Midway Cub Foods store in St. Paul slated for closure

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 2:47 GMT by Fox 9
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The Cub Foods store at Midway Marketplace in St. Paul is slated to close this year, according to state filings.

Iconic Midway Cub Foods in St. Paul Set to Close Doors in August 2025, Leaving Community in Lurch

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In a move that has sent ripples through the heart of St. Paul's Midway neighborhood, the longstanding Cub Foods grocery store located at 1177 Clarence Street is slated for closure in August 2025. The announcement, made by the store's parent company, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), marks the end of an era for a retail fixture that has served as a vital lifeline for residents in this bustling, diverse urban corridor for decades. As one of the few full-service supermarkets in the area, its departure raises significant concerns about food access, local employment, and the broader economic health of the neighborhood.

The Midway Cub, often simply referred to as "the Cub" by locals, has been a cornerstone of the community since it first opened its doors in the 1980s. Nestled in the Midway district, which bridges downtown St. Paul and the University of Minnesota's campus, the store has catered to a wide array of customers, from college students stocking up on budget-friendly snacks to families relying on its fresh produce and affordable staples. Over the years, it has weathered economic ups and downs, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became a critical resource for essential goods amid widespread shortages and lockdowns. Shoppers have fond memories of its expansive aisles, bakery section known for fresh donuts, and the pharmacy that provided convenient healthcare services. For many, it wasn't just a place to buy groceries; it was a social hub where neighbors bumped into each other, exchanged pleasantries, and built a sense of community.

According to UNFI's statement, the decision to close the store stems from the expiration of its lease agreement with the property owner. The company explored options to renew the lease but ultimately could not reach a mutually agreeable terms. "After careful consideration and discussions with the landlord, we have decided not to renew the lease for our Midway Cub location," a UNFI spokesperson said in a press release. "This was not an easy choice, as we recognize the important role this store plays in the St. Paul community." While the exact details of the lease negotiations remain private, industry analysts speculate that rising operational costs, including rent hikes in a competitive real estate market, may have played a significant role. St. Paul's commercial landscape has been evolving rapidly, with new developments and gentrification pressures pushing out older establishments in favor of mixed-use projects or higher-rent tenants.

The closure is particularly poignant given the Midway area's demographic makeup. This neighborhood is home to a diverse population, including many low-income families, immigrants, and refugees who depend on accessible, affordable grocery options. The store's location near public transit lines made it a go-to spot for those without personal vehicles, and its acceptance of SNAP benefits and other assistance programs ensured it served as a safety net for vulnerable residents. Community advocates are already voicing fears that the shutdown could exacerbate food insecurity in what some describe as an emerging food desert. "Losing this Cub is like losing a piece of our neighborhood's soul," said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime resident and frequent shopper. "Where are we supposed to go now? The next closest grocery is miles away, and not everyone can afford to drive or take multiple buses with kids in tow."

Local officials have echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential ripple effects on public health and economic stability. St. Paul City Council Member Rebecca Noecker, whose ward includes parts of the Midway area, expressed disappointment in a statement to FOX 9. "This closure is a blow to our community's access to fresh, healthy food," she said. "We're working with partners to explore ways to mitigate the impact, including potential incentives for new grocery operators to fill the void." Discussions are underway about collaborating with organizations like the Minnesota Department of Health and local nonprofits to assess food access needs and possibly introduce mobile markets or community-supported agriculture programs as interim solutions.

For the store's employees, the news brings uncertainty and anxiety. The Midway Cub employs around 100 people, many of whom have worked there for years, if not decades. UNFI has pledged to offer transfer opportunities to other Cub locations in the Twin Cities metro area, such as those in nearby suburbs like Roseville or Maplewood. However, for workers living in St. Paul, the commute could prove burdensome, especially with rising gas prices and public transit limitations. Union representatives from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1189, which represents many of the store's staff, are negotiating severance packages and job placement assistance. "Our members are dedicated professionals who have kept this store running through thick and thin," said UFCW spokesperson Tom Johnson. "We're fighting to ensure they aren't left behind in this transition."

The broader context of this closure reflects ongoing trends in the grocery industry. Across the United States, traditional supermarkets are facing stiff competition from discount chains like Aldi and Dollar General, as well as online giants such as Amazon and Walmart's delivery services. In Minnesota alone, several grocery stores have shuttered in recent years, including other Cub locations affected by corporate restructuring. UNFI, which acquired the Cub brand as part of its purchase of Supervalu in 2018, has been streamlining operations to focus on more profitable outlets. This Midway store, while beloved, may not have met the company's performance metrics in an era of razor-thin margins and shifting consumer habits. The rise of e-commerce has further accelerated these changes, with more shoppers opting for curbside pickup or home delivery, reducing foot traffic in physical stores.

Community reactions have been swift and varied. Social media platforms are abuzz with nostalgia and calls to action. A Facebook group titled "Save Midway Cub" has garnered hundreds of members overnight, sharing stories of first jobs, holiday shopping traditions, and the store's role in neighborhood events like food drives. Petitions are circulating to urge UNFI to reconsider or to pressure the landlord to negotiate a better deal. Local businesses, too, are feeling the pinch; nearby restaurants and shops that benefited from the foot traffic generated by Cub shoppers worry about decreased patronage. "When people come to Cub, they often stop by our cafe for lunch," said Ahmed Yusuf, owner of a Somali restaurant adjacent to the store. "This could hurt us all."

Looking ahead, the future of the 1177 Clarence Street site remains uncertain. The property owner has not yet announced plans, but real estate experts suggest it could be redeveloped into residential units, office space, or even a new retail concept. There's optimism that another grocer might step in—perhaps a smaller, specialty market focused on organic or ethnic foods to cater to the area's multicultural population. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to explore alternatives like the nearby ALDI on University Avenue or the larger Cub in Highland Park, though these options may not fully replicate the convenience and selection of the Midway location.

As August 2025 approaches, the impending closure serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of urban retail ecosystems. For St. Paul's Midway community, it's not just about losing a store; it's about preserving access to essentials in a city striving for equity and resilience. While UNFI's decision may be driven by business imperatives, the human cost is undeniable, prompting a collective call for innovative solutions to ensure no one is left hungry or isolated in the wake of this change. The story of Midway Cub is far from over—it's evolving into a catalyst for community advocacy and perhaps a new chapter in local food security efforts.

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