# Germantown: Fresh Grocer Closes its Doors

![](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sp1120germantowngrocer1-300x200.jpg)Graffiti and a fence now block the entrance to the parking lot.  Roughly five years after opening, the Fresh Grocer supermarket on the corner of Chelten and Pulaski avenues in Germantown has closed its doors. The store closed last week following a meeting to discuss the store’s conditions. People complained about the store being dirty and infested with rodents. Just last year, the store was cited by the city because of issues with cleanliness.  Known for opening stores in low-income communities, the site of a dilapidated Fresh Grocer will unlikely do well for the company image. The stores provide jobs as well as a convenient location for residents to buy groceries. Some Germantown residents anticipate what could come next for the location. “It seemed like the biggest problem was that the prices were high and the quality was low,” said local resident Taylor Ambush. “My mom and I went in once to buy some meat and it turned out to old, but they covered up the expiration date with a bunch of other stickers.” ![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/26021629/sp1120germantowngrocer3-300x200.jpg)Signs welcome the coming of Chelten Plaza across the empty parking lot.  “I think this Chelten Plaza business is good for the area. Didn’t make sense having a grocery store down the road, at least if new businesses come into the property, it’ll bring new jobs into the area,” said Joseph Milligan. “Getting people working again is what we need.” Pat Burns, CEO of Fresh Grocer, could not be reached for comment. But at the meeting about the store closing, he said he plans to open a Save-A-Lot or Dollar Store where the Fresh Grocer once stood in a new complex called Chelten Plaza. He also said the store wasn’t making enough money to stay open. Another meeting will be held to discuss what the new store will be. The Germantown Community Connection, an organization that keeps Germantown residents up-to-date with issues in the community, will host the meeting.