Marquette University is thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to its campus and the surrounding Avenues West neighborhood. A brand-new Sendik’s Food Market is opening its doors right in the heart of the university grounds, promising to transform the local food landscape and provide unparalleled convenience for students, faculty, staff, and residents alike.
President Michael R. Lovell of Marquette University emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “Since my early days at Marquette, addressing the need for a high-quality grocer in our community has been a top priority for students and our Near West Side partners.” This initiative directly responds to the area’s status as a food desert, with President Lovell optimistically adding, “Sendik’s, with their remarkable 90-year history in Milwaukee, is set to transform our community’s food access, turning a food desert into a fresh food oasis.” The store is strategically positioned north of Bookmarq, near the corner of 16th and West Wells Streets, in a previously vacant space, signaling a new chapter for campus amenities.
The opening of Sendik’s Food Market, anticipated within the 2017-18 academic year, is projected to be a key driver for further development in the area. This innovative store will adopt a smaller, efficient format tailored to the university environment. Notably, the Marquette location will also incorporate Sendik’s Express, the popular online ordering system complete with curbside pickup, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of the university community. Spanning approximately 4,800 square feet, the market will offer a curated selection perfect for campus life, including healthy snack options, convenient single-serve meals, and Sendik’s renowned fresh produce section. Furthermore, Sendik’s is committed to community engagement, planning to employ around 20 associates, with a focus on providing flexible, part-time employment opportunities for Marquette students.
Ted Balistreri, a family co-owner of Sendik’s Food Market, highlighted the synergistic nature of this venture: “This exciting collaboration unites two enduring Milwaukee institutions, both dedicated to innovation and growth. This shared vision is perfectly embodied in this unique store and our partnership with Marquette University.”
Strategically located near Marquette’s new residence hall currently under construction, and easily accessible by various modes of transport—car, bus, or bike—the Sendik’s Food Market is a tangible step forward in the university’s broader master plan. This plan aims to revitalize and expand retail offerings along the Wells Street business corridor, enhancing the overall campus experience and community integration.
President Lovell further elaborated on the significance of this collaboration, noting, “We often challenge ourselves to push beyond traditional boundaries, and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to significantly improving both our campus and the wider community. Recognizing the dynamic nature of today’s students, we were particularly drawn to Sendik’s innovative and adaptable express concept.”
This upcoming location marks the 19th store in the Sendik’s Food Markets portfolio. Balistreri explained that the store’s model will be akin to the successful Fresh2GO stores recently launched in Greendale and Bayside, but with specific adaptations to cater to the unique needs of the campus community. The new Sendik’s will also be an integral part of Business Improvement District (BID) 10, an organization focused on attracting new businesses to the Near West Side neighborhoods, further solidifying its role in community development.
Keith Stanley, executive director of both BID 10 and the Near West Side Partners, underscored the community’s long-standing need for improved food access: “Our residents have been advocating for better fresh food options for many years. In a society often dominated by fast food, access to fresh, healthy food is crucial for empowering our neighbors to thrive.” The introduction of Sendik’s Food Market is poised to be a game-changer, bringing quality groceries and healthier food choices directly to the Marquette University community and its surrounding neighborhood.
