Campaign Gains Momentum: Deep Roots Market Raises Majority of Funds for Downtown Move

In just 8 weeks, Deep Roots Market has obtained commitments for the majority of funds needed for its planned relocation to just north of downtown Greensboro. The project price tag, $1.25 million, includes funding sources from store savings, owner equity, commercial lenders, and loans from its owners. Approximately 75% of funds are in place; currently, the store seeks the remainder of the funding from community members, with a goal date of March 31. The planned natural foods grocery, a 10,500 square foot store on North Eugene Street, is next to the Fisher Park neighborhood and adjoins Phase 3 of the proposed Greenway. It is accessible via major thoroughfares such as Battleground Ave., Wendover Ave., Murrow Blvd., Church St., and Elm St.

Locally owned and managed, Deep Roots is incorporated as a cooperative, meaning its shoppers can purchase a share to become part owners of the business. The store currently boasts 1800 participating households, with shoppers from as far as Asheboro and Danville; the majority of shoppers reside in Greensboro proper. The cooperative has been an area leader in offering healthy, organic and local groceries, including packaged and bulk foods, fresh produce, and nutritional and personal care products since 1976.

The Deep Roots Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer owners have worked at raising loans from owners since early January with neighborhood meetings, community tablings at First Friday, direct mailings, phone calls and social media. Since the program’s launch, the store has raised over $200,000 from its owners. In addition to its Owner Loan Program, the store encourages interested people to join and contribute financially by purchasing shares.

If the funding goal is reached, the new store will provide the downtown area with a long-awaited full-service grocery store focused on local and natural goods, featuring an eat-in or take-out café and deli, fresh naturally-raised meats and cheeses, packaged foods, and all-organic fresh produce. The cooperative is poised to serve as a community hub for the Piedmont area’s growing local food system.

For more information on supporting Deep Roots Market’s relocation project, contact Joel Landau, General Manager, at (336) 292-9216, Ext. 3.