Release Date: Tuesday, March 18th 2008

Post-Gazette: Downtown Grocery Store Opens

Today''s grand opening of Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli followed a "soft opening" yesterday that attracted about 120 shoppers, a "decent start," co-owner Robin Fernandez said.

At this morning''s ceremony, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said the market will help to continue the momentum in Downtown''s ongoing revitalization, which includes the construction of the Three PNC Plaza skyscraper and the redevelopment of the former Lazarus-Macy''s and G.C. Murphy stores.

"It''s very symbolic," Mr. Onorato said of the store''s opening. "This is a day people thought couldn''t happen and it did happen."

Both he and the mayor said their efforts will be concentrated on encouraging Downtown housing, which they believe will help to generate retail activity.

The market, at Seventh Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard in the Encore on 7th apartment building, will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It offers fresh produce, prime cut meats, frozen seafood, lunch meats, organic products and other groceries, homemade prepared foods, cleaning supplies and pet foods. The store also will offer corporate catering.