Even though Detroit has been successful with housing growth and attracting people who want to experience urban living, the lack of full-service grocery stores downtown remains a problem in terms of the city's quality of life. According to Kami Pothukuchi, professor in the Department of Geography and Urban Planning, people associate chain grocery stores with a certain quality of life or a sense that they have arrived. Her research examines the links between food and community and economic development. "There is a sense that chains will be somehow more responsive," she said. "It is possible to have stores that are well-lit, have good products, good service and treat their customers with respect. We may not have enough in Detroit , but we have a good starting place."