Let's explore the vibrant landscape of independent stores in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, with a special focus on the history of Danco African Market. This area, rich in cultural diversity, boasts a variety of grocery stores, each with its unique story. To uncover the past stores in each location, Worcester city directories dating back to the 1910s were consulted. Specifically, records from 1916, 1922, 1927, 1931, 1937, 1943, 1952, 1957, 1959, 1962, 1969, 1973, 1979, 1985, 1991, 2000, 2009, and 2017 were examined.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all grocery stores that have existed in this area. The information presented here is based on available photographs and records.
A caption such as this: | John Smith (1926-1937) > Joe Jones (1955-1982) means that John Smith appears in the directories in 1926 and 1937, and Joe Jones appears in all directories consulted between 1955 and 1982. That doesn't mean that John Smith opened up shop in 1926 and closed in 1937, he might have started in 1920 and closed in 1941 but since I don't have those records, I don't know for sure. Any questions (or corrections), feel free to drop a note in the comments and I'll look into it!
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Current and Past Stores
Here’s a closer look at some of the notable grocery stores in the area:
Cibao Market
- Owner: Ocdabio Rodriguez
- Opened: 2010 under current ownership
- Location: 805 Main St, Downtown, Worcester, MA
- Photographed: April 1, 2022
- Past Stores:
- Ulderic Vigeant (1927)
- Arezibos Market (1985)
- Rodriguez Market (2000)
- Cebao Market (2009-2017)
Cibao is a region in the Dominican Republic, and it's likely that "Cebao" in the earlier records is simply a typo for "Cibao".
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Main Superette
- Owner: Unknown
- Opened: Approximately 2000
- Location: 781 Main St, Downtown, Worcester, MA
- Photographed: August 26, 2018; November 1, 2019; November 8, 2020; September 24, 2022
- Past Stores:
- Worcester Superette (1985-1991)
The Main Superette has been in operation since around 2000, but the location has been a grocery store since at least 1985, when it was known as the Worcester Superette. The store is about 2500 square feet and functions primarily as a bodega, offering essential groceries and a butcher/deli counter.
Hermano Lejano
- Owner: Unknown
- Opened: 2019
- Location: 721 Main St, Downtown, Worcester, MA
- Photographed: August 18, 2021
- Past Stores:
- No previous grocery stores at this location
Hermano Lejano is a Salvadorean grocery store featuring a hot food counter and a small deli. It offers a variety of groceries and prepared foods, such as fresh tortillas and pupusas. This store and the neighboring Wonder Dollar previously housed a car dealership.
Brazil Beef
- Owner: Patrick De Almeida Souza
- Open: 2020-2023
- Location: 675 Main St, Downtown, Worcester, MA
- Photographed: August 18, 2021
- Past Stores:
- No previous grocery stores at this location
Brazil Beef was replaced by Imperio Brazil Meat Market in 2023. Before becoming a butcher shop, this space was a unique thrift store.
Sandra's Grocery Store
- Owner: A. Martia
- Opened: 2002
- Location: 652 Main St, Downtown, Worcester, MA
- Photographed: May 23, 2021
Sandra's Grocery Store is a small, beloved local grocery store.
These stores, including Danco African Market, contribute to the rich cultural and economic tapestry of downtown Worcester, offering a diverse range of products and services to the community.
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