CINCINNATI -- For the first time in five years, people in Clifton will be able to stroll right into their neighborhood grocery store -- no car needed.
That hasn't been possible since 2011, when Keller's IGA closed after decades in business at 319 Ludlow Ave. The people behind a new, "uptrend" grocery store taking its place, Clifton Market, spent Tuesday loading in new refrigeration cases, a new juice bar and storage units for dairy and meats.
The project's been years in the making, with the Clifton Market group finally breaking ground in April, two months behind schedule. Backers secured full funding for the $5 million project in December.
Neighbors anxiously anticipate the grand opening.
"I live within five blocks of the store, and I used to always walk up here to pick up things," Carolyn Miller said. "Maybe I'll drive the car once a week for big shopping, but it was so nice to have a walkable grocery store where I could just pop in."
In mid-February, the market announced that Keith Brock had been hired as the store’s general manager. Brock has nearly 15 years' experience in the grocery business and another decade in food service. He most recently worked as a store director for Fresh Thyme stores.
The new market is expected to create more than 80 jobs. Store managers say they hope to open as soon as possible, maybe by the end of November.
