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Jim’s Local Market (Proposed)

RRHA has been acquiring lots and clearing structures from the 1300 blocks of 24th and 25th Streets and the adjacent block along Nine Mile since at least 2006.

At a 7th District meeting back in late 2006, a grocery store at 25th and Nine Mile was promised for the near future (“more towards 2 years than 5 or 10”). Mayor Jones reiterated the notion back in 2012. Maybe, just maybe, the time is now?

A September post on UVA’s The Hedgehog Review “Richmond and the Future of Local Food” has some details on what the Jim’s Local Market could be:

Jim Scanlon, a 40-year veteran of the grocery business, resigned just last week from his role as Regional Vice President of Martin’s Food Marts where he oversaw all of Martin’s 34 stores in Virginia. In his new venture, he is pursuing a plan that he has been quietly developing for the better part of a decade.

In 2015, he hopes to break ground on Jim’s Local Market in Richmond’s East End, less than a mile from the bulk of Richmond’s public housing units. His store will leverage his expertise and relationships in the grocery industry to provide the same variety, quality, and prices of national chains, something small independents are not typically able to do.

Meanwhile, his independent community-focused store will have the freedom to source from small local providers, provide incentives for low-income shoppers, and partner with the local health experts to provide educational programming. Finally, community members will help determine how a percentage of the pre-tax profits are returned to the neighborhood.

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78 comments

PTG 12/18/2014 at 8:23 AM

This would be great.

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Bragda Pilates 12/18/2014 at 8:33 AM

Much needed

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Bobby 12/18/2014 at 8:39 AM

If it’s going to be just another “lotto, cigarettes, beer, snacks & cell phones” kinda place, keep it. There’s already one on every corner. But, an actual grocery store? With more than ghetto-groceries? That would be awesome!

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Elaine Odell 12/18/2014 at 8:48 AM

Holy sweet potatoes! This plan, along with all the Seed Grant winners and CHAT’s big grant, certainly make this a wonderful Christmas.

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J 12/18/2014 at 9:12 AM

Anyone who uses the phrase “ghetto-grocery” is banned from coming to this grocery.

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ann 12/18/2014 at 9:29 AM

What a great idea.

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Kathleen 12/18/2014 at 9:33 AM

So many good things are happening in the Church Hill area! Welcome Jim!

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laura 12/18/2014 at 9:52 AM

Jim Scanlon is a first class operator. He spent many many years heading up Ukrops stores division and he helped Martins transition from Ukrops for all Virginia stores. I highly doubt this will be any less than an A-1 operation. No need to worry about “lotto, cigarettes, beer, snacks & cell phones”. This a welcomed addition to this neighborhood and will only help to drive positive transformation in that neck of the woods. This is like putting a Fresh Market into the existing hood. Great news.

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Dave Seibert 12/18/2014 at 1:39 PM

This certainly has the makings of something good.

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Mary T 12/18/2014 at 3:22 PM

Been waiting for this for a long time.

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Betsy 12/18/2014 at 4:14 PM

Yes please! This would be absolutely amazing.

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rita 12/19/2014 at 9:28 AM

I agree “J”, what exactly is ghetto groceries……….people that don’t have anything at all to eat probably would see that ghetto grocery as a royal feast!!!

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Jon B 12/19/2014 at 12:42 PM

I fully support Jim and his efforts (and his wealth of experience will make this a success) but rumor has it he is taking this concept to Hampton or Newport News because no one at the city Economic Development office will return his calls or meet with him. Pathetic.

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Christine 12/19/2014 at 6:32 PM

then let’s round up neighborhood support and get this done!

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crd 12/19/2014 at 6:47 PM

@17 Christine, I agree with you. Petition, or do you have have another idea? Please share, thanks.

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Ant 12/21/2014 at 6:59 PM

Good idea. Name needs work.

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crd 12/21/2014 at 10:31 PM

@19, what is the problem with the name? Tom Leonard’s Market is a name. I’m wondering if he opens it and it gets bought by Whole Foods as part of their trying to open more stores……

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/11/14/why-whole-foods-is-moving-into-one-of-the-poorest-neighborhoods-in-chicago/

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PTG 01/10/2015 at 4:53 PM

Any updates on this, specifically the questions raised by #16?

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crd 01/10/2015 at 8:08 PM

@21, I’m also interested in what happened with the city econ. dev., too. Updates welcome.

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MrsStrayhorn 04/07/2015 at 11:51 AM

When’s the grand opening? Please hurry. We can’t wait! A real grocery store in the Church Hill community again will be wonderful.

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PTG 05/10/2015 at 7:53 AM

Any updates on this? Is there still hope?

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John M 05/10/2015 at 7:56 AM

I have heard that this is not dead

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Brandon 05/11/2015 at 9:51 AM

I’m glad to hear this is not dead because it certainly needed and would be a nice addition with the roundabout

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Terri Williams 01/13/2016 at 1:43 PM

Best wishes to Jim S .If you was Vice President a wonderful store like Ukrop’s. this store will be awesome. keep Moving Forward. one request please hire a wonderful General Manager like Dean Sculthrope who managed the Williamsburg store it will be a great Success..

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