The former Video City location in Big Rapids is being transformed into a new at-cost grocery store.

A group of St. Peter's Lutheran Church members, along with Common Good Ventures, are heading the project at 816 Maple Street. The store will be named "Market on Maple."

"St. Peter's purchased the building with the intention of renovating it," Rev. Tyson Bentz said. "Some members of Common Good Ventures started from people from the church, so it's a collaboration. We are renovating the building, then give the space to Common Good (Ventures) to run the grocery store." 

The building is currently in remodeling stages, with a new peaked roof being the current task. According to Bentz, the group is targeting an opening in Spring 2027.

For the store's model, the group isn't looking to make a high profit; instead, they want to make it an at-cost grocery store.

"Our aim with this partnership is create a grocery store that can lower grocery costs for the middle class and A.L.I.C.E working families," Bentz said. "By offsetting operating costs with a volunteer crew of people from the area and a rental in the back portion of the renovated building, we will be able to offer core groceries at cost. The only addition is something like a five cents to cover payment transactions. One point is to retain the dignity of shoppers by not giving away groceries, instead creating a lower-cost option for people already working hard to care for themselves and their families.

When asked about the idea, Bentz said the inspiration came from a church visit in Midland and his previous experience with Feed America.

"I've personally had this idea since COVID," Bentz said. "One of the things that kind of bothered us (with Feed America giveaways) was how many people came through and kind of didn't enjoy the experience. (With this store), we're not interested in just giving out things for free in that regard. We want to help people do more with what they've earned. And it's really cool to have a whole group of people helping support it."

St. Peter's has shared the progress of the store at various services this year already. Contact them for additional information on supporting the store.