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Downtown Sault Ste. Marie Supermarket Remains Open During Permit Dispute
Owner working with city to bring new grocery store into compliance after conversion from former bar
Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:25pm
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A new downtown supermarket provides an affordable grocery option for the community, despite the challenges of converting an older commercial space.Sault Ste. Marie TodayThe owner of a new downtown supermarket in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan says he is working with city staff to bring the business into compliance after opening in the former space of a closed bar. The city had previously threatened fines if the necessary permits were not obtained for the construction work to convert the space, but is allowing the store to remain open while the owner submits new architectural plans and applies for a change of use permit.
Why it matters
The new supermarket is providing an affordable grocery option for downtown residents, including senior citizens living in nearby apartments, after the closure of the previous bar during the pandemic. The permit dispute highlights the challenges small business owners can face when converting commercial spaces, especially in older buildings that require accessibility upgrades.
The details
Khuram Aftab, the owner of the Sault Ste. Marie Super Market, says he paid the city for previous architectural drawings of the 100-year-old building at 602 Bay Street and is now working with an engineer to submit a new change of use application. In the meantime, the city is allowing the store to remain open as Aftab works through the necessary compliance steps. Aftab also owns another market, R.J.'s, on the city's west side that recently reopened after roof issues.
- The Sault Ste. Marie Super Market opened in December 2025 in the former space of the New American Pub.
- In January 2026, the city threatened to fine the retailer unless he submitted permits for the construction work to convert the bar into a grocery store.
- As of April 6, 2026, the city is allowing the supermarket to remain open while Aftab works with staff to bring the business into compliance.
The players
Khuram Aftab
The owner of the Sault Ste. Marie Super Market, who also owns another market called R.J.'s on the city's west side.
Sault Ste. Marie Super Market
A new downtown grocery store that opened in December 2025 in the former space of the New American Pub.
What they’re saying
“We just wanted to create something very affordable.”
— Khuram Aftab, Owner, Sault Ste. Marie Super Market
What’s next
Aftab is working with an engineer to submit a new change of use application to the city, which will allow the supermarket to remain open while the necessary compliance steps are completed.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges small business owners can face when converting commercial spaces, especially in older buildings that require accessibility upgrades. However, the city's willingness to work with the owner and allow the supermarket to remain open during the permit process demonstrates a pragmatic approach to supporting a new community-serving business.
