Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority announced Wednesday that it has signed a lease agreement with Salem’s Market and Grill, which plans to open a grocery store in the Hill District in August.
The locally owned, family-run grocery store will take over the Centre Heldman Plaza space formerly occupied by Shop ‘n Save.
The URA bought the complex after Shop ‘n Save closed in 2019 to the dismay of many local residents. Since, many residents have been left without easy access to fresh groceries.
The URA chose Salem’s Market and Grill to replace the Shop ‘n Save after a community process coordinated with City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and the Hill Community Development Corporation.
“The residents of the Hill District deserve the absolute best in a community grocer and we plan to deliver the best experience, products and outstanding customer service,” Salem’s Market and Grill CEO Abdullah Salem said, calling it “a historic moment and a great start towards serving the legendary Hill District community.”
Salem’s Market and Grill, a minority-run business, has been in operation for more than 40 years, with its original store located on Penn Avenue in the Strip District.
“The Salem’s team has done great things with their location in the Strip District and I look forward to what they will bring to the Hill,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “Empowering a minority-owned business that will provide neighborhood job opportunities, fresh produce, affordable groceries and accessibility for the Hill District is something we can all be proud of.”
Salem’s has said it will collaborate with the Hill District community and contribute to the neighborhood.
“Their relocation to Centre Avenue not only provides the Greater Hill District with a proven market and expanded grocer, but also provides a much-needed boost to the Centre Avenue commercial corridor,” Lavelle said.
