Nov 5, 2013 2 min read Bob Liff

Greene Grape Provisions Doubles in Size

Managers at Greene Grape Provisions hung signs Monday letting customers know about their move down the street. (Photo by Audrey McGlinchy)

For Amy Bennett, Nov. 14 marks the day when Greene Grape Provisions, the food market Bennett owns on Fulton Street, moves half-a-block north and gets double the space to shop.

Right now, Bennett said, the cramped space of the 5-year-old store, which sells organic, locally grown and Brooklyn-made produce, meat and prepared food, is a problem. Their current location at 753 Fulton Street totals only 1,300 square feet.

“People have to wait a long time in line,” she said. “There’s such a small space so they’re really cramped waiting. We felt we owed it to our customers to give them wider aisles.”

To Bennett, the expansion to 767-769 Fulton Street and into 2,600 square feet of space, is more than room to dance while waiting to checkout; it’s an answer to her customers’ loyalty and a chance to give them more. With the added space, the store will be able to host classes on healthy eating. Bennett will also keep the space at 753 Fulton Street, converting it into a cafe and community space.

“I feel like we’re giving back,” Bennett said. “It’s a thanks to the neighborhood for believing in us.”

Although revenue from the current store is not financing the move (Bennett is using some of her own money, plus a bank loan, to fund the expansion), she said the fact that Greene Grape has survived for the past half-decade represents the demand for a store like it in the neighborhood.

“It was insane to open a grocery store that small,” Bennett said, reflecting on her decision to open Greene Grape five years ago. “Financially it didn’t make sense. People who have owned grocery stores said it wasn’t going to work.”

But, according to Bennett, Greene Grape has relied on the need in Fort Greene for fresh produce and Bennett makes sure that all the food is sold by employees who are familiar with the store’s stock.

“Before Greene Grape there was really no place in Fort Greene to get fresh produce from people who know it,” Bennett said. “That’s become our mission: Fresh ingredients and the education that goes along with it.”

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council Member Leticia James, along with food to sample, will be on hand for the store’s grand opening. Head to 767-769 Fulton Street on Nov. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. to see the expanded store.