Baltimore has a new bodega offering New York-style takeout. Chopped Broadway Bodega & Deli opened on May 2 in the Fells Point neighborhood. It is the first Black- and woman-owned bodega in the city. Co-owners Ernestine Chambers and Naté Gordon aim to provide fresh, affordable food with a menu that includes chopped cheese, bacon-egg-and-cheese, and vegan options.
The business celebrated its launch with a ribbon-cutting event. Chambers noted that the store adds a fresh food option in the area, while Gordon emphasized its accessible menu. “We have a little bit of everything for everybody,” she said, pointing to items like the Italian hoagie and the “godfather,” a modified version of the Italian sub.
Chopped Broadway employs 98% local staff, exceeding hiring requirements. The owners want the bodega to contribute to economic opportunities in a neighborhood where Black residents make up about 17% of the population.
The store includes an organic section, non-GMO products, and gluten-free choices. Chambers said the goal was to offer healthy options not often found in convenience stores. The business also aligns with Maryland’s ongoing efforts to support minority-owned enterprises.
