Optimistic operator discusses plans to reopen Linwood shopping center grocery store, focusing on security
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
A problematic city-owned grocery store is getting ready to reopen in Kansas City’s Linwood Shopping Center near 31st and Prospect.
The Sun Fresh Market closed there last August following operator complaints about a lack of security. Millions of tax dollars have been invested in the area, including the grocery store.
New operator Anthony Estrada said he’s repeatedly heard how important it is to the neighborhood.
“A lot of people can’t travel and they want a one-stop place where they can buy everything they need,” he said.
Estrada has reached out to get community input on what residents want and how the grocery store can be successful.
“I would say it has to be a commitment from everyone. You know, it has to be a community commitment. It is a city-owned store,” he said.
One challenge is security. The previous operator is currently suing the city, claiming the government provided inadequate safety.
One way Estrada may address that issue is with a free store membership following a yet-to-be-determined grace period to join.
He believes membership will give customers a sense of pride and ownership.
“They’ll try to keep the store a little bit cleaner. We also feel just having people’s information will be valuable to us. And we’ll be able to offer special discounts for people and coupons on that membership,” Estrada said.
“I think in a lot of spaces right now, you’re seeing this membership model for security and safety and frankly predictability as well,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “If you know that you will have a good number of customers, but you also know that they’re spending at a certain level, you know that they’re not causing problems.”
Estrada plans to open the grocery store with the new name “United Market.”
With 35 years in the grocery business, including a history of successfully opening stores, Estrada is also a part-time Roeland Park Police officer.
“I feel like I’m going to look through a different lens when I operate the store, where security is going to be on the top of my agenda every single day,” he said.
Outside, the Sun Fresh Market sign has been removed. The target date for United Market to open is May 13.
City leaders have invested $1.5 million to reopen the grocery store.
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