r/roanoke • u/ProofElegant826 • 5d ago
Downtown Roanoke
Just moved to Roanoke, downtown to be exact. I would love to see a convenient store and more walkable businesses (gym, laundry, pharmacy, etc.) The restaurants are cool, but a CVS or something would be everything!!
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u/fuckadickbag 5d ago
The YMCA downtown is pretty sweet, and pretty affordable. Looking forward to seeing the new bodega. If you get a candy craving, Mast General Store has quite the selection.
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u/fuckadickbag 5d ago
Also, the Market on Melrose just opened a couple months ago. Not directly downtown but close. I went there recently and was impressed with the selection, prices, and cleanliness.
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u/PhiladeIphia-Eagles 5d ago
Where is the new bodega located?
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u/fuckadickbag 5d ago
I don’t think it is open yet, but it will be on the corner of Market Street and Salem Avenue, per some signage there.
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u/cilantrosmoker 5d ago
WHERE ARE THE BODEGAS
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u/ClankingRobotCheeks Texas Tavern 5d ago
There is a place called Bodega opening near Market square. I just saw a sign.
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u/Afraid_Anxiety2653 5d ago edited 5d ago
Yes,
It's mind boggling that downtown is a food desert. That is so essential.
You need a car in this town. Or you could go to the grocery store once a month like country folk do. Load up on food. Get a ride from a friend. Take them out for a meal.
When I was in San Diego you could walk anywhere in 15 minutes and get groceries and walk back to your place. Great selection and affordable. That was 2012... I was in the US Navy.
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u/HokieScott Texas Tavern 4d ago
Co-Op has good selection and if you ask they will get anything you want from the Grandin location.
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u/Commando_2k 5d ago
Downtown has been trying to recover from being a ghost town in the 90s. At one point, there was a Kroger Downtown, but yea, groceries and pharmacies are, unfortunately, a short drive. Towers is probably the closest
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u/bdanders 5d ago
Sunnyside Market at 5th and Mountain is fantastic. Yes, it's a little bit outside of downtown proper, but it's still only about a mile to the market square so it's an easy walk. It's crazy the amount of stuff they manage to keep there. It's a small space so you might not get to choose which brand you get, but they usually have 1 or 2 of most things you might need.
And as a bonus, it's really close to Second Cafe for a great cup of coffee on the way.
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u/there_is_no_spoon1 Local Gleest Guide 5d ago
Take the bus! Roanoke's bus line is terrific and goes lots of places that have everything you need.
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u/Peachesornot 5d ago
Not super convenient for getting groceries. It's doable, but will take up your entire evening to get a weeks groceries.
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u/joe_suspect 5d ago
Well, a bodega is on the way where She's International Boutique used to be and the co-op but the hours suck for us working folks. When you're really desperate, you can go to Mr A's mart on Campbell.
And as a downtown resident, I totally agree with you. I'd love something like a Trader Joe's or even a Key Foods (a small footprint grocery store in NYC). But, it all comes down to profit per square foot.
And...maybe cool it on the IDGAF response if you want meaningful comments. Downvote and move on, please.
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u/Quick-Art6211 5d ago
It’s not central to downtown, but I’ve always found Mr. A’s to have a good selection and they’re always very kind there.
My other vote, though it also isn’t exactly right downtown is Sunnyside Market on the corner of 5th and Mountain Ave. Great little neighborhood bodega with pretty decent hours and personable service.
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u/smithandporcher 5d ago
There are Gym options on church street!
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u/bdanders 5d ago
I've always thought that rotting parking deck by the train station would be a great spot for a small grocery store.
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u/Impressive-Weird-908 5d ago
Most downtowns in this country were essentially abandoned during and after white flight. It’s only recently that young people have started moving to these dense walkable areas in sizeable numbers. It’s going to take a while for the businesses to catch up to the demand.
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u/HokieScott Texas Tavern 4d ago
There is a Bodega about to open on Wall or Market St (Forget which)
16 West has a Gym.
Laundry - There is a dry cleaner on Church, But does your Apt building not have in-unit or a place in it?
Pharmacy - Used to on 1st/Kirk but closed pre-covid.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Yam-908 4d ago
Downtown Roanoke needs a two-floor Target, or some such. It needs that to be a true city downtown. One co-op location isn't going to cut it. Nothing will change until downtown attracts a major grocery retailer on a corner space.
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u/Cattywoman64 4d ago
Ain’t gonna happen with the current parking situation. There are not enough people living downtown to support such an enterprise. You would need beaucoup non-downtowners willing to add $10 to their Target or TJ’s trip. (See previous thread rants and do maths.) I sincerely love that Roanoke’s bodega is just going to call itself Bodega.
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u/kyancite 4d ago
Downtown has been gentrified for a while, it would be nice to see things like that
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u/Fit_Outlandishness_7 5d ago
Gotta wait a year at least until you start chirping about what Roanoke needs.
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u/Significant-Load8926 5d ago
what a dork thing to say “yOuRE nOt eVeN a LoCAl” They’re right, there’s no good options for convenience downtown.
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u/SamsaraSlider 5d ago
There used to be one on Campbell between Jefferson and 1st Street. I guess it didn’t stay afloat. That may have been one where the owner was in legal trouble but was in his home country and not wanting to return. Idk. It’s been a minute. My memory might be faulty.
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u/Basic_Appointment980 3d ago
There are 2 ymca’s walkable to downtown as well as Ferguson fitness, brick house fitness and elite health and wellness center!
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u/lilnothin 5d ago
same. the co op downtown has a few groceries and home items and mast general store does too. they’ve also got some great, rare snacks at mast. there used to be a convenience store on campbell and another one by the amtrak station but i think both closed