Release Date: Wednesday, March 19th 2008

POP City: Downtown Pittsburgh Welcomes First Grocery Store in 14 Years

Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli, the first grocery store to open in the Golden Triangle in 14 years, began welcoming patrons on March 18. Owned and operated by local business developer Robin Fernandez, Rosebud is located at 100 Seventh Ave. on the ground level of Downtown’s 151-unit Encore.

Designed by Design Stream and Hugh Boyd Architects, the 3,100- square-foot market carries locally grown organic produce, frozen seafood, fresh breads, Boar's Head meats and cheeses, and desserts. The market also stocks everyday necessities like cleaning and pet supplies, magazines and fresh flowers. Currently available to Encore residents, Rosebud’s catering and delivery services will be available to Downtown buildings over the next several weeks. During warm weather, Rosebud will feature outdoor seating.

“This is really a market. When you walk in, there’s a face to go with the operation. There’s a great neighborhood feel,” says Patty Burk, with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP). “This entrepreneur believes in Downtown and is definitely supported by the residential community—he’s been inundated with residents saying thank you.”

Rosebud, which employs 15 people, is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Burk hopes that other Downtown retailers will take a cue from Rosebud by extending evening and weekend hours. “Downtown retail is turning a corner. In the past year, we’ve had a lot of interest from entrepreneurs, and calls from people looking for space Downtown. New retailers recognize that Downtown is becoming a mixed-use environment,” adds Burk, who says that a 2007 PDP feasibility study found that total grocery expenses for current Downtown households is $2.8 million per year.

Writer: Jennifer Baron

Sources: Robin Fernandez, Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli; Patty Burk, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Photograph copyright Brian Cohen