Did you know that Chester is the oldest city in Pennsylvania? And that we are the only municipality
in Delaware County? We're proud to live, work, worship, and volunteer in Chester and we hope you are too.

For many years, Chester was the manufacturing center of Delaware County and a major contributor to economic growth in the Philadelphia region. The last economic boom in Chester occurred during World War II when industrial employment tripled from 14,000 to 42,000. Like most industrial cities in America during the last fifty years, however, Chester began to experience an economic decline. As the jobs left, so did many of the residents. it is not surprising that the last supermarket left Chester over fifteen years ago--along with the majority of the once-thriving retail trade businesses.

But all of this is now turning around. After nearly a half-century of decline, Chester's population has increased by nearly 2% since 2000. Over 37,000 people now call Chester home. The city is now experiencing an economic renaissance that is restoring hope for Chester's residents. The current economic boom is bringing several thousand jobs. And the people--including many former Chester residents--are coming back to fill them.

Chester will see substantial economic and community development beyond its magnificent waterfront, spreading through its historic business district, and into the neighborhoods. Chester's Community Grocery Co-op is privileged to be a part of this renaissance as a member-owned food co-op.