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The Kanan Brothers' Empire: 7 Surprising Facts About South Loop Market's Expansion And What's New In 2025

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The South Loop Market, a familiar convenience and grocery staple for Chicago residents, is not just a simple corner store; it’s a rapidly expanding, family-owned enterprise that has redefined local shopping in the city. Established by two ambitious local brothers, the chain has grown from a single location to a multi-neighborhood operation, even adopting new monikers like "North Loop Market" to reflect its broader reach as of late 2024 and into 2025. This success story is rooted in a simple but powerful concept: providing high-quality, fresh produce, deli items, and everyday necessities without the hassle of a big-box grocer.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the market continues to cement its status as a vital community hub, focusing on convenience and fresh offerings that directly compete with larger chains. Their journey is a testament to the power of local entrepreneurship, especially in a competitive urban landscape like Chicago, where the retail market is constantly shifting with new developments and closures.

The Founders: A Profile of the Kanan Brothers

The entire concept of the South Loop Market was born out of a common frustration: the inconvenience of having to drive to distant, crowded grocery stores just to pick up a handful of items. Two local residents and brothers, Samir and Jamil Kanan, decided to solve this problem for their community, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful chain of customer-focused markets.

  • Names: Samir Kanan and Jamil Kanan.
  • Role: Co-Founders and Operators of South Loop Market.
  • Founding Year: 2009.
  • Inspiration: Frustration with the long lines and large crowds at nearest big-box grocers for small purchases.
  • Core Philosophy: To offer a wide selection of products in a friendly, convenient environment, providing an alternative to traditional convenience stores.
  • Nickname: One of the brothers, referred to as "big brother Mo" in earlier reports, is part of the family team that owns and operates the chain.
  • Distinction: The founders actively dislike the comparison to major convenience store chains, stating, "If you really want to insult us, call us a 7-11," emphasizing their focus on quality and community.

The Evolution and Expansion of the South Loop Market Chain

Since its founding in 2009, the South Loop Market has been on a steady trajectory of growth, moving beyond its namesake neighborhood to become a multi-location chain across Chicago. This expansion strategy has been key to their survival and success in a highly competitive retail environment.

1. From Local Staple to Multi-Neighborhood Chain

Initially focused on serving the immediate South Loop community, the Kanan brothers’ concept quickly proved scalable. Today, the chain boasts seven locations, not only concentrated in the South Loop but also expanding into other neighborhoods. This move allows them to serve a broader customer base, bringing their model of "convenience meets excellence" to more Chicago residents. The stores are praised by customers for their cleanliness, organized layout, and inviting atmosphere, making the shopping experience pleasant.

2. The Birth of "North Loop Market" and River North Presence

A significant update in the chain's evolution is its strategic expansion into the River North area, a move so substantial it necessitated a name change for the new location. The River North market operates under the name North Loop Market. This rebranding highlights the company's ambition to be a city-wide convenience solution, proving they are not geographically restricted to the South Loop. This successful expansion demonstrates the Kanan brothers’ ability to adapt their community-focused model to different urban demographics.

3. Diverse Offerings Beyond the Basics

The South Loop Market distinguishes itself from traditional convenience stores by offering a surprisingly diverse and high-quality product selection. Their inventory is designed to meet both daily needs and specialized culinary desires. The core offerings include:

  • Fresh Produce: A focus on quality fruits and vegetables, including items like fresh strawberries.
  • Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop: A full deli counter and sandwich preparation area, providing quick, fresh meal options. They are known for their diverse culinary offerings.
  • Beverages: A wide selection of Wine, Beer, and other basics.
  • Grocery & Basics: Standard packaged goods and everyday necessities.

This hybrid model—part grocery store, part convenience store, part deli—is what makes the market a valuable asset to dense residential areas where a full-service grocery store might be a significant distance away.

South Loop Market in the Context of Chicago's Changing Retail Landscape (2025)

The ongoing success of the South Loop Market is especially noteworthy considering the dynamic—and sometimes turbulent—retail and real estate environment of its home neighborhood in 2025. The market’s resilience is a micro-example of the South Loop's broader transformation.

4. Competing with Big-Box Grocers

The South Loop is seeing continued development and new retail entrants. For instance, the German discount grocery chain Aldi is on track to open more than 200 stores in 2025, with a new location planned for the South Loop. This increased competition from major chains, coupled with the closure of other big-box stores like a former T.J. Maxx in early 2024, highlights the Kanan brothers' ability to thrive by focusing on hyper-local convenience and quality, a niche that a massive grocer often struggles to fill.

5. The Real Estate and Development Boom

The South Loop remains a hotbed for development, which directly impacts the market's customer base. The area is seeing massive projects, including the creation of the city's 78th neighborhood and the development of a brand-new stadium for the Chicago Fire FC. The influx of new residents and workers to these development corridors ensures a steady stream of customers who prioritize quick, convenient shopping over long trips to large supermarkets.

6. Navigating Market Fluctuations

The broader South Loop housing market has experienced volatility, with reports of home prices being down 3.5% in late 2025 compared to the previous year, while other reports suggest an 8% increase in median sale price in Spring 2025. Regardless of the exact figures, the constant flux in the real estate market means a continuous turnover and influx of new residents, all of whom need a reliable, local market for their essentials. The South Loop Market provides that crucial stability and convenience.

7. More Than Just a Store: A Community Hub

While the South Loop Market chain focuses on daily needs, the neighborhood also benefits from the distinct South Loop Farmers Market, a delightful weekend event held at Printers Row Park. The existence of both the permanent, convenience-focused chain and the seasonal farmers market underscores the community's deep appreciation for fresh, local, and accessible food options. The Kanan brothers' stores fill the gap during the week, ensuring residents always have access to top-quality produce and deli items, solidifying their role as a true community hub.

The Kanan Brothers' Empire: 7 Surprising Facts About South Loop Market's Expansion and What's New in 2025
south loop market
south loop market

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