While Lawrence has plenty of grocery stores, the neighborhood surrounding Massachusetts Street has notably been missing a reliable grocery stop for many years.

Lauren Richey | @richeylauren12 

Independent neighborhood grocer “Jody’s Market,” opened in July 2024 between New Hampshire and Mass on Ninth Street, looks to change that with a mix of groceries and grab and go fare.

“We just opened July 3rd of 2024,” Reanna Slagle, owner, said. “We opened this up because downtown doesn’t really have anywhere you can just run and grab groceries really quick.” 

The accessibility of a walk-in market allows for those working downtown or those walking around to make a quick pit-stop. 

“If someone is just getting off work and they’re like shoot I forgot some milk, we want to be that spot,” Reanna said.

With a mix of a grocery store and convenient store feel, the catering works to everyone’s specific needs.

“We are truly, locally owned, very small, so we’re able to cater to people’s needs,” Chad Slagle, business partner and husband to Reanna, said.

Reanna said she wanted to give back to her mom who passed away in 2021, hence the name “Jody’s” market.

“I wanted to name it after her because not only does it have a nice ring to it people are like Jody’s, Jody’s Market,” Reanna said.