What is Green Aisle Grocery?

“Green Aisle Grocery is a boutique gourmet grocery store along vibrant East Passyunk Avenue. We specialize in local items from the region as well as artisanal products difficult to find in Philadelphia.”

What sets it apart from other grocery stores?

“A few things. Our product line is very unique. Because the store is small, it allows us to be picky with the items that we carry. You will not find every general brand in Green Aisle. In addition to that, we also work with a lot of area restaurants in Philly. One of our best selling products is the extremely addictive hummus from Zahav. Since we get it a few times a week and are able to purchase smaller amounts, the freshness is evident. Which takes me to my third point, quality. We do not have items that are sitting on the shelves for months. We try and source as close to home as possible, ensuring that our customers are going to get the most out of their purchases.”

What is your typical customer like? Why do they choose you over competitors?

“Our customer base is quite diverse, however they all have one thing in common: wanting to support buying local. Most of our clientele live in the general area and frequent Green Aisle as much as possible because they know that every item in this store was carefully selected and not just tossed on the shelf. We provide hard to find products like raw milk, free-range meats, sustainable seafood, and plums from our landlady's tree, which you simply cannot get from other stores. We also offer a level of customer service that keeps our customers coming back. We want to be here and are excited to pass our passion of food onto others.”

When and how did you start?

“We opened Green Aisle November 11, 2009. My brother Adam and I realized, as native South Philadelphians, that there was a demand for a cool grocery store along East Passyunk. We had seen the area evolve and figured if we didn't do it, someone else would. So we looked into it, and here we are 18 months later!”

What is the biggest challenge Green Aisle faces and how do you deal with it?

“Our biggest challenge with Green Aisle is balancing the business while both having full time jobs. We are making it work, especially since we have an intern and our cousin helping us out, but it's quite difficult. Having a social life definitely gets put on the back burner, as we want to be as dedicated and present as possible.”

What is your favorite aspect of the business?

“I think the best part of the business is our customers. They love food, we love food. It has become a social experience that we truly enjoy. Shoppers have become friends and hang out at the store even when they are not shopping. We have our customers to thank for putting us where we are today.”

What are your plans for the future of Green Aisle Grocery?