(Image: Spice SPC)
While some of its largest chains are going through major changes in the area, smaller and more specialized grocery stores are moving in to serve Central Seattle across areas like Capitol Hill and the Central District.
A new project in the works at E Denny Way and Madison will add to the mix.
Indian grocery store Spice SPC has plans to join the Avant Apartments building with a new 1,000-square-foot shop on the northwest corner of the development where 21st Ave fades into Denny.
The tiny company describes itself as an “ethnic grocery store” with a focus on “customers, communities, and suppliers.” As a Washington social purpose corporation, it is operated as a for-profit company but can weigh social and community factors as it grows and creates value for investors.
Its first challenge will be completing its move after shutting down operations in September after just over a year of business in the Artspace Hiawatha Lofts development off Rainier Ave. The new space in the Avant development is permitted for a buildout designed by Capitol Hill’s Fivedot but Spice ownership said the store is still working through the process and does not yet have an opening date to share.
When it opens, the new store will neighbor handroll and temaki bar Uminori in the building.
Other recent Capitol Hill area alternative grocery store openings include the debut of low-waste The Naked Grocer with bulk bins, spice shelves, and fresh baked goods and produce on E Pine last summer. E Pine is also now home to Pike/Pine-style Mexican grocery El Lugar from the Fogon family of businesses.
Meanwhile, giants QFC have continued to alienate its customer base and Safeway is planning a major housing development and new store on its 15th and John property.
Safeway, meanwhile, will be an important part of the plan for Spice SPC’s success. The grocery giant’s 22nd and Madison store is right across the street from its planned new home. Along with services like home delivery, meshing with customers who come to the area to shop at Safeway will also be key.
Spice SPC is planned to open at 2100 E Denny. Learn more at spicespc.com.
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“Meanwhile, giants QFC have continued to alienate its customer base”
Speak for yourself. I welcome QFC’s anti-theft efforts. Unless by “customer base,” you mean shoplifters who help themselves to anything they want without paying.
Agree, kind of weird comment given the armed robbery that just occurred at one of the Broadway QFCs at 9pm on a weeknight.
Just saw a window sign for this, abutting Papa John’s