Kansas City Selects Operator for Prospect Grocery Store

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Mayor Quinton Lucas has announced that Kansas City has selected United Market KC, LLC to operate the grocery store at 3110 Prospect Avenue in the Linwood Shopping Center. The ordinance authorizing the lease agreement is sponsored by Mayor Lucas and Third District Councilwomen Melissa Robinson and Melissa Patterson Hazley.

The City has selected United Market, an affiliate of Associated Wholesale Grocers, to operate the location. United Market has extensive operational experience in community-focused grocery in the Kansas City region. The store has been vacant since August 2025, when the previous operator vacated.

Following interviews with three candidates by a panel of City representatives from General Services and neighborhood stakeholders, the selection reflects a strong fit for this location and community. The City's focus throughout the process centered on operational experience, financial sustainability, and community alignment.

"United Market reflect the City's commitment to long-term stability and reliable grocery access for the community," said Mayor Lucas. "We've been deliberate throughout this process to help ensure the success of this privately-operated grocery store and the entire Prospect corridor."

The Linwood Shopping Center represents a more than $15 million City investment in East Side revitalization. Final lease and operating terms are currently being negotiated.
The ordinance is expected to be heard in Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee on January 27. If approved by committee and full Council, the goal is to open the store by mid-April 2026.

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