Whole Foods Market Daily, Chelsa neighborhood of Manhattan in New York

From Market Houses to Neighborhood Grocers: WeHo's Food History and Future

Long before artisanal coffee shops and craft breweries dotted the Wedgewood-Houston landscape, residents of this historic Nashville neighborhood faced a much more fundamental question: where to buy groceries.

Early Days: The Rains Family Larder

When Captain John Rains established his fort in 1779 on what would become Wedgewood-Houston, "grocery shopping" meant something entirely different. The Rains family, like other early settlers, primarily lived off their own land. Their 651-acre property included gardens, orchards, and pastures for livestock. Family records indicate Captain Rains arrived with "19 cows, 2 steers and 17 horses," establishing the foundation for a self-sufficient homestead.

"In those frontier days, families had to produce nearly everything they consumed," explains local historian Margaret Thompson. "The Rains would have grown corn, beans, and other vegetables, raised hogs and cattle, and preserved food for winter through smoking, salting, and drying techniques."

The Market House Era

As Nashville grew, so did commercial food options. By the 1830s, after Captain Rains' death, his heirs could visit Nashville's Market House on the public square, where farmers and merchants sold fresh produce, meats, and other provisions. The journey from the Wedgewood-Houston area to downtown would have been made by horse and carriage, making these shopping trips infrequent and substantial affairs.

Neighborhood Provisions: Late 1800s-1950s

As the Rains-Merritt descendants developed their inherited lands into what would become Wedgewood-Houston, small neighborhood grocers began to appear. Local records indicate a small general store operated at the corner of Merritt Avenue and Rains Avenue by 1890, conveniently located near the site of the original Rains Station.

"These neighborhood grocers were the lifeblood of communities," says Robert Franklin, whose grandfather operated Franklin's Market on Humphreys Street from 1923 to 1952. "Everyone knew each other, credit was extended based on a handshake, and the grocer often delivered to elderly residents."

During the neighborhood's industrial heyday in the early-to-mid 20th century, company commissaries supplemented these independent grocers. When May Hosiery Mill was in full operation, employees could purchase basic necessities at the company store, often at reduced prices.

The Food Desert Years

As urban flight took hold in the 1960s and 1970s, many neighborhood grocers closed their doors. Wedgewood-Houston, like many urban core neighborhoods, gradually became what we now recognize as a food desert. Longtime resident Dorothy Williams, 83, recalls this transition: "When Jackson's Market closed in 1974, we had to take two buses to reach the nearest supermarket. For many elderly folks without cars, it became nearly impossible to access fresh food."

For decades, WeHo residents relied on convenience stores, gas stations, and lengthy trips to supermarkets in other neighborhoods for their groceries. This limited access to fresh, affordable food remained one of the area's most significant challenges even as arts-driven revitalization began in the early 2000s.

A New Chapter: Community Dreams and Development

Today's Wedgewood-Houston residents consistently name a neighborhood grocery store as their most desired development. In a 2023 Community Association survey, 86% of respondents listed "walkable access to groceries" as "very important" to neighborhood quality of life.

"We love the energy and creativity of WeHo, but we still have to drive to another neighborhood just to buy fresh vegetables," says Jonathan, a Little Hamilton resident, who moved to the area in 2020. "A neighborhood grocery that reflects our community values would transform daily life here."

For a small neighborhood market to be recognized by residents, it needs to offer convenient and walkable access to a variety of quality food options that reflect the community's diverse needs and values. It should also be affordable and inclusive, catering to all income levels and cultural backgrounds within the neighborhood.

Several developers have proposed mixed-use projects that include grocery components, though none have broken ground yet. Community advocates emphasize that any new food retailer should honor the neighborhood's diverse income levels and cultural backgrounds.

"We don't just need any grocery store—we need one that's accessible to all WeHo residents, from longtime homeowners to artists living in converted warehouses to families in affordable housing," explains Shannon, a 20-year Wedgewood Houston resident. "Food access is fundamentally about equity and community wellbeing."

As Wedgewood-Houston continues its remarkable transformation, residents hope the next chapter in the neighborhood's food story will reconnect with its roots—a time when fresh food was accessible to all who called this historic land home, albeit in a thoroughly modern way.

WEHO Social celebrates our neighborhood's evolving story. Have memories of neighborhood grocers from WeHo's past? Share them with us for an upcoming community archive project!

The Rise of Small-Format Grocery Stores

As urban neighborhoods like Wedgewood-Houston undergo revitalization, the demand for accessible and community-focused grocery options grows. Small-format grocery stores are emerging as a popular solution, offering tailored experiences that cater to local needs while fitting seamlessly into dense urban landscapes.

Here’s how different market concepts can meet the needs of WeHo residents:

Examples of Small-Format Market Concepts

Whole Foods Market Daily Shop
- Urban Design: This concept from Whole Foods targets urban neighborhoods with smaller spaces.
- Product Offerings: It provides convenient access to fresh, high-quality items including grab-and-go meals, essential groceries, and local specialties.
- Community Fit: With a focus on high-quality fresh foods, this market aligns with residents' desires for nutritious options.
Specialty Grocers
- Niche Markets: These independent stores focus on specific needs:
  - Ethnic Markets: Offer ingredients and products from diverse cuisines to reflect the cultural backgrounds of the neighborhood.
  - Organic/Natural Food Stores: Provide locally sourced produce, organic products, and health-focused items.
  - Butcher Shops/Seafood Markets: Deliver high-quality fresh meats and seafood.
- Community Impact: These markets can enrich the community by offering unique products and fostering a sense of belonging.
Urban Co-ops
- Community-Owned: These stores are owned by community members, prioritizing local sourcing and sustainable practices.
- Engagement: Members have a say in store operations, making them responsive to the neighborhood's specific needs and preferences.
"Grocerants"
- Hybrid Model: Combines grocery shopping with prepared food and dining options.
- Convenience: Offers a quick meal or ingredients for dinner, catering to busy urban lifestyles.

Key Considerations for WeHo

Accessibility: The market should be easily reachable on foot or via public transport, ensuring all residents can access fresh food.
Affordability: A range of price points is essential to cater to the neighborhood's diverse income levels.
Community Focus: Prioritize sourcing local products, supporting local farmers and businesses, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Cultural Diversity: Stock products that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the neighborhood's residents.

By prioritizing these factors, Wedgewood-Houston can attract a small-format market that truly serves its community, enhancing quality of life and fostering a sense of connection among residents.

WEHO Corner Market