Sava Lelcaj reveals plans for downtown Ann Arbor market 'babo'
Sarah Power, left, and Sava Lelcaj stand in the empty 3,800-square-foot space that Lelcaj plans to turn into a new downtown market.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Lelcaj last month signed a 10-year lease to occupy the 3,800-square-foot space on the first floor of Sterling 411 Lofts, which is owned by The Dinerstein Companies.
The name babo means "pops" in Albanian, Lelcaj said. "It's the slang way of saying 'father.' My dad is so important to me, and because of him, I am interested in educating in the importance of nutrition,” she said.
The floor plan for Lelcaj’s European-style market includes areas designated for a wine and espresso bar, deli, bakery, produce, grocery and apothecary. (Download a PDF of the tenative floor plan.)
Lelcaj, who grew up in New York City, said she wanted to bring a market that was accessible and convenient to Ann Arbor.
“In New York City it’s all about convenience,” Lelcaj said. “I feel like we were really missing the convenience of a grocery store right downtown Ann Arbor. I want people to be able to pick up a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine and maybe a prepackaged sandwich for lunch the next day.”
Sava calls her vision for the business “ambitious,” with plans for the market that include breakfast in bed for 411 residents, a rooftop herb garden, grocery delivery, food and drink tastings and outdoor seasonal produce sales.
“Our excitement and sheer passion will drive these things. These are just some of things we want to do,” Lelcaj said. “This is just the surface.”
She said she plans to work with local businesses and provide environmentally-friendly products.
“We are thinking local first,” Lelcaj said. “We want as many local companies to come out and offer us something unique. We want cool stuff.”
The market comes as Lelcaj’s expanded State Street restaurant, Sava’s Restaurant, has taken off since moving to the west side of the street in 2009. Lelcaj started the Ann Arbor restaurant as Sava's State Street Cafe on a second floor space at 211 S. State Street in 2007. After CVS Pharmacy signed a lease for the same property, Lelcaj said her lease was terminated and she was forced to look for another location. She then moved into the former Zanzibar space, located at 216 S. State Street.
Lelcaj said the move was a “blessing,” and she has now been able to expand her business. The new market is just one of her many ideas, she said.
Lelcaj said the market will give her the opportunity to package and brand some of her own products, such as the Greek dressing she serves at Sava's Restaurant. She will sell some other products at babo that appear on the restaurant menu, she said.
She said she will also launch a website where customers can order items online.
“We are working to find somebody that will share our vision and put out a great website,” Lelcaj said. “We are also working on a logo and branding and packaging.”
Lelcaj said she plans to have 25-30 employees work at the market. Some restaurant employees will work at both the restaurant and market.
Sarah Power, Lelcaj’s director of operations, said she is excited about the market's location because it will help make the Washington Street area more vibrant.
"There are things starting to move and grow in this area,” Power said. “Sava had a great vision in selecting this location.”
Neal Warling of real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle helped broker babo's lease with former Jones Lang LaSalle agent Newcombe Clark, who now works for tech firm MyBuys.
Warling said that despite competition for the space, the landlord was holding out for the market.
"We were actually holding them a little bit at bay to see if we could get Sava’s deal done," Warling said. "The landlord thought the concept would be perfect for that corner."
Lelcaj said she will host community forums this summer at the babo location to get feedback on her ideas for the market. The first forum is set for 6:30 p.m. June 16.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at or 734-623-2584. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Katie
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.
GOOD LUCK SAVA!!!! :D i'm so excited for thissss!!!! Seriously GoOfUs! Ashley makes a good point. AND.... How many downtown little businesses hired someone with disabilities?? Did your little notebook of tallies say how many disabled people are hired at Vinology? or Crazy Wisdom? or any other downtown business?? I think people like you just like to complain about the COOP (people who aren't even MEMBERS who VOTE FOR BOARD MEMBERS who actually CHANGE THE COOP) because it makes you feel soooo good about yourself. Complaining about the coop without being a voting member is like complaining about this country and not even voting for elected officials. And honestly, I shop at Meijer too, and a lot of what the coop sells is cheaper than even there. I think you didn't even do your research. And like Ashley said, if you're a member, you get a huge percentage back. My rebate check last year was $200. But you know what, I don't really care if people like you don't shop at the coop, because you obviously just like to complain and you'd probably be a nightmare for the workers.
