By D.M.Livingston|Published Nov 25, 2025

FOOD UNIVERSE MARKETPLACE Opens at Cook & Grove

Waterbury, CT — A long-anticipated grocery option has finally arrived in one of Waterbury’s most underserved neighborhoods. Food Universe Marketplace has officially opened at the corner of Cook and Grove streets, bringing fresh produce, affordable staples, and new energy to an area that has long been classified as a food desert.

The store sits directly across from Linden Place, the 44-unit low-income apartment complex that opened in 2024. For the hundreds of residents who live in and around the complex, the new market is more than a convenience — it’s a life-changing resource.

Addressing a Critical Need

For years, North End residents have relied on corner stores, takeout restaurants, and long bus rides to access healthy groceries. The opening of a full-service market within walking distance marks a significant step toward improving food accessibility and community health.

City leaders and residents have pointed out that the lack of fresh food options has contributed to higher rates of diet-related illnesses, higher costs of living due to travel, and limited choices for families trying to stretch their monthly budgets.

Food Universe aims to change that with a variety of fresh produce, meats, dairy, frozen goods, pantry staples, and culturally diverse foods tailored to the neighborhood’s needs.

Watch our YouTube Investigation- Food Desert

A Boost for the Neighborhood

The new store also represents an economic lift for the area. Beyond providing essential goods, it brings new jobs and increases foot traffic on a block that has long struggled to attract commercial investment.

Residents from Linden Place and surrounding streets were seen visiting the store on opening day, some expressing a mix of excitement and relief. For many, walking across the street to buy groceries — instead of planning lengthy bus trips — is a meaningful improvement to their daily lives.

Community Impact and Long-Term Outlook

The opening of Food Universe aligns with broader efforts to invest in the Cook–Grove corridor. The proximity to Linden Place ensures that families, seniors, and individuals with limited transportation will have reliable, local food access for the first time in decades.

If successful, the market could become a catalyst for additional development, signaling to other businesses that Waterbury’s underserved neighborhoods are ready for investment and growth.

A New Beginning for Cook & Grove

Food Universe Marketplace is not just another store — it is a long-awaited oasis in a part of Waterbury that has fought hard for basic access to healthy, affordable food. As residents begin shopping and settling into new routines, the store’s presence is already being felt.

From improved convenience to better nutrition and renewed neighborhood pride, Cook and Grove now has something it hasn’t had in a very long time: a true community grocery store.