Standard Foods Opens Neighborhood Grocery in Raleigh

Standard Foods opened the grocery portion of its restaurant/grocery combo this week in downtown Raleigh, N.C. The concept, owned by Nash Square Hospitality partners John Holmes and Chef Scott Crawford, focuses on fresh, clean foods sourced from North Carolina farmers, including organic eggs, cut-to-order meat from an onsite butcher and seafood from the nearby coast, as well as flour, chocolate, cheese, beans and preserves.

The grocery is a modern take on the neighborhood groceries of the past while reintroducing the food, farmers and artisanal production methods of the region. It is currently the only grocery located in downtown Raleigh. “As downtown Raleigh’s growth explodes, a grocery is critical to its health and success,” said Holmes.

To retain the focus on local and develop relationships with farmers, Deborah Underwood Brown, owner of High Ground Farm, was brought on as Standard Foods’ Farm Liaison. She will sell pasture-raised heritage breed hen eggs, wildflowers and berries to the store while also working to establish relationships with other small farmers and artisans to supply the grocery. “We are committed to helping create systems and hubs to enable these great farmers to get their produce to market,” Underwood Brown said.

Only in-season products will be available, sourced from as many as 50 local family farms as well as the Standard Foods’ own farm, Raleigh City Farm. The butcher shop is led by Steven Goff, who buys directly from farmers and offers a selection of sustainably raised meats.

Chef Crawford’s prepared foods are available by the pound and are a reflection of the items offered in the restaurant. Soups, salads, meat, vegetable and seafood dishes are available for on-the-go customers.