Save Green Grocer

You’d think that opening a cute little market on a groceryless corner and curating it with interesting food and drink finds would be a recipe for success. But over the winter, only a year after Cassie Green and Gary Stephens opened Green Grocer in West Town, the couple seriously considered closing shop. “It’s been really scary because we haven’t been convinced we could pull this off,” Green says. And that’s not for lack of trying: The couple’s personal food politics seem right in line with the increasing consumer embrace of sustainable foods. “My ideal products are local first, organic next, and delicious always,” Green says. That ethos extends even to the Grocer’s latest addition: a selection of wine, beer and spirits that Green hopes will drum up more business. “It’s tricky when business is rocky and the majority of what you sell is perishable,” Green says. “I’ve had to toss a whole case because we just don’t have the foot traffic.”

Drink responsibly: Buy beer at Green Grocer, 1402 W Grand Ave (312-624-9508).

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