Roxbury, Massachusetts, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Vicente’s Supermarket is set to open its first location in the Boston area at a former Walgreens site in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The conversion project, led by the 100% Black-owned Cruz Cos., aims to cater to the cultural food needs of local Cape Verdean and Brazilian communities, with a targeted opening timeframe of late 2025. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing local grocery options and promoting economic development in the area.
Roxbury, Massachusetts
Vicente’s Supermarket Set to Open First Boston-Area Store in Roxbury
A new grocery store project will convert a former Walgreens site in Roxbury into the first Boston-area location for Vicente’s Supermarket, with completion targeted for mid-to-late fourth quarter 2025. The development is led by Cruz Cos., a 100% Black-owned construction and real estate development firm, in collaboration with Vicente’s Supermarket. The initiative is presented as a locally focused effort intended to expand grocery options and serve cultural food needs in the community.
Key project facts
The project will transform an existing retail property into a full-service supermarket specializing in imported products from Brazil and Cape Verde, reflecting demand in neighborhoods with significant Cape Verdean and Brazilian populations. Vicente’s Supermarket, founded in 1994 in Brockton, Massachusetts, currently operates four locations including stores in Brockton, New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Pawtucket (Rhode Island).
Local and economic context
City officials and economic development leaders have framed the project as supportive of local economic opportunity and inclusion. The plan is being described as mutually beneficial for residents seeking culturally specific grocery options and for local economic development objectives that encourage small-business investments and adaptive reuse of retail sites.
Developer and operator backgrounds
Cruz Cos. traces its roots to 1948 and is identified as one of the longest-established minority-owned companies in the United States. The firm operates three main divisions: John B. Cruz Construction Co. for landmark and heavy construction projects, Cruz Development Corp. for building production and real estate development, and Cruz Management Co. for residential property management. Cruz Cos. also runs Cruz C.A.R.E.S., a community initiative that provides scholarships, community programs, and outdoor activities aimed at giving back to neighborhoods where the company works.
Vicente’s Supermarket is a regional grocer known for sourcing and selling imported products from Brazil and Cape Verde. Founded by Manuel Vicente in 1994 and based in Brockton, the chain has positioned itself to meet the dietary and cultural preferences of Cape Verdean and Brazilian communities in southeastern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island.
Project timeline and goals
The redevelopment project is advancing through planning and permitting phases with a public completion target of mid-to-late Q4 2025. Activities will include interior renovations to accommodate grocery operations, installation of refrigerated cases and food-preparation areas, and site work associated with converting a former national drugstore footprint into a supermarket layout. Project stakeholders indicate efforts to align the store’s offerings with local demand and to employ local labor where feasible.
Community impact and collaboration
The initiative has been framed as a collaboration between two Cape Verdean-owned businesses and is positioned to address both convenience and culturally specific food access in Roxbury and surrounding neighborhoods. City economic leaders have characterized the development as aligned with inclusion objectives and as likely to stimulate local commerce. Cruz Cos.’s community engagement arm and Vicente’s existing network of stores may be leveraged to support local hiring, supplier relationships, and community programming tied to the store opening.
Next steps and expectations
Pending final permits and construction scheduling, project partners plan to move forward with tenant fit-out and community outreach. Residents and community stakeholders can expect updates from the developer and the operator as the project progresses toward the targeted opening in late 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the project?
The project converts a former Walgreens site in Roxbury into the first Boston-area Vicente’s Supermarket, a grocery store specializing in imported Brazilian and Cape Verdean products.
Who is developing the site?
The site is being developed by Cruz Cos., a 100% Black-owned construction and real estate development firm operating multiple business divisions and community programs.
Who will operate the supermarket?
Vicente’s Supermarket, a regional grocer founded in 1994 and based in Brockton, will operate the new Roxbury location.
When is the store expected to open?
The project is targeting completion in mid-to-late fourth quarter 2025, subject to permitting and construction schedules.
What products will be available?
The supermarket is expected to offer a range of imported products from Brazil and Cape Verde as well as everyday grocery items catering to the local community.
How will the project affect the community?
The development aims to increase neighborhood grocery options, support culturally specific food access, and contribute to local economic activity through jobs and vendor relationships.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Conversion of former Walgreens into Vicente’s Supermarket |
| Location | Roxbury, Massachusetts |
| Developer | Cruz Cos. (100% Black-owned) |
| Operator | Vicente’s Supermarket (founded 1994, Brockton, MA) |
| Expected opening | Mid-to-late Q4 2025 (target) |
| Specialty products | Imported foods from Brazil and Cape Verde; general grocery items |
| Community initiatives | Cruz C.A.R.E.S. community programs, potential local hiring and partnerships |
| Other Vicente’s locations | Brockton; New Bedford, MA; Pawtucket, RI; plus one additional location |
| Cruz Cos. divisions | John B. Cruz Construction Co.; Cruz Development Corp.; Cruz Management Co. |
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- Jagran Josh: List of Liberal Cities in the US
- Wikipedia: Liberalism in the United States
- CBS News: Republican Massachusetts Voters
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- New York Times: Italy Street, Newton, Massachusetts
- Google Scholar: Newton Massachusetts
- Dorchester Reporter: Boston Voters Support Democrats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
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- Google News: Boston minority businesses
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