Residents of downtown Erie now have access to a new convenience store.

Country Fair has opened a new store on North Park Row, next to the Flagship City Food Hall.

The new store is the result of a collaboration between Country Fair and the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC).

"It was tough to lose the Erie Food Co-op a little over a year ago," said EDDC CEO Drew Whiting. "Downtown is a food desert without a grocery store, like this one here. A Dollar General just doesn't cut it, so it was really important to me that we get the right partner."

The store is considered an innovation center, where food products are tested for the other Country Fair branches.

"We are offering fresh produce and fresh meats," said Country Fair Store Manager Carol Mosko. "We have in our food service department an expanded fried program. We also have a hot meal program. It's a BBQ program where we offer brisket, pulled pork, chicken, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese."

The store will also offer pre-made meals, a full service kitchen, a large selection of beverages, and eventually beer and wine.

The store hosted a soft launch this week, and will hold a grand opening on May 7.