"If the store were to close, it would be a real concern," he said. "There are 45,000 people who live in the neighborhoods of Central Square."

But the sale of Purity Supreme to Stop and Shop may also benefit the neighborhood, he said.

"There could be a reconfigured grocery store with more square footage," Boulrice said. "If Stop and Shop for whatever reason does not wish to operate this store, then perhaps they could rent the space to independent management who would."

And independent groups have expressed interest in opening a grocery store in Central Square, Malenfant said.

Luis Soto, a partner in the Selmac Corporation, which operates the America's Food Basket market in Dorchester, said his group is extremely interested in opening a store in Cambridge.

"I think there's a great need in Cambridge for our type of operation," he said. "We bring a lot of things with us to the community, including jobs."

Soto said he hopes to open a 20,000 to 25,000 square foot market selling both general groceries and special ethnic foods.

"We serve the Spanish community, the Haitians and the Portuguese," he said. "We carry ethnic goods from the Carribean."

Soto said he believes his style of management would benefit the Central Square neighborhood.

"We know the community, and we know the culture," he said. "The chains are too big to address the needs of the community."

And Malenfant said the primary desire of Central Square residents is a competitively-priced, full-service market.

"Purity is often very crowded, and nobody can work in there," she said. "A 20,000 square foot grocery store is a good size and would be an improvement."