While most business owners are worried about their future or closing their doors after the economic shock of COVID-19, a couple in Honor Oak have decided to take the plunge and open up a new family grocery store.
Max Hargreaves and Cloé Duchalet’s new shop Sans Store will open on Monday, August 17, at 5-7 Brockley Rise, providing bakery items, seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan produce from across the UK and dry-store foods including vegetarian, vegan, free-from and organic ranges.
The couple will also partner with Lewisham Food Bank to donate surplus food.
Max told the News: “For around two years now my partner Cloé and I have wanted to open our own food shop in our local area, which is conveniently nestled between Catford, Honor Oak and Forest Hill.
“But life kept getting in the way which meant we always put it off. With the events of 2020 turning the world upside down, it was inspiring to see how people all over the country were coming together in their communities to support each other.
“It reaffirmed to us that we needed to crack on with our plan to open a local grocery store geared to the needs of our community.
“We want to be here for our locals and build on the good work that they have already done and keep our community thriving.
“But as the old saying goes ‘principles have no real force except when one is well fed’. That’s where we come in.
“A key focus for us is supporting small independent suppliers, especially during this turbulent time, we truly believe in using delicious, ethically sourced food and drink to bring our local community together.
“This is why we will be launching the ‘meet the producers’ event at Sans Store, which will provide all of our lovely locals a chance to meet our excellent suppliers and understand how and where their delicacies are made.”
You can follow the new store on Instagram (@sans_store) or visit www.sansstore.co.uk for more information.