Full-service grocery store in the works for downtown Raleigh

Slow Money NC is holding a public meeting Monday to discuss efforts to raise up to $750,000 for a full-service grocery store at the corner of North Person and East Franklin streets.

The meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at Market Restaurant, at 938 N. Blount St., and is open to all Raleigh residents.

Although there are grocery stores in downtown, the area has been without a full-service store since Capital City Grocery, at Seaboard Station, closed four years ago.

The store opened in 2006 and closed in 2007, but then briefly reopened before closing for good in November 2008.

"Downtown Raleigh desperately needs a grocery store," said Chad McIntyre, a chef at Market Restaurant, who, along with his business partner, came up with the idea.

McIntyre said he hopes that the store could open sometime next year.

Residents and businesses in the downtown area welcome the move.

"A lot of the neighbors are very excited," said Doris Jurkiewicz, who runs the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast on North Bloodsworth Street. "I'm not the only one who will be shopping there, hopefully. And we'll be able to keep it going."