Minority-owned Grocer Opens Unique Urban Store in Richmond, Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. - Market Place Holdings, a large minority-based grocery chain based in Richmond, Va., opened its first new store from the ground up in Richmond on Monday. The retailer celebrated with a grand opening ceremony that included noted attorney Johnny Cochran and Governor Mark Warner.
The Market at Tobacco Row will include several specialty items and services, including live jazz performances every Friday evening; a full-service cafe, gourmet deli and on-site catering; fresh panini sandwiches, sushi and a made-to-order hot pasta bar; wine and beer tastings; a huge selection of organic produce; and a wide selection of gourmet foods from around the world.
Johnny Johnson, chairman and CEO of Market Place Holdings, is a Richmond native who saw the need for quality grocery stores in inner-city neighborhoods. He founded his Community Pride chain of grocery stores in 1992 and has since grown the business to become what is considered the largest minority-owned supermarket chain in the country.
The Market at Tobacco Row will include several specialty items and services, including live jazz performances every Friday evening; a full-service cafe, gourmet deli and on-site catering; fresh panini sandwiches, sushi and a made-to-order hot pasta bar; wine and beer tastings; a huge selection of organic produce; and a wide selection of gourmet foods from around the world.
Johnny Johnson, chairman and CEO of Market Place Holdings, is a Richmond native who saw the need for quality grocery stores in inner-city neighborhoods. He founded his Community Pride chain of grocery stores in 1992 and has since grown the business to become what is considered the largest minority-owned supermarket chain in the country.