Rochester, N.Y. is buzzing with excitement over a new grocery store, Aker Club, set to open downtown. This store aims to provide fresh food options, addressing a long-standing issue: limited access to affordable groceries in the area. For years, downtown Rochester has struggled as a food desert, with past grocery stores failing to thrive.
Aker Club plans to take over the former DGX site in the Sibley Building on East Main Street, which closed about a year ago. If everything goes according to plan, the store could be up and running by this summer.
Zack Harper, the owner and a local resident, was inspired by his time in Europe, where small neighborhood grocery stores are common. He wants to ensure downtown residents can walk just five minutes to pick up groceries. “With our store, local residents will be able to walk and shop for all the basics they need to cook healthy, nutritious meals,” he shares.
The store will run on a free membership model, helping to prevent theft and maintain a safe environment. While details are still being finalized, this unique approach aims to encourage community engagement and responsibility.
Downtown Rochester is home to around 8,000 residents, with new housing developments on the way. Aker Club is expected to cater to about 250 customers each day, striking a balance between convenience and accessibility. Harper notes there’s substantial demand, with approximately 2,500 residents living within a quarter-mile of the site.
Food insecurity is a real concern in Rochester, as highlighted by recent data from Foodlink. Some city ZIP codes have alarming food insecurity rates:
- 14605: 31.7%
- 14614: 30.7%
- 14611: 26.6%
- 14608: 26.4%
- 14621: 25.5%
Three of these are in or near downtown, amplifying the need for a grocery store.
Aker Club plans to stock a wide variety of essentials, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, pantry items, and even pet supplies, aiming to make everyday shopping easy for residents.
Feedback from locals is largely positive. “I think it’s long overdue,” says resident Marc Calvin, reflecting on Rochester’s grocery history. Many remember a time when fresh food was easily accessible. Others appreciate the convenience of having a store nearby.
However, affordability is a concern for some. “As long as it’s reasonable and not price gouging, it should be good,” adds Calvin.
With a targeted opening in July, Aker Club could be a vital step toward revitalizing downtown Rochester. It represents not just a grocery store, but a community hub where residents can gather, shop, and enjoy the amenities their neighborhood has been missing for years.
For more insights on urban grocery stores, check out the USDA’s report on food deserts in America here.
