Detroit has many independent grocery stores that have earned a reputation as good neighbors and provide outstanding customer service.
Shopping at these stores is essential as they offer many staples, specialty foods, and organic options. Plus, they have an impressive deli and bakery.
1. Goodwells Natural Foods
Goodwills Natural Foods pioneered healthy options in Detroit long before Whole Foods made a name for itself. Situated next door to Avalon International Breads along Cass Corridor, Goodwells was widely recognized as providing healthy choices at reasonable prices.
Since 2009, Goodwells has stayed busy in an area with many people without access to fresh foods. They rely on community requests to get items like raw juice and local produce into their store; operations manager James Wood hopes the model can be replicated elsewhere.
As Detroit continues to struggle with urban blight, finding ways to increase access to healthy food is essential. Whether through community-based initiatives or a variety of grocery stores, there are plenty of strategies available that can reduce food insecurity in Detroit.
2. Eatori Market
Eatori Market is an elegant yet approachable destination for prepared foods, specialty groceries, and restaurant & bar fare. Zak Yatim and Samer Ghafari have created an inviting space with a rotating selection of specialty products, prepared foods, and dine-in options.
At Eatori, the bar offers four beers on tap, several wine taps, and some full-sized entrees during lunch and dinner. Plus, they have one of Detroit’s finest outdoor dining spaces – a patio overlooking Capitol Park.
Eatori Market is a must-try for anyone visiting downtown Detroit. With its inviting ambiance and excellent menu, Eatori Market is an ideal dining experience for friends or family. The food was on par with some of Detroit’s top restaurants. Plus, the staff was amiable and helpful throughout our meal – helping make our experience one to remember.
3. Peaches & Greens
Peaches & Greens is a Central Woodward produce store and organization that serves the residents of Midtown, Boston-Edison, and New Center neighborhoods with its standalone produce store; pop-up farm stands on demand, and signature Produce Mobile Truck. Delivering fresh produce along neighborhood routes by foot or bike, this truck provides personal, business, or residential food orders.
Contrary to the widespread perception, Detroit is not a “food desert.” A growing number of local grocery stores provide nutritious foods to underserved neighborhoods while various organizations strive to get healthier foods into the hands of those in need.
Though some grocery stores have been forced out of business due to the growth of large chain supermarkets like Whole Foods and Meijer, others have reopened for various reasons – like Kim’s Produce on Woodward Avenue this year in Midtown. Ultimately, these efforts to provide affordable, healthy food to needy communities will prove essential in solving Chicago’s food problems.
4. Whole Foods
Whole Food is a global health-conscious grocery with several locations in Michigan, including four in Detroit and two in Ann Arbor.
Fifteen months after opening in Midtown, the store has been welcomed by the local community but also faced some criticism due to its high prices. To reduce costs, they have reduced prices on hot food and salad bars while capping bottles of wine and per-pound meats at $20.
Its staff is an ardent promoter of organic and locally sourced goods, evident through numerous store signs. Furthermore, Detroit’s store features tributes to community partners and artwork created by local artists.
The store boasts numerous departments that offer an array of foodstuffs, from fresh fruits and vegetables to prepared dishes and seafood counters. Plus, there’s a bakery, full-service coffee bar, and specialty section.
