The new Save A Lot owners, Yellow Banana, joined 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin to speak to community members. They relayed their plans for renovations and improvements for the West Garfield location to those at the meeting on May 9, 2023. In addition, they also listened to the community’s fears and concerns about the products sold at Save A Lot.
Residents joined the alderman and grocery store owners on Tuesday at St. Michael MB Church — 4106 W. Monroe Street — at 6:30 p.m.
One Save A Lot Owner Speaks
Yellow Banana co-founder, Michael Nance, spoke to the community about how he can understand their concerns to have quality produce available at reasonable prices. He told the audience a bit about his childhood. Explained how his mother had to provide food for his whole family on just his father’s paycheck. His father worked as a janitor at that time. Nance explained how he fully understood the struggle individuals face. Especially, trying to make their dollars stretch while providing healthy food for their households.
“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine your access to high-quality and affordable nutrition,” Nance stated. He explained this was the reason his company wants to provide the community with a grocery store they could be proud of.
Yellow Banana wants to provide people with stores that are easily accessible. Where residents can buy their groceries, including fresh produce, without worrying about the quality of the food, the store’s foundation, or what type of experience they may have.
Back Story of Yellow Banana
Yellow Banana is owned by 127 Wall co-founders Michael Nance, Ademola Adewale-Sadik, Walker Brumskine, and Joseph Canfield. Nance, Adewale-Sadik, and Brumskine met while earning their Juris Doctor (JD) degrees at Yale Law School. Brumskine and Adewale-Sadik also earned MBAs (master of business administration) from Harvard Business School.
When they first started their grocery store business in 2021, the co-founders had about 32 buildings. Now, they have almost 40 stores in Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Jacksonville, and Dallas. Their goal is to be a partner of choice for municipalities working to find solutions to food insecurity across the United States.
Revampment of Save A Lot Stores
In March, the owner and operator of eight Save A Lot Locations in Chicago announced the closing of a $26.5 million investment. Furthermore, this major investment was made into grocery stores on the South and West sides of Chicago.
The city awarded Yellow Banana $13.5 million in a grant in July 2022. Moreover, the company was able to “attract an additional $13 million to add to the grant,” stated Canfield.
The first location set to see a complete remodel is the Pulaski store. The Pulaski Save A Lot will have a new roof, all-new refrigeration, and floors. “It’s going to be an all-new store minus the four walls and foundation,” stated Canfield. Afterward, they will revamp the other locations they own.
Additionally, it will have on-site security with new security cameras and specialty carts for older people and customers with disabilities. Canfield also said the Save A Lot store will have new signs and decor. Yellow Banana is hoping to be able to put in polished concrete floors, however, this is not decided yet. If not, they may look into high-end tiles, stated Canfield.
Alderman Ervin and Yellow Banana’s Mission
During the meeting, Alderman Ervin stated, “We want to make sure this area does not become a food desert.” Furthermore, the city will be making “a significant investment trying to keep grocery stores in Garfield Park.”
“The people should hold them accountable with the level of service and quality of goods in the store,” added the 28th Ward Alderman.
“We look forward to providing residents on Chicago’s South and West sides with a repositioned, quality grocery experience,” stated Nance. Yellow Banana is “eager,” to engage with the city’s West and South sides as they “determine the appropriate offerings for these locations.”
They committed the company “to reshape the in-store experience for Save-A-Lot customers throughout the city’s South and West sides.”
“The enhancements underway will ensure Chicagoans can continue to access fresh foods and quality brands at affordable prices for many years to come,” explained the Save A Lot owners.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Community Meeting: May 9, 2023
Supermarket News: Yellow Banana closes $26.5M deal for upgrades at Chicago grocery stores
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Mike Mozart’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Paul Sableman‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
