The Durham Co-Op Market opened this morning, and throughout the afternoon, the lines were long at the cash register. Six years in the making, the Co-Op is community-owned (similar to Weaver Street Market in Orange County), and hundreds of eager owners flocked to West Chapel Hill Street curious about the place that their contributions helped bring to fruition. What they found was something special: a market that intensely focuses on sustainable products, including a wide selection from North Carolina
Vibrant portraits of farmers like Stanley from Hurdle Mills and Herbie from Rose Hill smile down on a colorful section of seasonal produce. A fridge of pasture-raised NC beef is full of guaranteed-fresh cuts. An impressive alcohol selection places Triangle Brewing Company pale ales alongside six-packs of PBR. Pints straight from the Parlour stand next to Talenti Gelato.
The products that make the Triangle such a culinary haven have found their home in a store that combines the selection of a grocer with the transparency of a Farmers Market.
The space also features a ready-to-eat hot food station, pastry display and small coffee bar. Painted above a bright seating area, the Co-Op’s events calendar promotes upcoming tastings, vendor visits and events – most notably their grand opening ceremony slated for April 11.
The store at 1111 W. Chapel Hill St. (near Kent) is open daily 7 a.m.–8 p.m.