SAN LUIS — After numerous delays over the last several years, the San Luis Peoples Market may be opening soon. 

In 2022, the Acequia Institute, led by Devon Pena purchased the historic R&R Market and renamed it the San Luis Peoples Market. Since that time, the plethora of renovations needed at the market has pushed back the opening several times. 

Founded in 1857, the R&R was one of the longest-operating businesses in Colorado before being mothballed for renovations. 

In a statement on February 11, Pena said, "We are finally in the last steps for the reopening of the San Luis Peoples Market (formerly R&R Market). One critical last step involves an out-of-state vendor installing our new point-of-sale system. This is now scheduled with installation and training on March 3-6. We will be reopening as soon as the POS system is in place. 

"We are calling this a ‘soft’ opening because not all the services we will offer will be up and running. You can count on: (1) a full-service Meat Department and (2) New Rotisserie and Deli Service; (3) Fresh Produce with a huge variety of fresh organic and conventional fruits, vegetables, pulses, legumes, and grains; (4) a new Bulk Foods Section featuring locally-produced foods like chicos, bolitas, habas, and our line of dried fruits, potato and beet chips, and much more; and (5) a New Office for our check-cashing services, Lotto sales, and eventually, Hunting and Fishing Licenses. 

"The San Luis Peoples Market Annex at 303 Vega will continue our commercial kitchen operations, cooking classes, cultural programs, and food pantry events. 

"Finally, we are pleased to report that we are in our 18th week of training for the conversion of the Market into an Article 58 employee-owned community food cooperative. There will be three types of coop members -- worker-owners, customers, and investors; details on this work will follow shortly. You will not have to be a coop member to shop with us. Support your local coops. It is our heritage and means to flourish together." 

The Valley Courier will have news of an opening date for the market when it is known.