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Macomb, IL – It's been years since a grocery store was available to shoppers on Macomb's west side. But that could soon change - thanks to some help from the city.
Aldermen agreed to loan up to $97,400 to Terry and Mary Helen Sparrow. The couple will use the money to start Jackson Street Market. The grocery store will be located at 1601 West Jackson Street, across the road from The Crossing (which is in the building that once housed Thompson's Food Basket, the last grocery store on the city's west side).
Terry Sparrow told aldermen his business should offer everything larger grocery stores do, just less of it.
"You know, if you want green beans, we're gonna have green beans but it might not be five different brands. It'll be two or three different," Sparrow said.
Sparrow said Jackson Street Market will be the size of a grocery store you might find in a smaller community. The store will occupy 7,800 square feet in the space once used by Brenner's Furniture. More paved parking will be added.
Sparrow said it will be a full service store that will specialize in select meats, fresh produce, and alcoholic beverages.
Third Ward Alderman Lou Gilbert said, "I really think it's going to be a tough sell. But I think it's something we need on that side of town. I'd really like to see you succeed."
The total start-up cost is an estimated $400,726. The Sparrows also hope to borrow money from the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation and Prairie Hills Resource Conservation & Development.