The Hill District’s lone grocery store is closing its doors as it looks to rework its business model, Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority announced Wednesday.
Salem’s Market opened on Centre Avenue about a year ago, bringing fresh food access to the city’s Hill District neighborhood.
“We know community members are disappointed by the news of the store pausing its operations, and we share those feelings,” the URA said in a statement.
Salem’s purchased the shopping plaza from the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2023. The family-run grocery store opened at a location that previously housed a Shop ‘n Save, bringing groceries, bakery items, meats and prepared foods to a 30,000-square-foot storefront.
“In our partnership with Salem’s Market and the City of Pittsburgh, we’ve learned that it’s not the right time for a full-service grocery store to be supported,” the URA said in a written statement.
Salem’s also has locations in the Strip District and Oakland.
The URA credited owner Abdullah Salem and his team for hiring local contractors and staff, working to meet the needs of the Hill District community and engaging with residents in the area.
“The URA is committed to supporting Salem’s during this transition as they identify next steps for the future of the Hill District location,” the URA’s statement reads. “Our team is simultaneously considering the community’s needs and will continue to work with partners to seek opportunities for inclusive economic growth in the neighborhood.”
Salem’s Market did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Thursday morning.
