The Project includes the complete renovation of three Chicago-based stores that the Yellow Banana currently operates along with the acquisition and renovation of a currently vacant grocery store that will add an 11^th store to its Save-A-Lot operations in Illinois. McCaffery’s NMTC financing allowed Yellow Banana’s rental costs to be decreased, reversing the trend of these stores operating at a loss. As a result of McCaffery’s involvement, these stores can stay open and provide access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in neighborhoods characterized by limited grocery options and poor health options.

Yellow Banana is a Black-controlled and owned retail grocer that operates grocery stores under the Save-a-Lot banner throughout the Midwest, Jacksonville, and Dallas.

Community Alignment

The renovations bring the façade and exterior landscape of each store to Save-A-Lot’s current design plans as well as include new layouts of the interior of each store along with new shelving, lighting, and energy systems for wholesale transformations of each store. Historically, Save-A-Lot stores that have seen similar remodels have seen 12.5% revenue growth. These stores promote local vendors, with a specific emphasis on minority-owned businesses. This, in conjunction with the priority placed on hiring local residents, has a very positive impact on each location’s surrounding community.