Small grocery planned for downtown Rochester

Kevin Oklobzija//April 21, 2026//

Zack Harper intends to open a small grocery story in the space in Sibley Square once occupied DGX Grocery. (File photo/provided)

Kevin Oklobzija//April 21, 2026//

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Zack Harper intends to turn his own life experience into an entrepreneurial venture — and in doing so provide a solution to downtown Rochester‘s biggest perceived need.

Frustrated by the inability to buy groceries within walking distance from his downtown apartment, Harper plans to open a new grocery store in Sibley Square at 255 East Main St.

Harper unveiled preliminary plans at today’s monthly County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) board meeting.

He was given unanimous approval for a sales tax exemption of $28,169 on materials necessary for a $500,000 project to convert the vacant space into his small-grocery vision called Aker Club.

Harper will be renovating the retail space at Sibley Square that was previously occupied by DGX Grocery, which operated from December 2020 until March of 2025.

Another larger grocery store, Hart’s Local Grocers, operated at 10 Winthrop St. on the East End opened in 2014 but closed five years later due to declining sales. There are considerably more downtown residents today due to the creation of more apartments.

Harper grew up in the Rochester area, moved away after high school and recently returned after a 15-year hiatus. Part of that time away was spent in Europe, where he became accustomed to visiting a small bodega.

“For five years I was just walking down stairs, going to this small, little grocery store; one aisle up, one aisle down,” he told the COMIDA board. “That was just part of my everyday existence.”

Upon his return to Rochester and subsequent renting of a downtown apartment, he was quickly annoyed by having to drive at least 10 to 15 minutes for groceries.

“I lost my mind that there was no where to walk to, to get a simple item,” he said. “I want so solve that issue that if you live downtown, you should be able to walk five minutes to get groceries.”

Harper said he has done a market study and create a business plan. His store will carry everyday food and household essentials, with downtown residents, workers, students and transit riders as his target audience.

The sales tax exemption will alleviate some of his up-front costs, which include the purchase of used refrigeration units, NCR Voyix self-checkout kiosks, access-control equipment and store fixtures.

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