After nearly three decades as a beloved neighborhood resource, Foodie's Markets will close its South End location at 1421 Washington Street this June when its lease expires.

"Operating a small, independently owned grocery store has become increasingly challenging in today's economic environment," said Victor Leon, general manager of Foodie's Markets in a statement, noting the company will focus on its South Boston store. The closure ends a 30-year run in a space long cherished by residents.

The building's owners, 1421 Washington Associates LLC, expressed pride in Foodie's community role and said they sought a tenant that would remain active in the neighborhood. That tenant is expected to be The Croft School, an independent private school expanding its South End footprint.

Croft opened its South End campus in 2022 and currently serves Preschool through Grade 2, with plans to grow to Preschool through Grade 6. The school follows a model emphasizing balanced academic rigor, project-based learning, strong teacher-student relationships, and social-emotional development, blending structured core instruction with exploratory and purposeful play, according to their website. It is part of a broader network that includes campuses in Providence and Jamaica Plain and is planning new locations in Cambridge. Croft aims to provide a high-quality, inclusive private education and engages families through collaborative communication and community building.

Croft leaders say growing enrollment and neighborhood demand make the expanded space a promising home for more classrooms and programs.

Reaction from the South End Community (Facebook):

Local responses have been passionate and mixed. Many residents lamented the loss of Foodie's, calling it a vital source of walkable groceries and a community anchor. Some urged developers and Croft to reconsider the deal, arguing the street needs accessible retail to sustain foot traffic. Others defended Croft, noting the school did not cause the closure and contributes positively to neighborhood life. Commenters emphasized that preserving active streetscapes involves broader economic and planning dynamics beyond any single tenant.