LINCOLN SQUARE — Wanna own a grocery store but your last name isn't Mariano?
All it takes is $250 — payable in installments — to become a member/owner of the Chicago Market grocery cooperative, which is aiming for a 2015 opening at a yet-to-be-determined location on the North Side.
The market's leadership team will host an information session for those interested in learning more about the co-op's vision and membership opportunities at 7 p.m. Tuesday at DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave.
Founder Greg Berlowitz of Rogers Park initially pitched the creation of the co-op in March 2013 at the Sulzer Library and since has established a steering committee and raised seed funds. The co-op began actively selling memberships in June, and to date nearly 300 people have bought a stake in the market.
According to the market's website, "Owners will be the capital that builds the co-op and the community."
The market aims to feature local, sustainably grown, organic produce, as well as bulk foods, meat, dairy and other staples, with an emphasis on providing greater information regarding each item's nutritional value, origin and method of production.
Though the market will be open to all comers, members/owners will receive exclusive discounts not only on merchandise but on the classes, workshops and events the co-op's organizers plan to offer.
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