An independent grocery store is coming to Altrincham next month.
Bernie’s Grocery Store, co-founded by Will France and his wife Bethan Roberts, specialises in organic food and drink from locally sourced producers.
It will be based in a unit near One Central in New Market Square.
Will and Beth set up their Heaton Moor branch eight months ago and are now looking at increasing their presence across Greater Manchester.
The pair see Altrincham town centre, increasingly renowned for its foodie scene, as the perfect place to expand their venture.
“In terms of an area Altrincham is quite established on the food and drink scene,” said Will.
“[The store] is in a great location, super cool and affluent… the unit was very affordable, a good spot and in Altrincham.”
He added: “We spent eight months building up where we are in Heaton Moor… in Altrincham we will kick on straight away.”
Originally the idea for Bernie’s Grocery Store came about after Will was made redundant from a decade-long career in craft beer.
Having held senior positions in hospitality in the past, Will decided to change paths and branch out into a sector he saw as underrepresented in the North West.
“Last April I was made redundant when Covid hit and I was looking into something else as I’d been in beer for a decade,” said Will.
“I’ve travelled all over Europe, and I’ve travelled America. Food provenance and quality is more readily available there than it is in Manchester.
“[At Bernie’s Grocery Store] you can get some nice treats, a couple of pies to take home, really good bottle of wine, good beers for the afternoon… that’s what people want!”
