King’s Fresh Market Group LLC is applying for a $140,000 Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. loan to purchase a vacant former restaurant from the city to turn the building into a neighborhood grocery store on Milwaukee’s north side.
In September, the group stepped forward to buy the 6,864-square-foot former Stella’s restaurant (and a Ponderosa Steakhouse before that) at 2730 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Bruce Martin, managing member of the group who is a real estate investor and former principal of Lena’s Food Market, would not comment on the progress of the grocery store.
“It’s happening, but there is nothing I can speak of at this point,” Martin said.
According to a loan application with the MEDC, the store would offer traditional dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables and a deli with prepared hot foods with a focus on African American cuisine.
The store would employ six full-time people and 10 part-time people within the next two years.
The MEDC’s loan and finance committee will decide on the request Tuesday.
