New York City is home to over 12,000 bodegas, iconic establishments offering a wide range of products, including snacks, household items, and even the occasional "Bodega Cat" sighting. While deeply rooted in NYC's culture, bodegas face significant challenges in this era of urbanization, rising rents, evolving retail landscapes, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences toward healthier food options. To survive and thrive in the city, bodegas must reinvent themselves by creating more healthy, profitable, and sustainable stores.

Progress Playbook partnered with the NYC Department of Small Business Services, Citi Community Development, and City Harvest to develop the Bodega 2.0 program. Built upon the Bodega 2.0 toolkit, this transformative initiative guides bodega owners through a series of assessments to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on the results, owners are matched with food retail experts who provide personalized guidance to make strategic upgrades in inventory management, operational efficiencies, and in-store experiences. Additionally, the program includes three workshops designed to benefit general food retailers throughout NYC, empowering them to operate more effectively in the challenging business environment.

Bodega 2.0 has generated remarkable outcomes for participating bodega owners. Through targeted assessments and expert guidance, owners have gained invaluable insights and tools to revitalize their stores. Implementing recommended improvements in inventory management, operations, and customer experiences, bodegas have witnessed enhanced profitability, increased customer satisfaction, and improved sustainability. The program's comprehensive workshops have also benefitted food retailers citywide, equipping them with valuable knowledge and practical strategies to navigate the evolving marketplace.