Three dramatic shifts in Kansas City's grocery landscape

The articles show Kansas City's grocery landscape undergoing big changes. They highlight expansion, closures, and shifting community access.

Developers plan a new Costco in Lee’s Summit. It would serve as an anchor for a large mixed-use project. Approval is still pending.

At the same time, established grocery stores close. Sun Fresh on the city's East Side shut its doors despite receiving city funding and support. The closure leaves residents looking for new grocery options. Safety issues and store losses played a part in shutting down Sun Fresh. Some shoppers now must travel farther, but nearby stores like Aldi and Happy Food Center remain open. Residents and leaders weigh options for stable, accessible grocery sources.

NO. 1: THE KANSAS CITY AREA COULD GET A NEW COSTCO. HERE’S WHERE IT’S PLANNED

A developer has filed plans to build a new Costco in Lee’s Summit. | Published August 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

NO. 2: WHERE CAN RESIDENTS ON KC’S EAST SIDE GO FOR GROCERIES AFTER SUN FRESH CLOSING?

Another grocery store closed in Kansas City, this one after battling issues for the past few years. | Published August 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

NO. 3: KANSAS CITY GROCERY CLOSES DESPITE MILLIONS FROM THE CITY. ‘BEYOND OUR CONTROL’

After months of struggling and millions of dollars from the city, the Sun Fresh Linwood has closed. | Published August 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.