Customers for the new World Fresh Market waited in line patiently at the grand opening of the store last week. “We thank our community, the Hispanic community, the international community. They helped to make this day possible,” said Eddie Musallet.
“The Musallet Group is incredibly grateful to all of its loyal customers whose trust and support have made this growth possible,” Helen Ortiz said. “To all the dedicated employees, thank you for your hard work, passion, commitment. You are the heart of this success.”
BY JOE ARCE AND COREY CRABLE
A new World Fresh Market opened last week in the Northland, another oasis in an area that many have called a food desert.
Wes Rogers, one of the Kansas City Council members who serves the Northland, welcomed shoppers, employees, and local leaders to the store’s official opening. He praised his colleague, Councilwoman Lindsay French, saying she was instrumental in bringing the location to the neighborhood.
Rogers said the day was about celebrating three things, all of them equally important.
“One, we’re celebrating entrepreneurship. This grocery store is such a good example about when somebody takes a risk to build a small business,” he said. “Not only is it great for the person who starts the business, it’s great for the employees, it’s great for the customers, it’s great for the communities.”
Secondly, he said, the day stood as a celebration of immigrants and what they have contributed to the community.
“We’ve got so many immigrants who contribute so much to our entire region,” Rogers said. “But people don’t realize that immigrants are in the heart and soul of the Northland. And today that’s pretty obvious.”
Finally, Rogers said, the store represents a celebration of local neighborhoods.
“I live five minutes from here and we need a grocery store,” he said. “This neighborhood and grocery stores are some of the few things that truly binds together neighbors, and so we get to celebrate that, too. I’m so happy to be here and celebrate with you all.”
Eddie Musallet, who owns the World Fresh Markets and El Mercado Fresco, thanked Kansas City Council women French for her commitment to the project he also praised the Hispanic community and the store’s employees.
“We thank our community, the Hispanic community, the international community. They helped to make this day possible. Most importantly, I want to recognize the staff for all the hard work that they did,” Musallet said. “These last 36 hours has been rough. We all look like we didn’t sleep, but I want to appreciate all the employees. We look forward to continuing to serve our community, quality, value, respect for many years to come.”
Helen Ortiz, interim President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, shared her thanks to City Council members and others as well.
“The Musallet Group is incredibly grateful to all of its loyal customers whose trust and support have made this growth possible,” Ortiz said. “To all the dedicated employees, thank you for your hard work, passion, commitment. You are the heart of this success.”
Once their shopping had begun, the store’s new customers said they were impressed by the food selection.
“It is kind of hard to find fresh meat, halal meat in Kansas City, so I was excited that we get a new store to enjoy,” said Zainab, who hails from Iraq.
“My mom hasn’t been able to cook most of the dishes that she used to cook back home,” said another shopper. “And now that they have the spices and everything here, all the fresh produce and everything, she can all make all the dishes that I love.”
Local resident Paul Rocha said he enjoys shopping at El Mercado Fresco, and that he’s glad to now have a store closer to home.
“When I was a Marine, I’ve been all over the world. So I’ve already tried a bunch of different things,” Rocha said. “So it would be nice to see if there was anything I’ve already had and haven’t had in a long time.”
Rocha’s wife, meanwhile, marveled at the turnout, adding that she was excited she would no longer have to drive across the state line for all of her culinary favorites.
“Look at the crowd. I love it. I just love it,” Angelique said. “It’s just amazing.”
The new World Fresh Market is located at 4357 NE Chouteau Trafficway. For more information, visit https://www.worldfreshmarketkc.com/.
