After 33 years of dedicated ownership ended in July, Bolton Hill Grocery (BHG) has embarked on an exciting chapter under its new owners, Ajay Kumar Pradhan and his wife, Manisha. Hailing from Owings Mills, Ajay comes from a background in the private sector and has always harbored a passion for entrepreneurship. That passion led him on a search for the perfect venture—and it brought him to Bolton Hill Grocery.
Since taking over, Ajay and Manisha have been hard at work making Bolton Hill Grocery a brighter, more inviting space while staying true to the elements that locals know and love. The store has been spruced up, with enhanced lighting and a deep clean, making it feel fresher and more vibrant. In addition to the improvements, BHG has expanded its offerings. Customers can now find cleaning products, more food options, and even a small book section — a delightful addition for readers in the community. But rest assured, longtime favorites like the ice cream cooler and the extensive selection of beers and wines remain.
Perhaps the most exciting change is the store’s new pricing structure. AJ emphasizes, “We’ve reduced prices on everything, even on wines and liquors. Every bottle is now three to four dollars cheaper.” This change reflects Ajay’s commitment to making BHG a go-to spot for affordable, quality goods. Bolton Hill Grocery is one of only a few food markets in the city able to sell alcohol, grandfathered under a law passed in the 1970s.
As summer approaches and the Bolton Hill Pool reopens, Ajay hopes to see even more foot traffic at the store. His ultimate goal? “To satisfy the customer first,” he says. It’s clear that customer service and community connection are at the heart of his vision for the Bolton Hill Grocery.
Located at 1111 Park Ave on the ground floor of ReNew apartments, Bolton Hill Grocery is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick snack, a bottle of wine, or to check out the new book section, Ajay and Manisha invite you to come by and support this neighborhood small business.
–La Benn