A new grocery store concept, Aker Club, is planned for the Sibley Building in downtown Rochester, with a potential opening this summer. The store aims to provide convenient access to fresh, affordable groceries for residents and workers, addressing the area’s long-standing status as a food desert.

Addressing a Long-Standing Need

Downtown Rochester is poised to potentially welcome its first grocery store in years. Aker Club intends to fill a significant gap in access to fresh, affordable food for residents and workers. The proposed store will occupy the space previously held by DGX in the historic Sibley Building on East Main Street, which has been vacant for approximately a year.

Community Anticipation and Support

Local residents express a strong sense of anticipation and relief, recalling a time when grocery stores were more prevalent throughout the city. This development addresses a long-standing issue – the designation of downtown Rochester as a food desert, where convenient access to grocery options has been limited.

Financial Backing and Membership Model

The project received a boost this week with the Monroe County Economic Development Board (COMIDA) approving a $28,128 sales tax exemption for Aker Club, extending through the end of 2026. Owner Zack Harper, a Rochester native, is currently finalizing financial arrangements and lease negotiations.

Inspired by European Markets

Harper’s vision for Aker Club is inspired by the small, neighborhood grocery stores common in Europe, aiming to provide a convenient and accessible option for downtown dwellers. He envisions residents being able to walk just five minutes to purchase groceries.

Membership and Security

The store will operate on a free membership model, utilizing verification technology to manage access, primarily as a deterrent to theft and to maintain a safe environment. Membership privileges could be revoked for violations of store rules.

Potential Customer Base and Impact

The potential customer base is substantial, with at least 8,000 residents currently living downtown, and numerous new housing developments underway. Harper estimates the store could serve around 250 customers daily, drawing from the approximately 2,500 residents within a quarter-mile radius and 5,500 within a half-mile.

Furthermore, the proximity to a major transit center with 3 million annual users and an estimated 50,000 downtown workers adds to the potential demand. Rochester contains five ZIP codes ranked among the highest in New York State for food insecurity, according to Foodlink.

Focus on Affordability and Convenience

Aker Club intends to directly address food insecurity by providing convenient access to everyday essentials, enabling residents to prepare healthy and nutritious meals. Harper emphasizes a business model focused on efficiency and quality service, ensuring essential items remain affordable.

The anticipated opening is targeted for July, with potential operating hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. If successful, Aker Club represents a crucial step in restoring a fundamental amenity that has been sorely missed in downtown Rochester for many years.