Sendik's Plans Small-Format Urban Store

Wisconsin-based grocer Sendik's Food Markets plans to open a small-format store near Marquette University (MU) in downtown Milwaukee.

The 4,800-square-foot store, to be located in an apartment and retail building at 16th and Wells streets, will be similar to the Fresh2Go stores operatedby Sendik's, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

In addition to healthy snacks, single-serve meals and fresh produce, the new store will include Sendik’s Express, the retailer's online ordering and curbside pickup service, according to the Journal Sentinel.

Expected to open during the 2017-18 academic year, the store will be staffed by about 20 employees, possibly including Marquette students.

“Sendik’s arrival in our neighborhood means that our current food desert will soon have a fresh food oasis,” MU President Michael Lovell told the Journal Sentinel.

Ted Balistreri, family co-owner of Sendik’s, called the project an “exciting collaboration ... that share[s] a combined vision of innovation and growth.”

Sendik's operates 18 stores throughout the Milwaukee metro area, including 15 supermarkets and three Fresh2Go small-format groceries.