This Charlotte-based ‘mini food hall’ with bodega vibes is expanding to Durham
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A Charlotte bodega brand is expanding to the Triangle, starting with a new location just off of Durham’s Ninth Street.
The Common Market started in Charlotte in 2002 and over the years has grown to four locations, including one across the South Carolina border in Rock Hill.
The brand will look to Durham for its fifth location, opening at 1821 Green Street, on a block between Ninth and Broad streets. The company bought the property in March 2021 for $860,000.
Raleigh native Graham Worth is leading Common Market’s Triangle expansion.
“It’s a hybrid mix of a bottle shop, wine shop and deli all in one,” Worth said. “All the markets are built around the communities we serve, they all have a unique and eclectic environment. They’re all very funky and artfully put together.”
Everything made in-house
The Durham Common Market will move into a former one story office building. Construction is already underway, adding a basement bar, outdoor seating and a butterfly roof with skylights.
Using the model of the New York City bodega as an example, Worth said Common Market aims to be an all-day room of requirement, stocking craft beer, snacks and a sandwich counter with everything made in-house. The brand is looking to partner with local vendors to handle Common Market’s coffee program and a possible pastry counter.
The sandwich menu will likely borrow from Common Market’s other locations, Worth said, with staples like a pimento cheese sandwich and a pulled chicken salad.
“It’s kind of a mini food hall,” Worth said. “It’s been described as a neighborhood living room. It’s a place where everyone can feel comfortable with this environment.”
The Durham location looks to open later this fall, Worth said.
This story was originally published June 21, 2022 at 10:15 AM.
