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It was a day that was a long time in coming last week when the Bethlehem Food Co-Op board of directors, staff and guests held a construction kickoff ceremony to launch the interior fit-out of the grocery store.  

This milestone marks significant progress in the Bethlehem Food Co-Op’s journey to open a grocery market for all shoppers in the heart of Bethlehem. 

The Bethlehem Co-op Market, a community-owned grocery market at 250 E. Broad St., is expected to open late summer.  

There is no membership requirement to shop at the store, however members will receive special perks and exclusive discounts.  

The co-op will occupy the retail space below the Market Flats apartment complex, which opened to residents in 2024.  

Boyle Construction will begin the fit-out in the coming weeks. 

Organizers are calling it a crucial step forward in the store’s mission to provide high-quality, fresh, accessible and affordable groceries sourced as locally as possible. Throughout the project, Bethlehem Food Co-Op worked with Peron Development, Alloy 5 architects, and Aurora Displays for interior design.  

“Our vision is becoming a reality…” board chair Carol Ritter said. “Tonight, we celebrate the progress of the Bethlehem Food Co-Op.”  

At the event, Ritter announced that the co-op received the first $123,000 drawdown of the $2.9 million grant that Congresswoman Susan Wild and Sen. Bob Casey helped secure for the co-op.  

Access to the funds enables the co-op to move forward with outfitting the retail space’s interior.