Grocery Store

[AllanY2525]

Interesting question, Jay. 

They are, in a way... but they only serve a finite segment of the public (ie: the
kids that attend the schools, and the staff) and in some cases the food is sold
at a discount, or given freely for the kids who come from low income families and
qualify for the free lunch programs.

I think a food co-op, or a consignment store approach could make it possible
for someone to open a grocery downtown without requiring huge amounts of
capital to start it up.  The store owner would not have to actually buy the
food to stock the store, they would be selling it for the vendors and get a
commission.

Food that was not sold before going bad wouldn't cost the store owner
since they would not have to buy it in the first place.

Years ago, a friend of mine lived in New York (Jamaica/Queens) and
there was a really good food store in his neighborhood that was operated on
a consignment basis.

The meats and produce were awesome and always very fresh and the
produce was organic and had no chemicals, etc.  They even had a mini flea
market a couple times a week at the back of the store.

With Y.S.U. being right up against the downtown, I think this kind of store
could do a good business.  It could even provide the incentive for people
to consider urban agriculture - goodness knows there is more than enough
vacant land in the city that could be put to use for agricultural purposes
during the growing season.

[jay]

There used to be a food co-op on Pyatt Street on the south side of Youngstown.  It closed about six years ago.

As for local government getting into the food business, aren't the cafeterias in our city schools essentially government run restaurants?

[AllanY2525]

I don't like the idea of local government getting into the retail food business
either.

What if someone were to start a food co-op downtown?  It could sell locally
grown products from the Valley, and nearby places just across the state line
in western PA.

Maybe they could sell food on consignment for local farmers, etc (?)

[ytowner]

Government Run Groceries... HAHA

[Youngstownshrimp]

Councilman,  I also need your help on another project, I have been involved with.  I tried to network with Steve Novotney, but he seems to be ignoring me. 

Nevel's Temple on Elm street is going to demo/salvage a greek revival 4plex and a century home on Park.  The congregation is providing the manpower and we have the equiptment.  I am meeting with Professor Steve, the interim Director of H. for Humanity and "Restore" about the recyleable material, he is very interested.  However, on a larger scale, I just returned from Holmes county and I'm talking to their Chamber of Commerce about the possibility of YTown providing recycled wood for the Amish funiture makers.  I need help from the leaders of YTown on this one.  We can learn a lot from Holmes county, they have 3% unemployment and their real estate is some of the most expensive in Ohio.

[Youngstownshrimp]

Councilman,  The Village Pantry is in the historic post office in Poland Village, it has been there for six years now and it is in front of the Village hall.  Bulkfood is a phenomenon that is a throw back to the old general store.  The Amish had these little stores in the country because thay were not serviced by big box venues.  There are now 3800 independent bulk food stores in many states and they are growing.  go to:  Dutchvalleyfoods.com  and you will see the distributor network.

Also, I will be more than glad to help and possibly invest in a downtown general store. 

[john r. swierz]

I am serious,  and I will stop out, is it in the town one square?   I will then meet with Annie Gillam.

[Youngstownshrimp]

Councilman Sweirz ,  if you and anyone here is serious about a grocery store downtown, I invite you to visit our "bulk food" store in Poland Village.  This type of old fashion general store can work well in Youngstown. 

Infact, I will help if anyone is serious and wants to put a foot forward.

[Towntalk]

Its a crime the way the union is treating Henry.

As far as I'm concerned its nothing but the old mob protection racket.

As long as these gangsters are allowed to buffalo people who want to start up a business in the valley, we won't see many taking a serious look at locating here.

[john r. swierz]

     As Paul Harvey used to say"and now for the rest of the story"  two things hurt that attempt.
     First , getting and agreement with the owner of the building and second, the possibility of the
     picketers setting up from the get go.

[iwasthere]

henry nemeth wanted to open a grocery store in downtown but certain city official put several stubbling blocks in his way.

[john r. swierz]

       Is the need there? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  As a city legislator I would not support the city in the operation of a downtown grocery store. Government should only set the table for business to come downtown.
        1.  show the need
        2.  Put the word out.
        3.  Offer incentives
        4.  Foster other"business programs"

      This is the role of government as I see it.

     Recently I worked with McAllister Homemade Ice Cream Shop. I introduced them to the Economic Development Dept., Escorted them to several downtown locations, they did the rest and they will be opening soon on W. Boardman St. in the yellow parking deck.

       I would like to see a womens clothing shop on Federal  St. as well as a small drug store on Federal St.   On Phelps St I would like to see a Antique store. If we could get those3 plus the grocery store in 2010 it would be a grand slam!!!!

[jay]

The radio program host also questioned why the city should be asked to run a grocery store.  He basically stated that operating grocery stores is a function of the private sector.

The caller then asked why the city of Youngstown owns and operates a golf course (Stambaugh) and also why the city owns and operates an entertainment center (Covelli Center).

[Why?Town]

Why would anyone think that a government entity should be in the grocery business?

Was it someone that lives in the realty tower (that should be easily able to afford getting to a grocery store) or a homeless bum (that can't afford groceries to begin with)? Are there people of any other economic status that live downtown?

[jay]

I listened to a local radio talk show this morning.  One caller has asked the city of Youngstown to set up and operate a grocery store in downtown Youngstown.

Is there a need for a grocery store in downtown Youngstown?

Should the city of Youngstown be directly involved with the operation of a grocery store?