Dan Murphy
Foodie’s Markets will close its at location of more than 30 years at 1421 Washington St. in the South End in June, the company announced this week.
“We’ve made the difficult decision to close our South End location this spring at the end of our lease,” Victor G. Leon, general manager of Foodie’s Markets, said in a Feb. 2 press release. “Working alongside my father and a group of incredibly hardworking employees to build and operate this business has been an amazing journey and a true blessing. The South End community has been extraordinarily supportive over the years, and we are forever grateful. Operating a small, independently owned grocery store has become increasingly challenging in today’s economic environment, and the grocery landscape has changed considerably since we first opened our doors 30 years ago. I look forward to focusing on our South Boston location and other opportunities.”
In a statement, Ted Lubitz, partner of 1421 Washington Associates LLC, which owns the building, said: “Foodie’s Markets achievements and involvement in the South End neighborhood have been remarkable. We are proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in South Boston and in other future endeavors”
When Foodies opted to close its South End location at the end of their current lease, Lubitz said the property owner wanted to secure another “vibrant tenant that was a good fit for the South End community.”
The Croft School then approached the property owner and expressed interest in not only leasing but also renovating the building. The Croft School, which has been in the South End since 2022, will also continue to occupy two other buildings at 1525 and 1310 Washington St., respectively.
“Our Preschool through Grade 6 enrollment interest among neighborhood-area families continues to grow, and we see this as an exciting opportunity to continue to serve students living in the South End and other Boston neighborhoods for years to come,” said Scott Given, executive director of the Croft School, in a statement. “We love the South End, and intend to rejuvenate the space into a beautiful, bright school facility for our young learners.”
The Croft School is expected to start making significant renovations to the property as soon as Foodie’s has vacated the premises.
Meanwhile, Foodie’s continues to operate its other store at 230 West Broadway in South Boston.