.
Despite an increase in remote work, Eames said she still sees “so much opportunity to service people working downtown for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Warwick resident Keelia Kentor, who works downtown and was in Rory’s on opening day, agreed. She noted that the prices might deter some customers but added that Rory’s will be convenient for downtown workers.
“It’s not a store that I think everyone can afford to shop at every day, but I think it’s nice to be able to pick up the stuff that you need,” she said.
Trader Joe’s has not confirmed an opening date for its Providence store and did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
