After seeing consistent growth since converting a former hardware store into a Hispanic grocery store on 
Milwaukee’s south side five years ago, Robert Montemayor, owner of Monterrey Market, is seeking a loan from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. to expand.
Montemayor is planning to purchase the property at 3101 S. 13th St., which is currently a Mi Super Foods, for additional storage and to build a commercial kitchen.
Montemayor hopes to close on the property by the end of the month. He said Mi Super Foods has a second location at 2200 S 13th St. and plans to consolidate its businesses.
The property would also allow Montemayor to expand its private brand offerings at Monterrey Market, 3014 South 13th St., as well as the store’s catering business, according to loan documents.
Monterrey Market opened in April 2010 with 14 employees. Today, the store has 36Â employees.
Montemayor contributes his store’s success to good customer service.
“It’s a family-owned business and we look at our employees as family as well,” he said. “My wife and I are in there day to day, cashiering, cleaning the produce, putting away our inventory. The only thing I won’t do is butcher.”
MEDC’s Loan and Finance Committee will consider the $380,000 loan request at its Tuesday meeting.
