Patrons of the former Shoppers location in Northeast Baltimore will soon have a new spot to buy their groceries.
Compare Foods, a grocery store chain with 100 locations throughout six states, is setting up shop in the Alameda Marketplace with plans to open in March 2020.
Shoppers Food announced late last year it would be selling 13 stores and shuttering four others in Maryland and Virginia, including the Alameda Marketplace location, as part of a nationwide divestiture of its more than 40-store network.
Compare Foods founder Eligio “Leo” Pena said in the press release that his grocery store chain will offer a “comparable” operation to the former Shoppers but will provide a larger and more varied produce selection.
“Compare Foods is configured as a traditional grocery store and there will be something for everyone in the surrounding community,” Pena said.
In addition to selling fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, deli and seafood items, Compare Foods’ Alameda Marketplace location will also feature a hot bar buffet and bakery with products produced daily and on-site.
When the new Compare Foods location opens in March 2020, it will employ more than 50 part-time and full-time workers, according to the press release.
The shopping center, located at 5600 The Alameda, is currently home to a Planet Fitness, Family Dollar, Adventure Dental and several other retailers.
Compare Foods also plans to fill the void left at other former Shoppers stores, with intentions to open a second Baltimore City location at Anchor Square on Eastern Avenue, and three in Prince George’s County, according to the press release.
Compare Foods currently operates stores in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Florida.
Leap Tide Real Estate Partners is the Baltimore-based commercial real estate development and investment firm that acquired the former Shoppers location at Alameda Marketplace last year. Aaron Loeb, the firm’s vice president, said in the press release that the marketplace is the primary neighborhood retail center for communities in north and northeast Baltimore.
Loeb added that his firm believes Compare Foods’ community-oriented culture and emphasis on customer service and low prices will resonate in Baltimore City.
