Racine & Me: Lee’s Market North brings fresh food, youth opportunities to Belle City Square

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) — A new neighborhood market at Belle City Square is bringing more than fresh food to Racine. It's also creating new opportunities for local youth.

Lee's Market North is now open at the historic Belle City Square campus, offering fresh produce, groceries, cold deli foods and everyday necessities to residents and families in the surrounding neighborhood.

The market is the latest venture from Lee's Deli owner Nathaniel "Nate" Erhardt. Lee's Deli has been part of the Racine community since 1971, and Erhardt has worked to preserve that neighborhood legacy while expanding the business since purchasing it in May 2022.

A major part of that mission is providing meaningful employment opportunities for teenagers and young adults, including those who may face barriers to employment.

Jobs at Lee's are designed to provide young employees with more than a paycheck. Through coaching, accountability and mentorship, workers have opportunities to develop skills including communication, teamwork, customer service, food safety, problem-solving and leadership.

The goal is to help young people build confidence and develop skills they can carry into their futures.

Lee's Market North is also part of the continued redevelopment of Belle City Square, the former Horlick Malted Milk Company campus. More than 40 small businesses and community organizations are currently located on the campus, along with more than 200 apartments.

Belle City Square Campus Manager Maximilian "Max" Fahnrich said locally owned, community-focused businesses like Lee's fit into the larger vision for the property: creating a place where residents, entrepreneurs and organizations can grow alongside one another.

The addition of a neighborhood grocery market also gives Belle City Square residents an amenity not commonly available at comparable residential properties while providing greater access to fresh food and everyday essentials for the surrounding community.

For Erhardt, the larger vision is that as Lee's grows, the community should benefit, too, through local hiring, youth development, improved food access and renewed neighborhood pride.

Lee's Market North celebrated its grand opening July 31 and is now open at 1926 Albert St. in Racine.

For more information about Lee's Market North, visit the business online or follow Lee's Market Racine on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @leesmarketracine.