After a period of closure for renovations following local civil unrest in May 2020, Cub Foods has officially reopened its doors at 2850 26th Avenue S. in Minneapolis. The highly anticipated reopening of the Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street location marks a significant return of a vital grocery resource to the neighborhood and the closure of the temporary Cub Community Market. The Community Market had been serving the area since July 2020, ensuring continued access to groceries during the rebuild.
“From the moment we had to close the Lake Street location, we knew we would not only rebuild but rebuild with the intent on creating a store that was a better reflection of the neighborhood it serves,” stated Mike Stigers, CEO of Cub Foods. This commitment to the community is evident in the newly renovated store, which incorporates features directly inspired by local feedback. The reopened Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street store aims to provide an enhanced shopping experience tailored to the needs and preferences of its diverse customer base. The project was made possible through the dedication of Jerry’s Foods, the franchise owner, highlighting their ongoing investment in the Minneapolis community.
The revamped Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street store, originally established in 1989, boasts expanded specialty departments and entirely new concepts designed to elevate the grocery shopping experience. Customer suggestions played a crucial role in shaping these improvements, resulting in features like an enlarged produce section with a greater emphasis on organic options and a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The deli area has been significantly enhanced to include more “Quick & Easy Meals,” such as diverse sandwiches, salads, and sushi, alongside expanded hot food choices and a soup and salad bar with increased selections. Customers will also find a broader assortment of fresh meats and specialty cheeses.
Reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Minneapolis, the Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street store now includes a global foods market. This section offers a wide array of pantry staples and beverages from Mediterranean, Caribbean, East African, and Hispanic cuisines. Adding a unique touch, a freshly made tortillas station allows shoppers to purchase tortillas made from scratch in-house daily. For a bit of fun, a popcorn shop offers freshly popped popcorn in various flavors, from classic butter and cheese to caramel, chocolate drizzle, and even a cheese and caramel mix. Finally, a custom cake decorating station provides options for personalized celebrations.
Beyond the enhanced product offerings, the Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street store is equipped with modern amenities to cater to today’s shoppers. Grocery pickup and delivery services provide convenience, while an accessible pharmacy with prescription delivery ensures healthcare needs are met. A dollar store department further expands the store’s offerings. With operating hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, the revitalized Cub – Minneapolis Lake Street store is ready to serve the community as a comprehensive and customer-focused grocery destination.
The temporary Cub Community Market, a 13,000-square-foot structure built to maintain grocery access during the renovation, has now been decommissioned. This initiative ensured that approximately 40 Cub associates remained employed throughout the rebuilding process. “The local grocery store is the last to close and the first to open in times of emergency, and that’s exactly what we demonstrated to our customers with the Cub Community Market,” Stigers concluded, emphasizing Cub’s commitment to being a reliable community partner.
