Cleveland’s only city-owned grocery store needs a new operator, and officials are seeking organizations that can turn the Eastside Market into a community space and resource for entrepreneurs.

New Requirements

The city has ended its lease with the former operator, Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON), due to significant financial challenges. The new operator must dedicate at least 40% of the store to fresh produce, dairy, and meats, and source food from local farms and businesses when possible.

The city is also looking for operators who can make use of the entire building, which includes a commercial kitchen, a test kitchen for cooking demonstrations, and a clinic space. Zainab Pixler, Cleveland’s food systems strategies coordinator, wants to see these spaces opened to the public.

The number one factor the city will judge is the operator’s commitment to responding to community needs and priorities. This could include partnerships with community organizations, plans for community input, commitments to local hiring or profit-sharing models.

Application Process

Applicants can submit questions through July 6, and applications are due July 31. The city will use a survey to get resident feedback on their priorities and help analyze and score the proposals.

Laronda Johnson and Kimberly Smith, owners of a juice bar and hair salon, respectively, are interested in turning 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.

Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.