New Tenant Bringing Fresh Opportunities to Flagship City Public Market: Country Fair to Open Downtown Erie Location

Exciting news is coming to Erie’s Flagship City Public Market as a new tenant prepares to open its doors—Country Fair, the well-established convenience store chain with deep roots in the local community, will be taking over the space once occupied by the Erie Food Co-Op and Gordon's Butcher & Market. This move signals an exciting shift for the market, bringing a fresh blend of convenience and expanded grocery options to the heart of downtown Erie.

Fresh produce at Flagship City Public Market

An Urban Market with a Local Touch

Unlike other Country Fair locations, this new store will focus on offering more than just the traditional convenience store fare. While you can expect the familiar items like snacks, coffee, and a beer and wine selection, the market will also feature a significant expansion of grocery offerings. Shoppers can look forward to fresh produce, meats, and even ready-made meals, items typically not found in a typical Country Fair convenience store. The goal is to provide a grocery stop that caters to the needs of downtown residents, many of whom have been underserved in terms of access to fresh food.

Drew Whiting, CEO of the EDDC, is optimistic about Country Fair's impact on the market. He emphasized that Country Fair’s commitment to Erie, along with their ability to offer affordable, fresh grocery items, will help address the challenges of operating in one of the city’s lowest-income neighborhoods. "They are coming to use with ideas for how their business can operate within our footprint," Whiting said.

A Community-Oriented Business

Country Fair has always prided itself on being a community-centric business, and this downtown location will be no different. In addition to expanding their grocery section, the new store will continue Country Fair's tradition of supporting local products. Shoppers can expect to find items from local producers, further strengthening the connection between the store and the Erie community.

Whiting also noted that Country Fair’s footprint and business model are a good fit for the area’s needs. "You need to think of it as a place where you can get two bags of groceries and walk two blocks to your home or office," he said, highlighting the convenience factor that makes this store a valuable resource for those living and working downtown.

Looking Forward to the Opening

Construction work is already underway to tailor the space to Country Fair’s needs, with an emphasis on open sightlines and a layout that will encourage a smooth shopping experience. Although the store will look different from other locations, the familiar Country Fair atmosphere will still shine through, especially with features like a deli and a selection of hot, fresh-prepared foods.

As the opening approaches later this year, both the EDDC and Country Fair are excited about the potential impact this new store will have on the downtown area. For the Flagship City Public Market, it marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that blends convenience, community, and fresh offerings into a space that meets the needs of downtown Erie residents.

Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening and the exciting new products that Country Fair will bring to Erie’s downtown. This addition promises to be a welcome change for the community, providing both convenience and fresh options that haven’t always been available in the area.

Ryan