Huge News: Papa Joe's Market opening 15,000 sq ft store downtown

[Spartan]

It's in the thread about Gilbert's big reveal today, but this one deserves its own thread.

Papa Joe's Market will be opening a 15,000 sq ft store in the First National Building. Will contain grocery, catering, prepared foods, outdoor seating and a full bar.

[gnome]

Damn. That is impressive. Papa Joe's is some fine eatin. Pricey, but top-flight stuff.

[TexasT]

Yup, huge news. A grocer in walking distance [[I'd bet a lot of people in the Grand Circus area like in the Broderick, Kales, etc work downtown) is one of those huge quality of life issues when making a choice to move downtown. Get that CVS at Campus Martius to extend its hours and we're in good shape!

[Spartan]

For reference, 15,000 sq ft is about the size of an average Walgreen's, and about the same size as HoneyBee La Colmena in Mexicantown.

[TexasT]

For reference, 15,000 sq ft is about the size of an average Walgreen's

Perfect. It's about twice the size of Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe [[8100 sq feet). Plenty big.

[Eber Brock Ward]

Perfect. It's about twice the size of Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe [[8100 sq feet). Plenty big.

Yep, pretty cool, but YOBS4LIFE.

[Honky Tonk]

For reference, 15,000 sq ft is about the size of an average Walgreen's, and about the same size as HoneyBee La Colmena in Mexicantown.

YES! Honey Bee!!!!!!

[Danny]

What! A market that size. Gilbert must be out of his mind. But if the he had to bring exotic market that looks like Whole Foods and Ye Ole Butcher's Shoppe that so be it.

[ElbertHanks]

What! A market that size. Gilbert must be out of his mind. But if the he had to bring exotice market that looks like Whole Foods and Ye Ole Butcher's Shoppe that so be it.

You might want to read the details its much more than just a market. Catering, prepared foods, full bar, outside seating and while they don't mention it a delivery service. It's exactly what you want down there.

[downtownguy]

Catering, prepared foods, full bar, outside seating and while they don't mention it a delivery service. It's exactly what you want down there.

Prepared foods? Bar? Outdoor seating? Don't tell stasu about this. Sounds like a cross between the Red Grape Lounge and Jazz Convenience Store that he hates so much further up Woodward.

Snarkiness aside, I'm guessing this will fill up those empty storefront spaces with all the graphics that are on the Cadillac Square side adjacent to The Roasting Plant coffee shop. They should make good neighbors and the sidewalk there is perfect for outdoor seating.

[iheartthed]

That is pretty big news. Definitely aimed straight at Whole Foods.

[Spartan]

Has anyone been to Papa Joe's other locations? What are they like? Is this a Whole Foods type grocer? More like a Busch's/Hiller's? Will it be similar to YOBS?

[JBMcB]

Has anyone been to Papa Joe's other locations? What are they like? Is this a Whole Foods type grocer? More like a Busch's/Hiller's? Will it be similar to YOBS?

I'd say it's more like a Salvaggio's. Prices can be high but they don't carry junk.

I'm sure they could jam a lot of stuff in that 15,000 square feet. The Birmingham location is relatively tiny, but they seem to carry everything. Even the "big" one in Rochester isn't that big.

[Cliffy]

Has anyone been to Papa Joe's other locations? What are they like? Is this a Whole Foods type grocer? More like a Busch's/Hiller's? Will it be similar to YOBS?

I only have been to the one in Birmingham but its way over priced. Whole Foods would destroy this place 10 out of 10 times. Hopefully it works out but I don't want to be the debbie downer in all of this but that place has the biggest markup and the stuff there isn't that special.

[Spartan]

I only have been to the one in Birmingham but its way over priced. Whole Foods would destroy this place 10 out of 10 times. Hopefully it works out but I don't want to be the debbie downer in all of this but that place has the biggest markup and the stuff there isn't that special.

I'll just have to wait and see I guess! Checked out their ad today and prices seemed reasonable [[.79 for broccoli crowns, .69 for Roma Tomatoes, 3.99-7.99 for lunch meat, etc). Maybe they just have really good sales though.

[Cliffy]

I'll just have to wait and see I guess! Checked out their ad today and prices seemed reasonable [[.79 for broccoli crowns, .69 for Roma Tomatoes, 3.99-7.99 for lunch meat, etc). Maybe they just have really good sales though.

I'm guessing they will have more of a food court type of setting as their prime business.

[DetroitPlanner]

I never heard of Papa Joe, is this a local chain? If so, is it concentrated on the east side suburbs?

[JBMcB]

I never heard of Papa Joe, is this a local chain? If so, is it concentrated on the east side suburbs?

Well, there's one in Birmingham and one in Rochester

[DetroitPlanner]

Well, there's one in Birmingham and one in Rochester

Ahh I guess that goes to prove that I am from unwashed trash stock!

Maybe I should move to Taylor?

[MidTownMs]

Are they going to accept EBT cards?

[Chinman]

Are they going to accept EBT cards?

so your first comment after we have a good notice of good things that might come downtown is to add poor people will hang out and ruin the experience. i must say...good for you!

[Honky Tonk]

so your first comment after we have a good notice of good things that might come downtown is to add poor people will hang out and ruin the experience. i must say...good for you!

I think you should have your W2 ready to show someone @ the door to gain entry.

[Zacha341]

The question may have been rhetorical. After all Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Holliday Market etc. in the suburbs all take EBT, but they don't have a big flashing 'EBT' sign in their window! And the folks using the EBT card may look the same as the person using their visa or cash!!

These stores have a growing percentage of food stamp shoppers and who'd opt out of that income stream? I don't expect Papa Joes to NOT except EBT!

so your first comment after we have a good notice of good things that might come downtown is to add poor people will hang out and ruin the experience. i must say...good for you!

[canuck]

The question may have been rhetorical. After all Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Holliday Market etc. in the suburbs all take EBT, but they don't have a big flashing 'EBT' sign in their window! And the folks using the EBT card may look the same as the person using their visa or cash!!

These stores have a growing percentage of food stamp shoppers and who'd opt out of that income stream? I don't expect Papa Joes to NOT except EBT!

46 million people on food stamps in the US. One out of 6 people. I guess it's hard to avoid even one of them on a slow day. Maybe a little treat is not such a bad thing.

[Zacha341]

Or the ability to purchase some items in bulks or a vegetable here and there, though clearly the stores that I referenced are higher in their produce rates for example. Whole Foods is extremely high in produce and many other things.

46 million people on food stamps in the US. One out of 6 people. I guess it's hard to avoid even one of them on a slow day. Maybe a little treat is not such a bad thing.