Foodie's closure sparks fight over South End storefronts
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
South End residents held a demonstration outside Foodie's Market Saturday. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios
South End residents convinced a private school to back off plans to turn a grocery store into classrooms, but that's just half the battle.
The big picture: The news of Foodie's Market closing in June has mobilized residents to lobby for a new grocer to maintain food access around 1421 Washington St., the only supermarket in that part of the South End.
Yes, but: This could all become moot if the landlord doesn't agree.
Catch up quick: Foodie's and the landlord announced last week that the Croft School, a private preschool, would move in.
- The outrage was swift.
- South End residents blasted the move, which would not only eliminate the supermarket, but also a retail storefront altogether with the Croft School's expansion. (The preschool has two ground-level spaces down the street, which used to house Stella restaurant, Stella café and other retailers.)
- Within four days of the announcement, the Croft School had canceled its plans to lease the space, vowing to work with residents on its expansion plans.
State of play: Residents want to convince a new grocer to replace Foodie's.
- They've enlisted the help of Mayor Michelle Wu's office and state representatives, including Boston State Rep. John Moran.
- Wu's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What they're saying: "This is my pantry. I come here almost every day," said Philip Saul, a South End resident and owner of the clothing brand SAULT New England, during a standout outside Foodie's on Saturday morning.
- "If it would go away, it would be detrimental," said Saul, president of the South End Business Alliance.
Flashback: Foodie's, a chain owned by Vic Leon Sr., opened nearly three decades ago, serving residents of the community-run housing development Villa Victoria and other neighbors.
- Leon had hoped to buy the building in 2019, but was outbid by the current landlords. They bought it for $10 million, per the Boston Sun.
- Leon, who has since passed away, said at the time: "All I know is we're on a lease and we'll be here for a long time and I mean at least 10 years."
Flash forward seven years, and his son says it's time to move on, citing high costs and low returns.
Reality check: Grocery stores are low-margin businesses, especially post-pandemic, and it's unclear how much commercial rents or other costs played a role in Foodie's Market.
- Neither Leon Jr. nor the landlords responded to requests for an interview.
- A spokesperson representing the landlord, 1421 Washington Associates, declined comment.
What's next: Saul and other business owners urged people to contact them if they come across a potential new grocer and, in the meantime, remember to shop local.
- "We need to keep our money with our neighborhood," he said. "We need to keep our money with our people."