StoryGrand Opening of Colonial Market and its Community ImpactJune 16, 2026

Bloomington celebrates Colonial Market opening in South Loop

The Bloomington City Council celebrated the grand opening of Colonial Market and Spirits on October 23, marking a significant development for the South Loop neighborhood, which has long struggled as a food desert without access to full-service grocery stores.

Meeting date: Oct 23, 2025
Published Jun 16, 2026

Colonial Market and Spirits opened its doors in the Carbon 31 building in Bloomington's South Loop, becoming the business's third location in the Minneapolis area. The hybrid establishment combines a restaurant, grocery store, and liquor store under one roof, with inventory split between 80% American and 20% Latino products to serve the neighborhood's diverse community.

The South Loop has been identified as a food desert—an area where residents lack convenient access to affordable, nutritious food. The opening of Colonial Market addresses this critical gap, providing residents with a full-service grocery option that was previously unavailable in the immediate area. The company already operates locations in north Minneapolis and south Minneapolis.

The City of Bloomington expressed strong support for the project, indicating significant municipal investment in bringing the business to the neighborhood. The Minnesota Grocers Association also threw its support behind the venture, highlighting the collaborative effort between local government, private business, and industry groups.

Council members emphasized the broader economic benefits of the opening, noting that locally owned businesses like Colonial Market create opportunities for local hiring, purchasing, and community investment. These economic ripple effects strengthen the neighborhood by keeping money circulating within the community rather than flowing to distant corporate headquarters. The discussion underscored how public-private partnerships can address community needs while supporting local economic development.

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  • Local Economic Development and Public-Private Partnerships

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