CLEVELAND — After more than three decades of business, a staple of Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood will soon close its doors. On Monday, Dave's Markets announced that it will be closing its Euclid Beach location at 15900 Lakeshore Boulevard, with its last day of operation being Saturday, April 30.
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In a statement, Dave's Markets said that it is offering all employees of the Euclid Beach location continued employment at nearby Dave’s stores, including its location at 22501 Shore Center Plaza, which is a 10-minute drive from the Euclid Beach location.
The company also said that it is working with the City of Cleveland to provide transportation options for those in the area in need of groceries.
"Dave’s is committed to working collaboratively with the City of Cleveland and the community to help ensure those in need of transportation to Shore Center have an option free of charge," Dave's Markets said in a statement. "The company will continue to proudly operate 7 stores in the City of Cleveland and appreciates its strong relationship with the city and communities it serves."
Added Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb: “Over the past two years, shopping habits have changed and we understand how challenging it is to operate a business in this economic climate. We must continue to invest in Cleveland neighborhoods and develop strategies to eradicate food deserts Dave’s Markets are staples in our communities and we’re working closely with them to minimize the impact of this major loss."
"As a Dave’s shopper myself, I am disappointed and saddened by the closure of Dave’s in Collinwood," Councilman Michael D. Polensek, who represents Ward 8, including Collinwood, said. "They have been a fixture on Lakeshore Boulevard for over 30 years and many of our seniors and residents have depended on them for basic groceries. It’s clear we must collectively develop a strategic economic plan to attract and keep full-service grocery stores in our neighborhoods, particularly in Cleveland’s northeast side."
You can read Polensek's entire statement below:
Meanwhile, nearby residents who don't drive say they're concerned about where they'll shop next.
"They've been pretty good. They had pretty good food and stuff. I can't see why they were moving," said Katie Cork, who lives in an apartment across the street.
The concerns don't just involve folks who don't drive. It's also an issue for shoppers who have a ride to the store.
"I'm lucky to have transportation, but everybody don't have transportation. So it's like these people live across the street, they need somewhere to go and that's like abandonment to me," said shopper Dwayne Haddon.
Walking to the nearest store may not be realistic. The nearest Dave's on Shore Center is 3.5 miles away from the Euclid Beach location. A Save-A-Lot on Neff Road is 1.3 miles away, and a Marc's on Lakeshore Boulevard is 3.7 miles away.
We reached out to Dave's to learn more about its free transportation service for nearby residents, and have yet to hear back.