KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A locally owned south Kansas City grocery store is closing its doors.

A representative for the Sun Fresh Market at Red Bridge and Holmes roads confirmed the store will close at the end of the month.

“It’s really a shame for the neighborhood. We really count on it for the neighborhood,” John Bishop said.

Shoppers don’t believe it’s based on a lack of customers.

There are still multiple Sun Fresh locations around the Kansas City metro, including one off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, one in Westport and one on Linwood Boulevard.

“You see the parking lot. There’s always people there. I don’t see it. I thought they were getting business. They get our business,” Joseph Muhammed said.

“It’s kind of goofy unless they are just losing money. I don’t want them to go bankrupt of course, but I’m telling you the people are friendly. They are always so helpful. They make sure I get everything they need. I’d hate to see it be gone,” Paula Nickels said.

With the closest grocery stores a couple miles away, customers are now hoping another supermarket will move in.

“I think that people have to eat and the market is probably going to fill that void,” Bishop said.

The Sun Fresh location on Red Bridge is owned by Ball Foods, which operates a series of KC-area supermarkets.

Less than 3 years ago, this location made headlines as it started hiring employees who had been laid off from neighboring businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.