Ashley
Sun, May 22, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
Sava, I wish you luck. Goofus: Guess what, the PFC is a not-for-profit. So if you're a member of the PFC, YOU GET A PORTION OF YOUR MONEY BACK not to mention member appreciation days. So.... actually..... We (i say we because i work there) aren't as expensive as you like to say we are. What reasons would the PFC have to hike profits if they don't even keep profits? Maybe it's because of Down Town Ann Arbor RENT? Maybe it's because they pay their employees well? Maybe it's because THEY ARE NOT A CHAIN? Seriously, the PFC could easily keep all the profits and expand, but they don't. The reason members aren't getting a rebate check this year is because, with everything breaking down in the kitchen and the produce coolers and such, THE PFC DIDN"T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH PROFITS TO DISPERSE TO THE MEMBERS. Think about that before you complain about the PFC's prices. The PFC does not say they have competitive prices, but keep in mind that it is a NOT FOR PROFIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie
Sat, May 21, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
Sure, "babo means "pops" in Albanian", but babo means stupid in Korean ;)
Goofus
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 5:54 a.m.
The average Kroger and Meijer hires more individuald with disabilties, especially severe developmental and mental illness disabilties, for employment than either the Ann Arbor People's Food Co-Op or Whole Foods (and these two busineses are the two worst for discriminating against these groups of people...). This is the true and hidden shame of our community, in my opinion, and both these employers need to be called on the carpet for it.
Rod Johnson
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
How do you know "most" of us don't care? I think you mean you don't care but can't be bothered to make an argument, so you need to invent some imaginary consensus. My imaginary friends and I think it's something to consider and good to know about (if true).
DDOT1962
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
Most of us don't care about your pet issue here.
mrblond
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
apparently college tuition isn't expensive enough if 4-year undergrads (parents) can afford to live in brand new luxury apts and have breakfast served in bed from a high-end market. sliding scale tuition, has your time come?
John B.
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
Kind of sad, isn't it? Reminds me of the salesman that told me about incoming U of M frosh that go with their 'rent to pick out the new car at BMW of Ann Arbor (and I like and drive BMWs, which is why I heard the story). Gotta have wheels while at school. The result of decades of 'trickle down....'
Goofus
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
I personally find it VERY EASY to dismiss the People's Food Co-Op and almost hope this new operation by Sava forces them to make major changes to their business model and practices. PFC is an awfully over-priced place to shop...the prices are actually laughable even compared to the already high prices (but still cheaper than PFC!) at places like Whole Foods and Plum Market. The quality is not especially that much better than many other places, and the service, most of the time, is slow, snooty, and unexceptional. PFC also has a horrible track record for hiring individuals with disabilties (they are actually sort of a injoke among the disability and supported employment industries within town for their complete unwillingness to hire disabled young adults, people with mental illness, or other people who apply to them with they have open positions. I have worked in the field for over 14 years and PFC has never hired one single developmentally-disabled candidate from my agency, my competitor's agencies, or collateral agencies we've associated. Again, it's become something of an "in-joke" in the industry PFC's complete inabiltiy to hire any individuals referred to them by rehabiliation who have Developmental or Mental Illness issues. Sava's has been great about this, as has Sparrow Market, Zingerman's, White Market, and other similar high-end retailers... but its a glaring deficency at PFC (and also Whole Foods, but that's another story...). PFC seriously needs to look at their hiring practices and their true committement to EVERYONE in the community before I will give any consideration to shopping there.
sparkstergal
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
Am I the only one who thinks "babo" --> "Babbo" via Mario Batali in New York --> "Eataly," the huge Italian food market in Midtown NYC that Batali is a partner in... and that sounds very similar to this concept? Hm...
javajolt1
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
A 10 year lease? A TEN YEAR lease??? Wow! That's confidence.
John B.
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.
Mr. Farley: (As I read your post, I could almost hear Chris' voice reading it (RIP)). Yes, that sounds pretty confident, I agree. There are probably clauses in that lease that let either party out, after some pre-determined time period, though, so it's not like she is 100% committed to ten years of rent. It is a good sign, though, from both parties' persepective, to agree to such a long lease (and I'm sure it helped her get a more favorable rate). To agree to a ten-year lease of a new 3800 sf space is really quite impressive, in my opinion. There seem to be so many wealthy U of M students that will live right nearby, though, (and that factor will only increase, moving forward, I suppose), so I suspect she will do very well there....
djm12652
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Just to be sure I remember correctly, isn't Sava standing on the left?
Sally
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
Sarah Power wearing dark, glasses, on left. Sava Lelcaj colorful dress, right.
