Food City, a prominent grocery chain based in Abingdon, Virginia, is planning to build a two-story, 48,000-square-foot supermarket and an accompanying Food City Gas N Go fuel station in downtown Chattanooga. The proposed location at 1305 Broad Street, a 5.7-acre site previously occupied by the Carter Distributing Co. warehouse, aims to address the growing demand for a full-scale grocery store in the revitalized downtown area.
Steve Smith, Food City’s president and CEO, confirmed the company’s plans, stating that they have received numerous requests from downtown customers for a conveniently located supermarket. With the increasing number of residents and businesses in the area, Food City recognizes the significant need and the potential success of this venture. The new store will provide a convenient option for residents, workers and visitors in the downtown Chattanooga area.
The proposed development also includes a Starbucks coffee outlet, a dining area, patio space and other amenities designed to enhance the overall shopping experience. Food City aims to create a unique destination that caters to the diverse needs of the downtown community. This mixed-use approach aims to create a vibrant hub for downtown residents and visitors.
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The project aligns with the city’s urban development goals and will be reviewed by Chattanooga’s Form-Based Code Committee in December 2020 or early 2021. This committee ensures that new developments conform with the established policies for the downtown and North Shore areas. Food City and the developers are actively engaging with the community, hosting a virtual meeting with downtown residents to gather feedback and address any concerns.
For decades, local organizations like River City Co. have advocated for a major supermarket in downtown Chattanooga. While grocery stores like Publix and Whole Foods have established locations on the North Shore, the core downtown area has lacked a full-service supermarket. The addition of Food City and its Food City Gas N Go will significantly enhance the livability of downtown, providing residents with a walkable or easily accessible option for their grocery needs. This will be especially beneficial for those who rely on public transportation or prefer not to drive for their grocery shopping.
The chosen site for the Food City development, a former beer distributorship built in 1974, offers ample space for parking, a crucial factor for downtown locations. The existing warehouse, once home to Carter Distributing Co., will be demolished to make way for the new construction. The ample parking will address a common concern in densely populated urban areas.
The closure of previous downtown grocery stores, such as the Grocery Bar on Main Street in 2015 and Buehler’s in 2017, underscored the need for a sustainable and comprehensive grocery solution in the heart of Chattanooga. Food City’s planned supermarket and Food City Gas N Go are expected to fill this void, providing a much-needed service to the community and contributing to the continued revitalization of downtown Chattanooga.
