Recent headlines are buzzing with great news for grocery shoppers in Detroit. We love our farmers markets, but we also need brick and mortar shops with staple ingredients, open throughout the week. Luckily, locals are stepping up to expand the options for healthful and delicious food in the city.
The Detroit People’s Food Co-op is raising funds and recruiting members to support its ambitious plan for a grocery store opening 2020. The Glendale Mini-Mart, a corner store opening this fall, will be the first black-owned grocery in Northwest Detroit since Metro Foodland closed in 2014. Just recently, the foodie-darlings Sister Pie announced that they will be opening a new market and cafe near their West Village bakery.
While we wait for these shops to open, there are already several fantastic grocers in Detroit and nearby suburbs. So grab your grocery list and your reusable bags, and make a visit to these local favorites:
The Farmer’s Hand
Centrally located in Corktown, The Farmer’s Hand is a tiny market with a big heart. They work directly with urban and rural farmers to stock the shelves with seasonal vegetables, often of unusual and heirloom varieties not available elsewhere. Farmers are paid 70 cents on the dollar, far beyond the industry average. In addition to fresh produce, The Farmer’s Hand offers dairy, fine cheeses, eggs, frozen meats, some dry goods, and a small selection of local beers.
Pure Pastures
The western metro area boasts Pure Pastures, with locations in Dearborn and Plymouth. The mission-driven owners stock organic dry goods and staples, but their real asset is a freezer full of local meat and Great Lakes fish. While they don’t specialize in fruits and vegetables, several local CSA farms utilize the store as a pick-up location. With a CSA membership, Pure Pastures can easily be a one-stop grocery store for the entire farm season.
Western Market
At 9 Mile and Livernois, Western Market is convenient for Detroiters and for Oakland County suburbanites. The largest and most complete store on this list, Western Market stocks a full line of locally and responsibly sourced food. Their extensive-yet-curated wine and beer selection is of special note, making Western Market an ideal shop for a lover of libations.
Peaches & Greens
Peaches & Greens is non-profit grocer provides the highest quality food at an affordable price. Their small storefront on 3rd Avenue is located near New Center, and easily accessible by car and public transit. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of healthful dry goods and produce, including locally-grown fruits and vegetables processed by Michigan Farm-to-Freezer.
Marrow Butcher Shop & Restaurant
Marrow is the place to find a decadent dry-aged holiday roast, or simple additions to your weeknight meal. Since opening in 2018, the shop has quickly become a cornerstone of the West Village food scene. All of their fresh meat and sausage is butchered in house from pasture-raised Michigan animals. Marrow also has a selection of cheeses, jams, gourmet crackers, and more to go with their homemade charcuterie. Don’t forget to peek at their retail wine selection, carefully chosen by the experts on staff.
Nick Jones is the Local Food Coordinator for Metro Detroit with Taste the Local Difference. Contact him at [email protected]
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