READING, Pa. – A new grocery store is opening in Reading after a number of setbacks and delays.
The store on North Fourth Street is in an area some describe as a “food desert.”
These are sights and sounds one Reading man has waited a long time for.
“Since the age of 16,” said Carlos Torres, who lives a block away. “When I moved to the neighborhood it was a city garage that fixed cars and vehicles.”
The multimillion-dollar Super Natural Produce grocery store overcame economic hardship and the pandemic to finally open its doors.
“Me and my family, we typically go across the bridge Redner’s, Walmart,” Carlos explained. “They’re gonna have fresh bread, coffee, a bake shop.”
For many already shopping here it has a lot to do with fresh, healthy food close to home.
“Our number one priority is our produce. To get it fresh, healthy,” said story employee Andrew Lizardo.
Not to mention bringing in dozens of jobs.
“I appreciate a job that’s close by, that’s walkable,” Andrew added.
Those behind the build say they stayed focused on this day.
“Funding coming from the City of Reading. Funding coming from the private sector. You gotta bring the other pieces together: the city, the county, what resources we have in government to make this a reality,” said Jonathan Encarnacion of Finata Credit Union.