What began as a simple act of “survival” during COVID has blossomed into a vibrant opportunity for the neighborhood. When shelves were bare and big-box pickup lines stretched for hours, Chef James began breaking down bulk grocery items—flour, potatoes, hamburger—into small, family-friendly portions. It was a thoughtful, human-scale alternative at a time when people needed comfort, convenience, and care.

When the world began to open again, change swept through the area around The Warehouse. Sleek new apartment buildings and bustling hotels appeared almost overnight, bringing fresh energy—and fresh challenges. Foot traffic was up, but parking spaces were disappearing.

Seeing both the need and the opportunity, Chef James revived an idea from those early pandemic days and brought in a design team to create something timeless: a neighborhood market that felt like it had always been there. He imagined an on-site butcher, a welcoming deli, fresh pasta, seasonal produce, and all the little essentials that make daily life easier. A place where you could grab ingredients for a cozy dinner—or take home a ready-made meal crafted by a chef’s hand.

And so, WH Urban Grocer was born—a seamless blend of restaurant and market, designed to bring fresh food and friendly service to a community that had long been living in a food “desert.” Today, The Warehouse Urban Grocer is more than just a store—it’s a promise of community, sustainability, and the kind of thoughtful growth that makes a neighborhood feel like home.