Robert Montemayor, the owner of Monterrey Market, said the location was ideal for its position and the size of the building.
In the same week that Pick ‘n Save announced the closing of five southeast Wisconsin stores, Monterey Market celebrated the grand opening of its third — and biggest — store in MIlwaukee, showing if nothing else the expanding Latino footprint.
The market, at 7025 W. Main St., takes over what used to be a Walmart, which closed in May 2024. The other Monterrey Markets are on South 13th and South 27th streets.
Here’s what you should know:
How big is the new store?
It’s about 40,000 square feet, with a butcher shop, bakery, and traditional products from Mexico and Central America. It will also offer financial services. It’s family owned, and will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Is there more coming?
A Don Chamoy Ice Cream House is under construction in the story. Don Chamoy, which is also in the 27th Street Monterrey Market, will serve Mexican ice cream, which traditionally is made in bright colors with fruit flavors, and takes like sherbet but with a creamier finish.
What does the opening say about Milwaukee?
Common Council member Sharlen P. Moore said she was glad to have another family store opening in her district.
“This is an opportunity not only for district 10 but for our great city,” she said. This is an opportunity that when so many grocery stores are closing around the city, Monterrey Market is open for business.”
Robert Montemayor, the owner of Monterrey Market, echoed this statement, saying in the current economic environment, local stores are essential.
In the broader sense, what’s interesting is the location is some distance from the heart of the Latino community. It’s located just east of Wisconsin State Fair Park, on a piece of Milwaukee in between West Allis and Wauwatosa.
How big is the Latino community in Milwaukee?
The Hispanic or Latino population in Milwaukee is approximately 116,000, according to U.S. Census data. It represents more than one-in-five of the city’s population.
It has been growing at an especially rapid rate for the last decade.
