WORCESTER—In a city where recent supermarket closures have left many residents with fewer options for fresh, affordable food, the opening of Seabra Foods on Pleasant Street is restoring a vital source of access.
When the store opened its doors last month, a line of shoppers stretched down the block despite the rain, eager to explore the Portuguese-Brazilian chain’s mix of international offerings and everyday staples.
Founded in 1967 by Portuguese immigrants in New Jersey, Seabra Foods has grown from a single store into a successful chain known for blending international offerings with conventional grocery needs. The decision to expand to Worcester was strategic, according to store manager Daniele Barros.
“Worcester has long been recognized as one of the most culturally diverse and rapidly growing cities in Massachusetts,” Barros said. “We chose Pleasant Street because it reflects exactly what our brand stands for: community, culture, and accessibility. Pleasant Street is not only centrally located but also deeply rooted in the everyday lives of local residents.”
The new store, situated across from Bahnan’s bakery and market, helps fill a crucial gap in food accessibility for nearby residents.
“Anyone who shops at Seabra Foods would have no problem finding fresh, nutritious foods,” said Worcester resident Maureen Schwab, who recently visited. “Plenty of fruits and vegetables are available as well as meat from the butcher shop. Bakery, dairy and grocery items are also available. It appears that the grocery store shares the space with an eat-in deli that serves hot food. The deli is casual, spacious and inviting.”
Barros said the store’s commitment to serving the community goes beyond just its shelves, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups—especially low-income families and the elderly—through competitive pricing on essentials, weekly specials, and affordable, culturally relevant foods.
“Our approach includes offering competitive pricing on essential items, weekly specials, and culturally relevant products that are both affordable and nutritious,” she added. “We also accept SNAP benefits at our Worcester location.”
Looking ahead, Seabra Foods plans to expand its services in Worcester, noting that convenience is just as important.
“We’re actively working to expand services that meet those expectations,” Barros said. “At several of our existing locations, we already offer online ordering and delivery through platforms like Instacart, and DoorDash — and we plan to introduce these options in Worcester in the near future.”
Barros shared with the Guardian that there are currently plans to begin construction on a new location in Framingham and that they are “certainly open to the idea of new locations within Worcester and Central Massachusetts. We are constantly looking for new opportunities for expansion.”
The store’s arrival in Worcester may also contribute to broader community changes. As Schwab points out, “I am hoping that this store will encourage people who live within walking distance to leave cars at home and walk. Millbury Street in the 1950s and ’60s was a great place to shop. Not everyone had a car back then, and many people walked to shop for groceries and other necessities.”
While Seabra Foods is known for its Portuguese and Brazilian selections, Barros is quick to highlight the store’s broader appeal.
“We pride ourselves on stocking products that are culturally specific to the community each store is located in,” she said. “Here in Worcester, we will be carrying not only Brazilian/Portuguese products but also products from various other Latino countries as well as Caribbean products.”
Matt Olszewski can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
