Save A Lot operators take over former Whole Foods location on Chicago’s South Side

Save A Lot operator Yellow Banana has assumed the lease for a now-shuttered Whole Foods Market on Chicago's South Side, according to local reports.

The company gained access to the building at 832 W. 63rd St. on Sunday, according to Block Club Chicago. 

Yellow Banana plans to partner with an undisclosed grocery wholesaler that will be responsible for “putting the food on the shelves,” said Yellow Banana co-owner Michael Nance. In addition, South Side businesses will run a hot food bar, bakery and coffee and juice bar, Nance said. 

The former Whole Foods Market location closed in November after six years. It had served as a full-service grocery store in a community that is considered a food desert. Whole Foods received backlash from city officials when it decided to close the store.

“Amazon's (owner of Whole Foods) decision to close stores in Englewood and Lincoln Park as part of a nationwide closure of stores is obviously disappointing,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement in April. "Having been in both of those stores many times over the years, I saw first-hand how those workers gave their heart and soul to make the stores a success. Together with both communities and local elected leaders, my administration will work to repurpose these locations in a way that continues to serve the community and support the surrounding businesses. We as a city will continue to work hard to close food deserts that meet community needs with community at the table.”

Minority-owned company Yellow Banana received a $13.5 million community investment grant this summer to be used to invest in food deserts in communities on the South and West Sides of Chicago. The company plans to renovate and reopen six Save A Lot locations in Auburn Gresham, West Garfield Park, Morgan Park, South Chicago, South Shore and West Lawn.

Yellow Banana operates 38 Save A Lot locations across the Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Dallas, and Jacksonville, Florida, areas. Save A Lot has more than 850 stores in 32 states.