Ravitzes Announce Plans for Camden's First New Supermarket Since '80s

The Ravitz family is taking a step out of the suburbs and into the inner city.

After 40 years running Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, which operates ShopRites in Cherry Hill, Marlton and Mount Laurel, the Ravitzes and Camden officials announced a plan for the city’s first new supermarket since the 1980s, part of a massive shopping center along the Admiral Wilson Boulevard.

With the city working to transform itself, it’s the right time to make the move, said Jason Ravitz, vice president of retail operations for Supermarkets of Cherry Hill.

“My brothers and I are proud to be bringing a ShopRite store to Camden,” he said in a statement. “We recognize that there is a great need for a full-service supermarket in the city and have been trying for years to find the best location to serve the community.”

The new ShopRite will anchor the 20-acre Admiral Wilson Plaza, being developed by the Goldenberg Group, which is also slated to house restaurants and other retail businesses.

“This is an historic day for Camden,” said Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd in a statement. “Bringing two reputable entities such as the Goldenberg Group and the Ravitz family to open a ShopRite in our city is long overdue. I am so proud and happy to share this wonderful news today with our residents, because this is the type of development project they have been asking for—one that will create jobs and opportunities for them.”

The project will create 400 construction jobs and 320 new full- and part-time jobs once completed in 2015, officials said, taking what is now an expanse of concrete and weeds and turning it into new ratables for the cash-strapped city.

It’ll also help alleviate Camden’s reputation as a food desert.

“This monumental endeavor will not only further spur economic development in our city, but it will certainly bring much needed jobs for our residents and provides a viable source of healthy food choices for our children and families,” said Camden City Council President Francisco “Frank” Moran.

It’s that growth and redevelopment that helped convince the Ravitzes to opt for their Camden expansion.

“Our hope is that this project will continue to build upon existing redevelopment efforts in Camden, including the expansions of Campbell's headquarters and Cooper Hospital, and recent growth in the University Science district,” Jason Ravitz said. “We are excited to be part of the new Camden.”

This further redevelopment will help improve the quality of life for residents, both in bringing a full-service grocery store and in the new jobs it will create long-term, said Ken Goldenberg, president and CEO of the Goldenberg Group.

“This project will build on that investment and has the potential to be a game-changer for Camden and the surrounding neighborhoods,” he said. “It is truly a win-win.”