Sault Ste. Marie Grocery Store Forced to Close Over Renovation Costs

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A recently opened neighborhood grocery store in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will be forced to close on February 5th if the owner cannot make costly renovations to the former bar space. The city is enforcing provincial building codes that require an accessible entrance and other changes the owner says he cannot afford, despite doing minimal work to convert the space.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges small business owners can face when trying to open new ventures, even in spaces that are zoned for retail use. The strict enforcement of accessibility and building code requirements, even for minimal renovations, can price out entrepreneurs and limit the availability of local grocery options in urban neighborhoods.

The details

Khuram Aftab, who goes by the name Sam, purchased the former New American Pub building in 2021 and spent money renovating 11 apartments on the upper floors. He then opened a small convenience store called the Sault Ste. Marie Super Market in the former bar space in mid-December 2025. However, city building officials soon visited and told Aftab he needed to submit permits and make costly accessibility upgrades, including creating a new accessible entrance, despite him doing minimal work to convert the space. Aftab says the $10,000 in architect fees and additional accessibility costs are prohibitive, and he has made the difficult decision to close the store on February 5th to avoid heavy fines from the city.

• The Sault Ste. Marie Super Market opened in mid-December 2025.
• City building officials visited the store less than a week after it opened.
• The store will be forced to close on February 5, 2026 if the owner cannot make the required renovations.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The city has threatened to forcibly close the store and issue heavy fines if the owner does not shut it down by February 6th.