Baskets of produce greet customers when they enter the store.
Green Grocer’s Facebook page is announcing its grand opening party as 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 26. The newest entrant to the neighborhood grocery scene originally had planned a fall opening, but ran into some parking permit issues that held up construction for weeks, according to owner Cassie Green. The 3,500-square-foot store will be on Lower Greenville, right across the street from Gloria’s, and more “urban” structures that front streets and don’t have much on-site parking struggle to pass permit muster in Dallas, where ordinances are written for more suburban-style parking lots (unlike Chicago, where Green Grocer is based).
In less than two weeks, we’ll be able to see the Green Grocer Dallas store for ourselves, but until then, take a look at these photos of the Chicago store. (Click each one for larger views.) It reminded us quite a bit of Oak Cliff’s Bolsa Mercado, but without the sandwich/salad/dessert/coffee bar. Green Grocer is already working with some of our neighborhood’s amazing food artisans; a recent Facebook post notes a collaboration with Wackym’s Kitchen and Carnival Barker ice cream, for example.
The Dallas store will be much like Chicago’s in its emphasis on local and organic offerings. The biggest difference may be how many of Green Grocer’s new neighbors walk to the store rather than drive. In Chicago, parking is limited to metered parallel spots along the street, and most people who frequent the store probably live within a few blocks in one of the upper-story lofts or apartments. It’s a different story in the Lower Greenville area, but perhaps Green Grocer will encourage Dallas’ recent walking and cycling renaissance.
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- A chalkboard shows the “winter share” produce selections.
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- Handcrafted goat milk soap was made locally.
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- Eggplants and tomatillos were among the produce offerings.
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- Locally produced beer and wine also sat on grocery shelves.
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- Baskets of produce greet customers when they enter the store.
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- A bowl of water sits outside the front door for thirsty pets.
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- Green Grocer’s Chcago store is on the first story of a three-story building, with the upper stories housing residential units.
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- The buildings up and down the blocks surrounding Green Grocer are two- to four-stories tall, usually with retail on the bottom floor and residential on top.
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- The view across the street from Green Grocer Chicago.
