The Monadnock Food Co-op plans to open a second location in Jaffrey by early 2028, bringing a full-service grocery store back to downtown in the former Rite Aid building.
The co-op, which has operated its Keene store since 2013, will renovate the vacant building at 14 Peterborough Road/Route 202, empty since Rite Aid closed following its 2025 bankruptcy filings. The Keene location will remain open, and co-op membership will apply to both stores.
Town officials said attracting a grocery store has long been a priority, made more urgent by the Rite Aid closure.
“We’re stoked, as they say,” said Jo Anne Carr, Jaffrey’s development projects coordinator.
Carr said town-conducted market research looking at two potential sites — the former W.W. Cross factory on Webster Street and the former Rite Aid — projected significantly higher customer traffic at the Rite Aid site, particularly with an established grocer.
The study labeled both as “known” and “unknown” grocer locations.
“The ‘known’ grocer at Rite Aid was far and away the best location,” said Carr. She said the difference was significant: a “known” grocer at the Rite Aid location would draw an estimated $10 million annually, compared to $8 million for a “known” grocer on Webster Street and just $6 million for an “unknown” one.
She said the site’s central location — within a mile of about half the town’s population and near a planned downtown five-way intersection improvement — makes it especially attractive.
“I think something like this is an investment — a significant investment — in the downtown,” Carr said. “It brings investment, jobs, fresh food and support for local farmers. The more people we draw to town, the more it will support other businesses in town.”
Monadnock Food Co-op Board President Deirdre Fitzgerald said the expansion will improve access to healthy and locally sourced food while supporting the regional economy.
Monadnock Food Co-op Board President Deirdre Fitzgerald said the expansion will improve access to healthy and locally sourced food while supporting the regional economy.
“An additional store in Jaffrey will increase access to local and healthy food choices and expand our positive impact,” Fitzgerald said.
According to the co-op, about one-third of its sales come from local sources, with products from approximately 150 regional farmers and producers.
The Jaffrey location is expected to create between 30 and 40 jobs, with starting wages of $17 per hour and benefits.
Monadnock Food Co-op Marketing Manager Aleta Coursen said the Co-op considered several options and towns for a secondary location, and said that Jaffrey “felt like the perfect fit.”
The project timeline includes permitting, planning and renovations beginning in spring 2027, followed by hiring, training and community outreach ahead of the planned early 2028 opening.
“We have quite a list of things to do. It might feel like a far-off date, but two years goes by so fast,” said Coursen.
The new store will expand on Monadnock Food Co-op’s current offerings, featuring fresh, local and organic produce, meat, and specialty cheeses. Much like the Keene location, the grocery department in Jaffrey will include a complete selection of pantry staples, bulk items, beer, wine and wellness. There will be a cafe with sandwiches, sides, salads, baked goods and grab-n-go options.
“We are honored by the opportunity to serve the community of Jaffrey and look forward to expanding our local impact within the community. It’s a big project and we’ll need everyone’s support to make it a success,” said Monadnock Food Co-op General Manager, Michael Faber.
Coursen said that a membership at the co-op is a one-time payment of $200. While membership provides benefits such as quarterly discounts and bulk pricing, there is no requirement to be a member to shop at the store.
“We are excited and appreciate the warm welcome. We’re thrilled,” said Coursen.