Is South Rockford Getting New Grocery Store On Kishwaukee Street?

The former Dollar General near Kishwaukee and Broadway on Rockford's south side might be getting a new tenant!

I've lived in downtown Rockford for five years and I've heard rumors about a grocery store forever.  Every year, there's always talk online that we need one around the area.  Finally, it's spoken into reality.

The property owner of the location, 1405 Kishwaukee St, is aiming for 2025 to start renovations on the grocery store, Rancho Supermarket.

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Thanks to the help of a state grant program, it's intended to provide incentive for "developers to open grocery stores in food deserts."

According to a source, Rancho Supermarket will be given $2.1 million to cover the full renovation of the grocery store.

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While there are many interested in receiving the state funding, Rancho Supermarket is one of just two grocers to get the state funding.

"Applications for a second round of funding, with grants ranging between $150,000 and $2.4 million, is open until Dec. 2 through the state’s New Stores in Food Deserts Program." [RRC]

I'm excited for this grocery store because it'll be convenient for residents on Rockford's south side to get better food options without having to travel across town to run errands.  I've seen a come-up on the south side this year, how exciting that a grocery store will make a really positive impact!