Cleveland’s only city-owned grocery store needs a new operator — and officials are seeking organizations that can also turn the new Eastside Market into a community space and resource for entrepreneurs.
The city ended its lease with the former operator of the market, Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON), in April. The nonprofit hadn’t paid its property taxes as it faces significant financial challenges and battles creditors in court. NEON operated the space like a fairly typical grocery store — a produce section, butcher shop and freezer section. It also had a health clinic, since part of the building has several exam rooms in it.
The revamped Eastside Market at 105th and St. Clair Ave will still offer groceries. Operators have to dedicate at least 40% of the store to fresh produce, dairy and meats. And the city is asking grocers to source food from local farms and businesses when possible, a new requirement. That’s important because residents’ priority is quality, affordable fresh food and good service, said City Council Member Kevin Conwell, whose ward includes the store.
But the city is also searching for operators who can make use of the entire building, which includes a commercial kitchen, a test kitchen for cooking demonstrations and the clinic space. Zainab Pixler, Cleveland’s food systems strategies coordinator, wants to see these spaces further opened to the public.
“It should be a vibrant community space that folks feel comfortable and welcome and enthusiastic about going,” Pixler said, “whether it is to shop for fresh food or whether it’s to attend a cooking class or whether it’s an entrepreneur looking to use the commercial kitchen.”
Pixler referenced CentroVilla25 — a Latino market hall and business hub in Clark-Fulton — as an example of the type of space she hopes to curate. The two are not exact replicas, since CentroVilla does not have a grocery store. But it also hosts community events and helps small entrepreneurs start up.
The city has a new list of requirements for potential operators that go beyond providing food, including:
- Allow local food entrepreneurs to rent the commercial kitchen, so it can be an “incubator” for small businesses.
- Commit to partnering with local organizations to provide culinary job training and certification opportunities for neighborhood residents.
- Host regular public programming, including healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes.
The city is also asking operators to ensure health services and screenings are offered in the clinic space.
The various parts of the building don’t need to be run by the same organization, Pixler said. The city is expecting and hoping to see groups with creative partnerships apply. The city is not limiting the type of organizations that can apply: both for- and non-profits, or a mix of both, are eligible.
How proposals will be judged
The number one factor the city will judge is operator’s commitment to responding to community needs and priorities. That could include partnerships with community organizations, plans for community input, commitments to local hiring or profit-sharing models.
“It is really difficult to operate food retail,” Pixler said. “And if you’re not responsive to community needs, if you don’t have your ear to the ground and you don’t understand the needs of the community that you’re in, it’ll be really difficult to operate long-term.”
The second most important factor is the quality of products and how accessible they are for local residents. That can include hours of operation or cost of food. While respondents are not required to provide a price list, the city wants to see pricing strategies “that reflect local economic realities.”
The city will also weigh the environmental and financial sustainability of the operator. Their relevant experience serving underrepresented communities or building local businesses will be considered, too.
Pixler said she would release a survey in coming weeks to get resident feedback on their priorities. The city will use this to help analyze and score the proposals they receive.
Interested residents have opportunity to propose unique grocery store models
On Tuesday, the city opened the currently vacant Eastside Market to prospective grocers and applicants for a tour.
Laronda Johnson and Kimberly Smith stopped by to see it. Johnson owns a juice bar in downtown Cleveland and used to be a private chef, while Smith owns a hair salon. She works with clients who are losing hair or have scalp issues. That often ties back to their diet, she said.
The two want to use their shared expertise in small businesses to turn the Eastside Market into a wellness and entrepreneurial hub. Johnson envisions creating a place where local farmers can sell products, while Smith wants to focus on the demonstration kitchen where residents can learn to cook healthy meals.
“I grew up in that neighborhood. I remember [the market] from when I was younger and being able to just visit all the time,” Johnson said. “… It’s a great opportunity for me to come in and create something that’s a little bit bigger than just a grocery store.”
Applicants can submit questions through July 6. Applications are due July 31.
“I am really excited to see the proposals that we receive,” Pixler said. “…It does seem like we’ll receive some really creative ideas and partnerships. And I think that’s one of the things Clevelanders do best is working together to solve Cleveland’s biggest problems.”
