On Wednesday morning, Country Fair celebrated one year since the opening of its flagship location on North Park Row.

Country Fair celebrated the milestone by cutting a cake and sharing it with guests.

The flagship store is a first of its kind for Country Fair, offering things like fresh produce, meats and a barista.

It serves as a one-stop shop for downtown residents, and Country Fair said it fills a void for what would otherwise be considered a food desert.

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After one year, store managers said there’s been a learning curve to running a business downtown.

“We’re learning what works and what doesn’t down here. We thought Gannon would come and the people in nearby apartments, but mostly it’s been people that live around the area that have been our customers, really carried us, and were really grateful that we’re here,” said Ben Pastewka, store manager for the Country Fair Flagship Store.

“This Country Fair, our President Paul gave us the space to be free and try new things,” said Marcel Jordan, assistant manager for the Country Fair Flagship Store.

Staff said they hope to continue to provide essential and accessible goods to the downtown community.

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