Friday afternoon, Dan Klocke, board president of Community Food Connections -- the group that runs the Downtown Phoenix Public Urban Grocery and Wine Bar -- announced the grocery will close May 12.
Calls and messages Friday to executive director Cindy Gentry and others associated with the grocery have not been returned, but there's already a "Save the Market" Facebook page.
Here is Klocke's message, in its entirety:
I am writing to let you know that the Urban Grocery and Wine Bar, run by the non-profit Community Food Connections (CFC), will be closing its doors to the public at the close of business May 12th at 5 pm. The outdoor Phoenix Public Market will continue to run every Wednesday (4-8 pm), Saturday (8 am-12 pm) and Food Truck Fridays for lunch. As board president of CFC, I wanted to speak to all of you personally and will try to in the coming days, but I did not want anyone to hear it from another source. All of you receiving this e-mail have made major contributions to the only grocery store in downtown which also supports so many small, diverse and local businesses. The outdoor market will continue that mission of supporting small farmers and businesses while creating a great community gathering place for the 100,000 people that came during the last year. I also want to personally thank our landlord and the City of Phoenix. Both have gone above and beyond in their support of this community project.
As you may have heard Cindy Gentry has resigned as executive director. In my entire career I have honestly never met anyone so dedicated to the community and the mission of an organization. Her contribution to this community and downtown in particular has been amazing and she will be sorely missed. In the meantime the board of directors will continue the outdoor market with help from some folks already involved in running it on a weekly basis. I want you all to know that like any business there are risks with opening your doors and sometimes it just does not work out. It can be particularly difficult when it is such a community based business. However, I want you all to keep the faith because the outdoor market is doing great. Thank you again for all you have done to help and please come visit us at the Phoenix Public Market every Wednesday and Saturday.
