The Venice Food Market Groundbreaking Ceremony
VENICE – Dr. Ed Hightower recognized the drastic need for a grocery store for citizens in the Venice, Brooklyn and Madison areas, and, thanks to a personal donation and intense efforts by him, it is becoming a reality.
A new grocery store in Venice is set to be built in the near future, addressing a critical lack of access to fresh food for residents of the Venice, Brooklyn and Madison areas, thanks to a $3.5 million personal investment from Dr. Ed Hightower and support from state and regional leaders.
The grocery store will serve as a vital resource for local citizens who currently face a 5 to 5.5 mile trip to the nearest supermarket. Many residents lack reliable transportation, making the absence of a nearby grocery store a significant barrier to obtaining fresh meat, vegetables, fruit and other essentials. The new store, located across from the police station, is expected to spur community revitalization and provide families with convenient access to nutritious food.
Hightower, a retired Edwardsville public school superintendent and former NCAA basketball referee, said the project represents much more than just a business investment.
“It’s a symbol of renewal and a promise to the people who have called this community home for generations,” he said. He added that his commitment to the area includes investments in a new school, a medical center, a pizza restaurant and 36 single-family homes, all aimed at moving revitalization efforts forward in Venice, Brooklyn and Madison.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), along with Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, have also played a key role in the project, Dr. Hightower said.
The store is part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which seeks to expand access to fresh and affordable food in underserved communities across the state. The initiative has awarded $18.1 million in grants statewide, including $2.4 million in state funding for the Venice store.
“Every single Illinoisan — regardless of their zip code — deserves access to fresh, reliable, and affordable grocery options,” Pritzker said at the groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 5, 2025. Construction is anticipated to take approximately eight months, with a target opening date set for late summer or early fall 2026.
Hightower’s vision is that the new grocery store aims to fill a longstanding gap in the community’s food access and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Venice and its surrounding neighborhoods.
