The operator of downtown Dallas' only grocery says he is not closing up shop anytime soon.
Charles Acklen told the Dallas Morning News that Urban Market will stop selling beer, wine and snacks, but will still carry normal grocery store items.
The beleaguered store, which opened nearly four years ago and has eaten up $1.1 million in subsidies, has been hit hard by the economic slump.
Urban Market was about to turn a profit right when the economy went south -- and downtown residency rates stopped rising -- Acklen said.
He said he will not ask the city, which itself is under financial strain, for additional help.
The grocery shut down its café and bar last month, but Acklen told the Dallas Morning News he hopes to reopen it in July with an established restaurateur. He plans to sign a contract this week, he said.
"We have a firm handshake on it, and the lease will follow," he told the newspaper.
