Missouri has another entry in the list of grocery chains closing stores across the U.S. in 2026. KC Sun Fresh at The Shops on Blue Parkway permanently closed October 25, ending a six-year effort to keep a full-service grocery store in this part of east Kansas City.
Community Builders of Kansas City, the nonprofit that owns the shopping center and operated the supermarket, said declining sales, economic pressures and rising operating costs made the store unsustainable despite years of financial support.
A six-year grocery effort comes to an end
The store at 4209 E. 50th Terrace was not simply another lease in a shopping center. Community Builders became its owner and operator in June 2020 after the previous operator retired. The organization said it stepped in during the pandemic to keep groceries and jobs close to home for East Side residents…