New restaurant, grocery co-op to open in north St. Louis New restaurant, grocery co-op to open in north St. Louis

The group known as Good Life Growing runs an urban farm near the intersection of Evans and Sarah in the Greater Ville neighborhood. James Forbes and his partners will soon be expanding after winning a competition thanks to the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group.

"We just kept in the back of our mind that we probably won't win but if we do, we need to be prepared to bring our A game," said Forbes.

The group is going to turn 4400 square feet across from Crown Candy Kitchen into a grocery co-op and buffet. The restaurant will be called Old North Provisions.

Parts of north St. Louis are labeled food deserts, meaning it is difficult for residents to get fresh produce or healthy meals.

"We thought it would be cool to open up a grocery store that sources from other local micro-farmers, a lot of local vendors for things like meat, dairy, eggs," Forbes said.

Forbes is hoping for a soft opening in November and grand opening in January.