Sally
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
For someone that lives a few blocks away it is great to learn some more about this place. Thanks AA.com. As one commenter pointed out, there are a few markets downtown (she also missed Sparrow), but for what it's worth I don't think Sava's/babo will be similar. She took the old Zanzibar and flipped it on its head with her concept; creating a beautiful space and energetic atmosphere, I assume she'll do the same with the market. Sparrow/Kerrytown is a little further away. White's gets forgotten and People's Coop is way too expensive. State street used to be very slow north of liberty but her restaurant has attracted life there. Good location for the market so I'm hoping it will create some buzz in that area as well. Also appreciate Sava's continued community support. It is very impressive to have someone young give back to the community and care about what we think because she certainly doesn't have to. I'm excited/surprised to see she'll be holding community forums event to get our opinions - never seen that before. Wish her all the best and look forward to checking the place out.
Dave LaFave
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Excited doesn't BEGIN to describe this.
Bear
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
Oh Dave, I'm sure they'll have plenty of bologna for you!
ordmad
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
@ Linda Diane Feldt: it's great that you point out this Sava's failure (and the article author's complicity in it) to include the availability of groceries elsewhere downtown. In doing so you commit the same siny by solely plugging the Co-Op, which I love. Perhaps this is no surprise given you are the president of the Co-Op's Board of Directors (something you should have disclosed). What your post should have included is a mention of the Kerrytown Shops which are just steps away from the Co-Op and, indeed, offer at least a wide (if not wider) selection of foods.
Linda Diane Feldt
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
IF you reread my post, you'll see I also mentioned White Market, this was not just a plug for the Co-op. You are right that Kerrytown combined offers an amazing shopping experience, as does the Farmer's Market. But no one of them is a grocery store similar to the soon to be three stores - Babo, White Market, and People's Food Co-op that I chose to focus on. Please note, my post does mention TWO long term businesses, not just the Co-op. A longer missive would have also celebrated Kerrytown and Farmer's Market, but would also have to include Zingerman's which carries some grocery items as well, and then there are so many other places downtown that carry a few items here and there. As for my affiliation, I'll be president of the board for a few more days. I did post using my full name so there was no secret in who was pointing this out. I considered mentioning the details of my PFC involvement, but decided not to. I'm not speaking as the board president, I'm not representing any PFC policy, and my post did indicate member-ownership. To what degree I am required to disclose affiliation and how that might sound like bragging or giving authority to my post that is undeserved is a constant question. I have no perfect answer. Using my full real name seems like the most important thing, so I do. The point that there are already lots of places downtown to buy a variety of grocery items is reinforced by your comments, and that seems like the important correction to the article.
Linda Diane Feldt
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
I certainly wish Lelcaj the best in this venture, Sava is a great place to eat and she does things well. Having more options for where to shop is likely to be a good thing for customers. And that is the problem with this article, where Sava claims there is no grocery store in downtown Ann Arbor. Please don't dismiss The People's Food Co-op so easily. The Co-op has over 7,000 member-owners, and of course you don't need to be a member to shop there. After more than 30 years in our prime downtown location near Kerrytown and The Farmer's Market, it would be misleading to claim to be the only downtown grocery. It has actually been 40 years now that The People's Food Co-op has maintained a downtown presence, offering convenience, healthy food, and pioneering the idea of local foods decades ago. PFC has also just recently started selling beer and wine. White Market also still exists on William, a little smaller but still a grocery store at heart. Ignoring this very long time business is also a bit bizarre. It has amazing longevity as well. It's great to welcome the newcomer to the area, but let's also celebrate and not forget two long term local businesses with two distinct styles that have been selling groceries downtown for a very long time.
A2K
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
Love the name! We called our gramps and gram "Mamoo/Baboo" (Armenian)...ah language :O)
GoblueBeatOSU
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.
Breakfast in bed! That is what every college kid needs. How did those poor college kids ever get along without this? I
DDOT1962
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 11:08 a.m.
"Warling said that despite competition for the space, the landlord was holding out for the market." Hmmm...you mean that space that's stayed empty since the opening of the building over 2 years ago? Exaggerate much? On the other hand, I wish Sava the best of luck. She's full of ideas and energy. That may turn out to be a tough area to draw business, though. It's a sort of no-man's-land where foot traffic dies off and the streets it sits on are more tributaries to the main byways and destinations.
Sally
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
"Warling said that despite competition for the space, the landlord was holding out for the market." Friedman (the previous owners of the building) had been sitting in bankruptcy since 411 was completed (or maybe even before that), not really a way to attract tenants to a building. 2 of the 3 spaces are now leased and I suspect that is due to new owners so it wouldn't be far fetched to say that there was competition to sign the space since it changed hands - Warling should added some context to his statements.