Mag's Marketplace: New grocery store opening in Warren County in June 2022

Warrenton, North Carolina, will soon be getting an answer to its requests for both a grocery store and much-needed housing close to town and amenities.

For three years, local residents without transportation have had limited selections for food and other basic household needs. Members of the community have expressed their needs and desires in an open forum sponsored more than a year ago by Warren County Economic Development Commission.

Residents noted a strong desire for both fresh and prepared food, and other staples and opportunities within the local area. Specifically, they are interested in being able to source food locally that is healthy, fresh and reasonably priced.

Enter Mag's Marketplace, which is planned to open in June 2022, in a revitalized and rejuvenated building formerly owned by Lowes Foods. The grocery store and marketplace will be part of a reinvigorated shopping center on Macon Street.

Mag's Marketplace is excited to work closely with Warrenton Towne Village, LLC (owner of the shopping center) as it announces plans to develop additional nearby parcels for housing, offices and retail. A mutual goal is to reflect the history of Warrenton and also highlight the progressive vision of the town.

There is still much to do. While anticipated financial resources have been delayed and reduced due to other needs in the state, continued efforts are being made with state and local agencies, as well as private investors to move this project forward.

According to Korita Steverson, founder and visionary, Mag's Marketplace, which is named after her maternal grandmother, will be a full featured public market focused around food.

"We believe small rural communities do not have to settle for only dry and processed foods that lack the taste and healing power of fresh foods," Steverson said. "We will focus on sourcing foods from local growers to increase the quality, variety and nutrition of foods, while offering competitive prices. Special attention and focus will be given to the needs and diversity of populations in the communities we serve."

Steverson continued, "We seek to partner with local growers to provide fresh produce and meats and will include unique and specialty products where there is demand."

The community is invited to join local city and county officials for an official update on Friday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. on the ground of Mag's Marketplace in Warrenton. Local food trucks will be out to share their amazing food and would love your support!