Sendik's In Near West Side

For years, the Near West Side was scrounging for a grocery store. Recognizing the need, Near West Side Partners, Inc. collaborated with Marquette University to launch the Near West Side Grocery Challenge in January of this year. Just eight months later, Sendik’s Fresh2GO opened on 16th Street on Marquette’s campus. Here’s a closer look at the positive impact Sendik’s has made on the Near West Side!

Ted and Margaret Balistreri, owners of Sendik's, cut the ribbon while standing alongside NWSP Executive Director Keith Stanley and Marquette University President Mike Lovell. Photo courtesy of Marquette University.

Since students have come back to Marquette’s campus in August, Sendik’s has been buzzing with activity. Students and Near West Side residents now have healthy produce readily available at this convenient one-stop-shop. “Our residents have been clamoring for fresh food options for years,” said NWSP Executive Director Keith Stanley, who was an integral part of bringing Sendik’s to the Near West Side. “In an era where fast food is king, fresh food is the key in helping our neighbors thrive.”

Marquette senior McKenzie Bagley peruses Sendik’s veggies for the perfect bell pepper.

McKenzie Bagley, a senior at Marquette, is thrilled to have fresh fruits and vegetables within walking distance from her university apartment. Because of the Sendik’s, McKenzie can cook several healthy meals a week that keep her full and focused on her classes. “I love to make chicken fajitas with sautéed bell peppers for dinner, and apples with peanut butter are my favorite snack,” McKenzie said. “If I run out in the middle of the week, Sendik’s is right around the corner!"

Sendik’s has something for everyone- even the pickiest of eaters!

Students looking for a quick meal also stop by the salad bar. Stocked with everything from pasta salad to snap peas, customers always find something wholesome to snack on. Nearby, shoppers can pick up some fresh sushi or watch as a chef makes it right in front of them! In the mood for something sweet instead? Sendik’s shelves are teeming with delicious fruit!

Like most students, Kelsie pops into Sendik’s at least once a week.

Sendik’s also offers a variety of pre-made meals too- perfect for busy students like Kelsie Lamb, a junior in the College of Education. “On Mondays, I have student-teaching, three classes, and I tutor. I don’t have time to cook anything, so I stop by Sendik’s and grab some chicken tenders and restock on orange juice.”

Sendik’s is doing more than just providing students healthy and convenient grocery shopping. As a business in the Near West Side, Sendik’s also contributes to Business Improvement District 10, a program that helps fund neighborhood improvement projects in the Near West Side. With every check-out, Sendik’s is reinvesting in their neighborhood!

Sendik’s has everything students could need for a balanced meal.

In just eight months, Sendik’s Fresh2Go has already made a huge impact in the lives of Marquette students and Near West Side residents. NWSP is thrilled to see Sendik’s feed the Milwaukee community!

What’s your favorite item to pick-up at Sendik’s? Let us know in the comments below!