Kansas City families looking for relief from rising grocery costs have a new option downtown. Chop More, which took over the former Price Chopper space at the corner of 63rd Street and Blue Ridge Cutoff, opened its doors on Tuesday with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and a promise of transparent, low‑price shopping.
Cost‑plus model explained
Unlike traditional supermarkets that rely on advertising, loyalty cards, and promotional gimmicks, Chop More uses a straightforward cost‑plus pricing system. Every item is marked with the store’s actual cost, and a flat 10% markup is added at the register. “We’re not running ads, we’re not doing loyalty cards, no gimmicks,” said John Cosentino, executive vice president of Cosentino’s Food Stores. “It’s just flat, everyday low pricing cost‑plus, transparent pricing. We worked on this for almost a year and wanted to bring something new to Kansas City, something that’s never been done.”
Shoppers report immediate savings
Customers who visited the new store immediately noticed the difference. Michael Watson, a regular shopper, said he filled his cart with groceries that would normally cost more than $300 and paid less than $200. “Man, hey, it’s a beautiful thing. Prices are high out here. This is a blessing for our community,” he said.
Other shoppers echoed Watson’s experience. Kylie Burks compared the prices to those at Aldi, noting that while some specialty items were pricier, the overall deal was strong. “I would say it was pretty comparable to Aldi, honestly,” she said. “I got a good deal for the number of items I got.”
Community impact and future prospects
The opening comes at a time when nearby grocery options are dwindling. Less than four miles away, the Blue Parkway Sun Fresh store closed its doors on Monday, raising questions about whether the Chop More concept could be replicated on Kansas City’s East Side. Cosentino cautioned that it is too early to predict expansion, but expressed optimism. “We’re excited to see what the customers think. I think it could work in a lot of places,” he said.
For many families, the timing could not be better. Burks highlighted the broader economic pressure: “The cost of everything is rising pretty much, and wages certainly don’t seem to compensate for many people, so it’s extremely important to get more bang for your buck.”
Local business landscape
Chop More’s launch adds a fresh competitor to the Kansas City grocery market, blending elements of traditional supermarkets with the no‑frills approach of discount chains. By eliminating advertising costs and loyalty‑program expenses, the store aims to keep prices low while maintaining a full selection of everyday items.
Local business leaders see the model as a potential template for other neighborhoods facing similar affordability challenges. If the cost‑plus concept proves successful, it could inspire additional stores to adopt transparent pricing, offering families more options to stretch their dollars.
Looking ahead
As Kansas City residents continue to grapple with inflation and stagnant wages, Chop More’s transparent pricing may become a valuable resource for the community. The store’s management plans to monitor customer feedback closely and adjust inventory to meet local demand, ensuring that the promise of lower prices remains consistent.
For now, shoppers leaving the store are expressing gratitude. “Man, y’all did good,” said Watson as he walked out, summarizing the sentiment of many who see the new grocery concept as a positive step toward affordable, honest shopping in Kansas City.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
