Kansas City, MO, January 17, 2026

Kansas City officials have announced the selection of United Market KC, LLC to operate the former Sun Fresh Market on Prospect Avenue, revitalizing an area in need of fresh food options. This decision marks a significant step towards addressing the food desert challenge and fostering local economic growth in the community. The anticipated opening of the market aims to improve access to essential services while contributing to job creation and neighborhood revitalization.

Kansas City Welcomes New Vision for Prospect Avenue Market

Kansas City, MO – A renewed sense of optimism is emerging on Prospect Avenue as city officials announce the selection of a new operator for the former Sun Fresh Market. This crucial development promises to bring essential services and economic vitality back to a neighborhood that has long sought consistent access to fresh, healthy food options.

The decision to entrust United Market KC, LLC with the operation of the grocery store at 3110 Prospect Avenue, situated within the Linwood Shopping Center, marks a significant step forward for the community. This move highlights Kansas City’s commitment to fostering a resilient local economy through strategic partnerships and a focus on essential services for its residents, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit needed to revitalize key urban corridors. This initiative reflects a broader effort to support small-business resilience and community well-being in the heart of Kansas City, MO.

A Fresh Start for a Vital Community Hub

Kansas City officials formally selected United Market KC, LLC to operate the former Sun Fresh Market on Prospect Avenue on January 16, 2026. This selection follows a period of vacancy after the previous operator closed its doors in August 2025. The city’s focus during the selection process centered on operational experience, financial sustainability, and community alignment, ensuring the chosen operator would be a strong fit for the location and its residents.

United Market KC is an affiliate of Associated Wholesale Grocers, which is one of the largest grocery cooperatives in the United States, supplying 800 stores across 15 states. This affiliation brings substantial operational expertise and a robust supply chain to the Prospect Avenue location, critical components for long-term success in the competitive grocery market.

Addressing a Long-Standing Need: The Food Desert Challenge

The closure of the previous grocery store left the surrounding neighborhoods, primarily characterized by low-income and majority Black populations, without a full-service grocery option. These areas are often classified as “food deserts,” defined by limited access to affordable, nutritious food due to factors like low income, lack of transportation, and distance to large grocery stores. The presence of a full-service grocery store is vital for community health, economic stability, and local job creation.

Kansas City has historically grappled with the challenge of food deserts, with efforts dating back to 2016 when the city invested approximately $17 million to acquire and redevelop the Linwood Shopping Center to bring a grocery store to the area. The city purchased the Linwood Shopping Center in 2016 and spent about $17 million to revitalize it. This significant investment underscores the community’s persistent need and the city’s commitment to ensuring residents have access to healthy food choices.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Economic Growth

The selection of United Market KC, LLC for this location emphasizes the critical role of private enterprise in solving community challenges. While city investment has been substantial, the success of such ventures often hinges on the innovative and resilient spirit of the operators. United Market KC’s extensive operational experience in community-focused grocery in the Kansas City region positions it as a promising force for local economic growth and job opportunities.

Grocery stores serve as anchors for communities, providing not only essential goods but also jobs and a tax base, functioning as a community hub. The reopening of this market is expected to have a ripple effect, drawing traffic to other businesses in the Linwood Shopping Center and fostering a more vibrant local economy.

The Path Forward: Collaboration and Community Impact

The ordinance authorizing the lease agreement for United Market KC is expected to be heard by the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee on January 27, with a goal of opening the store by mid-April 2026, if approved by the committee and full Council. This timeline reflects a deliberate process to ensure the long-term stability and success of this privately-operated grocery store and the entire Prospect corridor.

This initiative aligns with broader Kansas City, MO business strategies focused on nurturing the growth of small businesses and startups through diverse financial support options and efficient application processes. Programs such as the KC Small Business Capital Programs and Resiliency Grant Programs underscore the city’s commitment to fostering a resilient and vibrant small business community. By empowering Missouri MO entrepreneurs and facilitating private sector involvement, Kansas City aims to drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately creating a stronger, more self-sufficient community.

Conclusion

The selection of United Market KC, LLC to operate the grocery store on Prospect Avenue represents a significant forward step for Kansas City’s East Side. It is a testament to the power of targeted local investment combined with the dynamism of private enterprise to address critical community needs. This endeavor holds the promise of not only providing fresh, healthy food access but also serving as a catalyst for sustained Kansas City small business growth, job creation, and overall neighborhood revitalization. Residents are encouraged to support this new venture and actively engage in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Kansas City’s economic future.

Key Features of the New Prospect Avenue Market Initiative

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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.