OCONOMOWOC – All summer long, Oconomowoc community members and their neighbors have been watching with curiosity as a former Kmart building at 1450 Summit Ave. was slowly transformed into something entirely new.
The wait is finally over, Sendik’s Food Market opened its doors on October 19 for the first time with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Sendik owners and city officials. Grand opening celebrations will continue for the next two weeks with in-store giveaways, live music, fun festivities and more. The new 60,000-square-foot grocery store will employ 150 people and is an anchor store for the continued development of Olympia Fields along Summit Avenue. Tenants at the new location will include Planet Fitness and Pet Supplies Plus.
“Oconomowoc is such a beautiful area with a great sense of community. The wonderful downtown area and growing surrounding areas make it a very special place and we are so grateful to be a part of it. Food is all about family and friends and fun around the table and we are proud to bring true food innovations and new experiences to our customers,” said Ted Balistreri, third generation co-owner of Sendik.
MSI General of Nashotah partnered with Sendik’s Food Market to repurpose the 87,000 square feet of space in the old Kmart building, greatly improving the interior, as well as redesigning the exterior façade and parking lot.
“We’re excited to help Sendik’s bring their new store to Oconomowoc. It has been a true collaboration between MSI General, Sendik and all the subcontractors,” said Ken Krahe, President of MSI General. “I think it’s fantastic that we were able to revitalize the old building and give it new life. It’s been a fun project to be a part of.”
Sendik’s food markets are well known for taking grocery shopping to the next level by offering a variety of items.
Sendik’s popular red reusable bags are stocked and ready to go as the new store celebrated its grand opening in Oconomowoc on Wednesday.
The new store will also feature a 10-foot tall hydroponic garden with leafy greens for the salad bar, an expansive Sendik’s Home department offering flowers, gifts, décor, clothing and seasonal items. Also at this store will be made-to-order sandwiches, a fresh popcorn stand and, according to a release, the largest wine and spirits and steak/seafood departments in the area.
“Our team is very creative and wanted to try new designs and product offerings that our customers really care about to make this Oconomowoc store truly different. We get excited when we find something that is local and really delicious, and we can take it to our customers. We have a great partnership with our suppliers and the results are truly amazing,” added Balistreri.
The Balistreri family has been serving the greater Milwaukee community for the past 96 years. The Oconomowoc store will be the 18th Sendik Food Market location in southeastern Wisconsin.
