Work Begins on Chene Street Grocers, A Market Headed for Poletown

A new market is headed for Poletown this summer. Vanessa Cronan, a cook at Rose's Fine Food tells Eater that Chene Street Grocers will offer local produce as well as bulk beans and grains. "There's so much food that's grown in the area but nowhere to buy that food in the area," Cronan explains.

Cronan, who is also a visual artist and musician, says she and her business partner are hoping to develop new avenues for ethical eating. "[We] are passionate about sustainability and find it hard to not contribute to the waste stream." The pair plan to start out with market goods, but hope to eventually grow the 600-square-foot space into a composting center, flower garden, and a fermented foods distributor.

The building at 5200 Chene St. is described by Cronan as "a fixer upper." Currently, they're working on plumbing and electrical, but hope to begin developing design plans soon. Rose's held a fundraiser on March 5 in support of the fledgling venture. On March 18, they announced via Facebook that they were officially recognized as a business by the IRS and State of Michigan. The grocers expect Chene Street to begin operating as pop-up produce stand beginning in May. If all goes well, they estimate the brick-and-mortar location will debut sometime in August.

Vanessa Cronan participating in the fundraiser for Chene Street Grocers at Rose's Fine Food on March 5. Photo: Richie Trimble/Facebook