CONCORD MARKET ON CAMPUS
FAQS
Find the answers here
WHO IS THE NEW CAMPUS GROCER?
Concord Market is an independent grocer from Concord, MA, founded in 2018 and owned by Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore. The Student Center location will be their second store.
WHAT WILL CONCORD MARKET SELL?
Their original store is known for prepared foods. So, in addition to a large selection of grab-and-go and heat-and-eat meals, the market will offer made-to-order sandwiches, select fresh produce, and essential grocery items chosen with the MIT community in mind. They also will have a large commercial kitchen in the Student Center’s basement, offering catering services to the campus community and making prepared foods to be sold in the store.
WHEN WILL CONCORD MARKET OPEN?
The project is still in the early planning stages, so it’s hard to establish a definitive timeline. The store may open in late October or early November 2024 if all goes well. However, if the timeline stretches beyond the current plans, the opening may be delayed until early 2025.
HOW MAY CONCORD MARKET ADAPT THEIR APPROACH TO MEET STUDENT NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS?
Recognizing that MIT shoppers’ needs and expectations differ from their shoppers in Concord, they are working to create a store experience that appeals to students and employees. They intend to meet with community members on campus this spring to inform the store setup, product mix, and programming. Also, they are planning strategies for ensuring their products are affordable and their service is efficient, knowing that these are top priorities for the MIT community.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS WERE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A PARTNER FOR THE STORE?
Our criteria for selecting a store operator included top-quality products, a focus on healthy and fresh foods, competitive pricing, and a great store experience. We also wanted to ensure that our partner was nimble enough to adjust their product mix to our community’s changing needs and that they would offer products that align with MIT’s commitment to student well-being. We selected Concord Market because we think they can fulfill those expectations.
WHAT WILL THE STORE LOOK LIKE?
The design is nearly finalized in anticipation of construction permits being obtained. We know that the store’s footprint will expand into the conference room between the store and the MIT Credit Union, and the raised platform on which LaVerde’s sandwich bar was located is being removed. Work on the space is anticipated to start soon after Commencement.
HOW DOES THE NEW STORE FIT INTO THE STUDENT CENTER RENOVATION PLANS?
Opening Concord Market will be another step toward making the Student Center the campus destination for well-being envisioned when the project started in 2023, where students can study, recharge, and find good food options. For example, there’s synergy between the Wellbeing Lab and Concord Market as we work with them on a mix of fresh and healthy food options for the store. DSL will continue improving spaces and adding services that promote student health and well-being.