Salem's Market and Grill delays opening of Hill District grocery store to next year

Salem’s Market and Grill has secured a $1.4 million loan from Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority to develop a grocery store in the city’s Hill District, but the company has pushed back the planned opening until next year.

The locally-owned, family-run grocery store will take over the Centre Heldman Plaza space formerly occupied by Shop ‘n Save. The project is expected to create more than 62 full-time jobs, plus several part-time positions, according to the URA.

The URA purchased the complex after the Shop ‘n Save closed in 2019, leaving many Hill District residents without easy access to fresh groceries.

The URA authorized the loan last week.

“This project is an important step forward in ensuring that everyone in our city has access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.

The store was originally scheduled to open in August, but that date has been pushed back to 2023 because of supply chain shortages and delays.

Salem’s CEO Abdullah Salem said he has experienced challenges getting steel beams, light fixtures and other construction materials.

“It takes time to make sure the store is designed properly and meets the community’s expectations and needs,” Salem said.

“Although the setback is disappointing, it’s part of the reality we are living in right now,” said City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, who serves as the URA Board Vice Chair.

The URA accepted applications to fill the vacant site formerly occupied by Shop ‘n Save and ultimately selected Salem’s. The authority executed a lease with the grocer in January.