Grocery stores in Milwaukee’s northwest side are facing a critical challenge, as several major chains have shut down in recent months, heightening the local food crisis. Among those affected is Sentry grocery store owner Navjoot Sandhar, whose establishment near 92nd Street and Lisbon Avenue has seen a drastic decline in customer visits due to ongoing construction that blocks store entrances. This construction has cut his daily customer count from 900 to around 400, raising concerns among his clients about the potential closure of the store.
“Just because I have less product in the store, they all feel like I might be closing down,” Sandhar explained, expressing the anxiety shared by many local residents who depend on his grocery store. With decreased sales, Sandhar faces mounting challenges to sustain his business, which poses difficulties in maintaining necessary equipment and making repairs. “It’s not cheap to run a business like this, especially with property taxes going up,” he added.
In a bid to support struggling grocery stores, Sandhar secured a $25,000 grant from Milwaukee’s Retail Investment Fund, providing essential financial relief. “We’re doing everything we can to keep it open,” he said, acknowledging the precarious situation he is in.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson aims to leverage Sandhar’s experience to encourage other affected business owners to reach out for assistance. The mayor announced a new grant initiative through the Department of City Development, designed to support grocery stores requiring funds for equipment repairs and upgrades. Johnson emphasized the significance of keeping grocery stores operational, citing the critical role they play in community access to food. “The expenses to keep the store running, keep the refrigeration happening, those are big issues,” he remarked.
Alongside the grant program, Alderman Russell Stamper and Alderwoman Andrea Pratt introduced legislation that mandates grocery stores provide a 60-day notice before closing, allowing the city 30 days to collaborate with the business to explore viable options for keeping it open.
This series of efforts demonstrates a commitment to preserving essential food resources within the community during a time of crisis, reflecting hope and resilience amid adversity. With combined support from the city and the initiative for preventive measures, there is a potential path forward for impacted grocery stores and their customers in Milwaukee.