New Grocery Store in Berkley is Almost in the Bag

As one grocer plans to exit Berkley, another is set to take its place.

Hiller’s Market announced earlier this fall that it would shutter the store that had served Berkley for more than half a century this month.

This week, Flint grocer Mark Zaitona announced that he will open Royal Fresh Market in the space previously occupied by Hiller’s Market at 3052 12 Mile Road, the Observer & Eccentric reported. He is leasing the store and has an option to buy it.

The plan is for no interruption in service. Hiller’s will close Nov. 11 and Zaitona expects to open Royal Fresh Market the following day, though he is still working with Berkley city officials to obtain his business license.

Zaitona, who owns two Mr. B’s supermarkets in Flint, says he plans to stick around.

“I am going to be there to stay,” he told the newspaper. “I’m going to take care of the area very well and have a good team to work with.”

He said that 13 Hiller’s employees will become Royal Fresh Market workers when it opens in a few weeks.

The new grocery store reportedly will carry Michigan products, as well as the Centrella brand from central Illinois, and be competitively priced.

Zaitona said he plans to remodel the store over the next 12 to 18 months to increase the size, a factor cited in the previous owners’ decision to close.

"The store is in dire need of renovation, however, the small footprint of the space makes it impossible for us to renovate to the standards of our other stores. Parking is also an issue at this location," owners Jim and Justin Hiller wrote on their Facebook page. "We're not abandoning the neighborhood, however. We are currently in negotiations for another site in the Berkley/Royal Oak area, and plan to build a spectacular new store that is up to the standards of our other markets."

Berkley Mayor Phil O’Dwyer told the Observer & Eccentric that he’s confident Berkley residents will support the grocery store.

“I am delighted it’s a grocery store going in there because our residents and businesses in the city will be great supporters of it,” he said. “I know Berkley will make them welcome and help make their business a success.”