A yearslong project to build a full-service grocery store in a “food desert” area of Reading has finally borne fruit.

On Wednesday, owner Leopoldo Sanchez was joined by city and county officials to cut the ribbon on the new Super Natural & Fresh Produce III at 243 N. 4th Street.

The initiative, announced in 2018, faced setbacks from COVID-related labor and materials shortages , and issues with underground voids encountered during construction.

It involved transforming a blighted former vehicle maintenance garage into a 43,000-square-foot facility offering fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more, as well as Latino foods not found in larger regional stores.

The store includes a cafe and wholesale distribution warehouse for small grocers, as well as a parking garage, parking lot and admin

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