You’ve probably seen the sign on Fourth Avenue. It's a relic. Coraopolis Cash Market has been the literal heart of Coraopolis, PA, for over seven decades. But honestly, if you’re looking for a shiny, sterile Wegmans experience, you’re in the wrong place. This is a "boots on the ground" neighborhood grocery store. It’s got history. It’s got grit. And lately, it’s had its fair share of drama.
Founded way back in 1952 by Albert Mancini, the market started with just three aisles. Imagine that. A tiny footprint in a booming river town. For sixty-nine years, the Mancini family—Jim, Trude, and the rest of the crew—ran the show. They were the ones who knew your name and exactly how you liked your ham sliced.
Then came 2021.
The Mancinis decided it was time to retire. The community panicked. People were legitimately worried that the town would become a food desert. But the store didn't close; it transitioned. New owners, KASS Enterprise, LLC, stepped in with big promises to keep the staff and the traditions alive.
Why the Local Vibe Actually Matters
In a world of self-checkout kiosks that yell at you for an "unexpected item in the bagging area," Coraopolis Cash Market is a throwback.
It’s small.
It’s cramped.
It smells like a real deli.
People don't just go there for milk; they go because it's the only place within walking distance for many residents in the borough. Coraopolis is a unique spot where 21% of the population is over 65. For them, this market isn't a "lifestyle choice"—it's a lifeline.
You’ve got to appreciate the meat counter. Seriously. This isn't pre-packaged, gas-flushed plastic trays. You can ask for two-inch thick pork chops, and they won't look at you like you're crazy. Most big-box stores won't even touch a custom cut like that anymore.
The Elephant in the Room: Those Health Inspections
We have to be real here. If you’ve been following the news in 2024 and 2025, you know the market hit some major turbulence. In July 2024, the Allegheny County Health Department dropped a hammer of a report.
We’re talking about 350 pounds of raw meat being tossed.
The violations were pretty startling:
- A roof leak covered by foil in the dairy room.
- Expired baby formula and cheese that was—get this—a year past its date.
- "Oxidized" salami and black mold in display cases.
It was a mess. A consumer alert was posted. For a while, the community's trust was basically in the gutter. It’s a classic story of a legendary local business struggling to keep up with aging infrastructure. The building at 1017 4th Ave dates back to 1900. When you’re running a grocery store in a 125-year-old shell, things break. Roofs leak. Pipes fail.
The 2026 Reality
Walking into the store today, you'll see a business trying to find its footing again. The consumer alerts from the past year forced some much-needed changes. You’ll notice more focus on cleaning and (hopefully) no more foil-lined ceilings.
KASS Enterprise has been trying to modernize, even seeking a liquor license transfer to sell beer and wine—a move that’s become standard for PA grocers trying to stay afloat. They’re competing against Giant Eagle in Moon and the new "international" spots popping up, like Nation Style Grocery on Fifth Avenue.
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It’s a tough gig.
The market has about 10,891 square feet of space. That’s tiny compared to a modern supermarket but huge for a downtown storefront. Interestingly, as of late 2025 and early 2026, the property has been popping up on commercial real estate listings like LoopNet. This suggests the "turnkey" grocery store might be looking for its next chapter—or a new partner to help manage the overhead.
What You Should Actually Buy There
If you're stopping in, stick to the strengths.
- The Deli: Their gift baskets and party trays are still a local staple for a reason.
- Custom Cuts: Talk to the butcher. If they’re on their game, you’ll get better service than at a chain.
- Weekly Specials: They still post deals on their Facebook page that often beat the big guys on basic staples.
Coraopolis is changing. There’s a van conversion company moving into the old Rite Aid across the street because the borough couldn't find another pharmacy or grocer to take that space. This makes the survival of the Cash Market even more critical. If this place goes, a huge chunk of the town’s history—and its easiest access to fresh food—goes with it.
It isn't perfect. It's had a rough few years with the health department. But it’s also a place where the person behind the counter actually lives in your zip code.
Your Next Steps:
If you want to support the local economy, skip the big-box store this week and grab your meat and deli items at the Coraopolis Cash Market. Check their Facebook page before you go to see the current specials, and if you’re a local business owner, keep an eye on the 1017 4th Ave real estate listings—the future of this community hub is still being written.