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Wyandotte County Approves New Downtown KCK Grocery Store
Santa Fe Grocers LLC to operate store at former MERC Co+op site with rent exemption and community commitments.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:52pm
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A new community-focused grocery store aims to revitalize downtown Kansas City, Kansas with affordable access and local engagement.Kansas City TodayThe Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas voted unanimously to approve a resolution allowing Santa Fe Grocers LLC to operate a new grocery store at the former site of the MERC Co+op in downtown KCK. The deal includes a rent exemption through 2027 and requires the operator to make community-focused commitments like affordability, hiring local residents, and hosting community events.
Why it matters
The closure of the MERC Co+op left a significant grocery void in downtown KCK, a neighborhood that has struggled with limited access to affordable, full-service grocery options. This new store aims to fill that gap and serve the community with a focus on affordability, local hiring, and community engagement.
The details
Under the agreement, Santa Fe Grocers will have an exclusive option to buy the building starting in the third year. As a condition of the sale, the operator must agree to continuously operate a full-service grocery store at the location for 10 years. The store will be required to operate daily from at least 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., accept EBT/SNAP benefits, implement affordability pricing strategies, and make 'best efforts' to hire residents from surrounding neighborhoods. Santa Fe Grocers plans to maximize the space by adding a full-service meat department and scratch bakery, while replacing alcohol sales with a larger dairy selection.
- The Unified Government voted 9-0 to approve the resolution on April 2, 2026.
- The rent exemption will be in effect through April 30, 2027.
The players
Santa Fe Grocers LLC
A grocery store operator that will be running the new store in downtown KCK.
Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas
The local government that approved the resolution to allow Santa Fe Grocers to operate the new grocery store.
Anthony Estrada
The founder of Santa Fe Grocers who plans to operate the new store in downtown KCK.
MERC Co+op
The previous grocery store that operated at the downtown KCK location before closing.
What they’re saying
“The key is for the store to be able to pay its own bills and just to continue to be a grocery store.”
— Anthony Estrada, Founder, Santa Fe Grocers
“Grocery stores can't be cookie cutters. You can't have the same format at every location.”
— Anthony Estrada, Founder, Santa Fe Grocers
“I do feel like the community is going to embrace us once they see that we're genuinely trying to support the community in every way and just be a part of their daily lives.”
— Anthony Estrada, Founder, Santa Fe Grocers
What’s next
The new Santa Fe Grocers store is expected to open in downtown KCK in the coming months after the rent exemption period begins on May 1, 2027.
The takeaway
This new grocery store represents a significant investment in revitalizing downtown KCK and providing residents with improved access to affordable, full-service grocery options. The operator's commitments to community engagement, local hiring, and affordability strategies aim to make this store a true neighborhood asset.
