A much-needed addition to the Lafayette Park and East Riverfront neighborhoods opens today. Rivertown Market, run by Meijer, is ready years after its initial announcement.

The grocery store isn't like its bigger namesake counterparts. It's a smaller store (see Woodward Corner in Royal Oak) with grab-and-go items, groceries, beer and wine, along with some cleaning and beauty supplies. It's also set apart by its selection of goods from local businesses, like Great Lakes Coffee, Bon Bon Bon, and MexiBake Bakery.

The 42,000-square-foot store has 23-foot ceilings and three garage-style doors that will be open in warmer months.

The original plan, announced four years ago as a mixed-use project, had 213 apartments and 300 parking spots in addition to the small-format Meijer. That plan was scrapped due to rising construction costs.

There are a few grocery stores nearby, but this gives residents downtown and on the east side more choices in retail. 

It's open every day from 8am-10pm.