Despite a sign back in May suggesting they were being forced to close due to city bylaw issues, Super Grocer is still very much open. Though they’re in a much smaller location than before, they show no signs of slowing down.
A year ago, of course, was a different story.
The Super Grocer Fire
On the evening of January 26, 2024, Super Grocer caught fire. Everyone got out safely. But in the span of a few hours, Steveston’s beloved family-run grocery store was too damaged to salvage. It had to be torn down.
Rebirth
Shortly after the fire, they did find creative ways to continue operating their business. In February, they were selling flowers, plants, and large cuts of meat for cash from the back of their warehouse. Word spread quickly online and there were huge lineups.
In the spring, they opened a makeshift storefront in their warehouse for the public. There was one cash register and shelves were mostly non-perishable items. They recreated their famous plant and flower section outside. They also opened a new separate pharmacy location a few blocks away on Chatham.
Later on in the year, they expanded the store and brought more perishable foods, including a small meat section, dairy section, and a refrigerator for herbs and veggies.
Super Grocer Now
During Christmas, they carried a lovely selection of Christmas bouquets, little ornamental trees, decorative cedar/pine fronds and poinsettias.
The meat and cheese deals are also ridiculous as ever. I picked up a massive wedge of Brie for $2.70 and a big slice of cumin Gouda for $2.30. Even fruit and veggie prices are a lot less than anywhere else.
While their new makeshift location is small and their stock is still limited compared to what they had before the fire, it’s still very much the Super Grocer we know and love. They continue to evolve and meet the needs of the Steveston community.
If you find yourself in Steveston and need to pick up flowers, plants, or groceries, I encourage you to support them. They’re located in the back alley between Moncton and Chatham a few steps east of Second Avenue. It’s the back of the yellow cinder block building next to Marine Garage. I’ve mapped it out, here.
And for a personal connection, that yellow cinder block building used to be home to my grandparents’ business, Island Cleaners, which was a Steveston staple from the early 1950’s until the early nineties. For me, it’s comforting to see it continue on supporting the community I love in a new way.
