'East Race Market' expected to open soon amid controversy

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— Downtown South Bend could be gaining a grocery store by the end of 2023 after years of controversy.

The first floor of 300 E. Lasalle is still virtually empty, but developer David Matthews tells ABC57 the shop should be up and running soon.

Matthews was granted $5 million by the city to complete the apartment complex and much needed grocery store to its ground floor.

Now, tenants have moved in but are still waiting for the “East Race Market” to open its doors.

“Everyone knows it’s been a long time coming we are excited to really get the project going,” said Ben Dahl who will manage the market.

Dahl manages the New Howard Pork restaurant developed by Matthews LLC.

Despite the name, the family friendly restaurant is not a barbecue place and opened its doors in September 2023.

They are launching a mocktail program for now and are set to receive a liquor license this January.

Then, Dahl will take on a new role managing the East Race Market grocery store that has been in the works since 2015.

"In addition to Howard Pork, we also have a grocery store that has its occupancy permit, but we are waiting for the construction to get done so we can open up,” said Matthews the developer who says he wants to make downtown South Bend a walkable and vibrant community, putting millions into the area.

Matthews has faced backlash for missing multiple deadlines and opening up the restaurant before the long-promised grocery store.

He says they wanted to open a fully functioning kitchen before the store opens.

"For the past 15 years we've been trying to fill in the voids, the grocery store is one of those missing voids to make it a walkable urban center,” Matthews added.

Matthews blames the back and forth with the city, who is now suing him for $7.5 million, as well as construction and the pandemic for the delays. 

He is eager for the store to open, saying the wait will soon be over and a fully functioning grocery store will start small, focus on convenience, and then hopefully expand once things get settled.

ABC57 was told the store will be most comparable in size to a Trader Joe’s or Aldi.

"Fresh and frozen products will be available…fish, chicken, meat, fresh flowers, bulk purchases, you name it, and it will be available," said Dahl.

Matthews says they are just waiting for the construction on LaSalle Street to finish up in November and then they will need 3 to 6 weeks to get things up and running for shoppers.

"By the end of this year, the beginning of 2024, you should be able to go in and buy something,” said Matthews.