The actor will team up with business partner James Hatchett and childhood friend Troy Henry to unveil a range of stores called Sterling Farms in his native New Orleans, Louisiana this summer.

The grocery will feature a deli, bakery, and fish counter and also offer a free shuttle to low-income shoppers, who may not have a car.

And Pierce, who has taken time out of his career to help rebuild the area, is proud of his new venture because markets have been slow to return to the city after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina back in 2005.

He tells the New York Times, ""Bringing fresh food into these areas helps create economic growth. But it also helps people understand that there's value in eating better. It's not something that's only available in better neighbourhoods.""

In December, the trio opened local convenience store chain Sterling Express, which offers imperishable items.