Forty Acres Fresh Market Brings Black Ownership to Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood
Liz Abunaw has opened Forty Acres Fresh Market on Chicago’s West Side, creating a powerful symbol of Black ownership and community investment. The Black woman-owned grocery store sits at Chicago Avenue and Waller Street in the Austin neighborhood.
The market opened in September 2025 and marked a major milestone for residents. For years, many families had to travel outside their neighborhood to buy fresh food. Now, they have a full-service grocery store close to home.
Abunaw launched the store during Black History Month with a deeper meaning in mind. She is reclaiming the historic promise of “forty acres and a mule” and turning it into real economic power.
Reframing the Historic Promise of “Forty Acres”
The phrase “forty acres and a mule” refers to a broken post-Civil War pledge. The federal government once promised land and opportunity to formerly enslaved people. That promise was never fulfilled.
For Abunaw, the idea represents ownership and access. “What would it look like if we actually got our 40 acres?” she asked. In her view, it looks like a thriving Black woman-owned supermarket serving its neighbors.
Instead of land, she built a business. Instead of waiting for change, she created it. As a result, her store stands as both a tribute to history and a step toward economic independence.
Transforming a Former Thrift Store Into a Welcoming Grocery Space
The building once housed a Salvation Army thrift shop. Abunaw said it felt closed off and uninviting. “This place used to look like a prison,” she explained, describing the concrete walls and narrow entry.
She redesigned the space to focus on light and openness. “You have to open it up,” she said. Today, large windows and thoughtful design make the store feel warm and accessible.
Inside, the market blends nostalgia with modern style. Abunaw wanted it to feel like a 1950s ice cream shop, with a contemporary general store vibe. The result is both stylish and welcoming.
Expanding Food Access on Chicago’s West Side
Austin residents once had limited access to fresh groceries. Many traveled to nearby suburbs like Oak Park for basic needs. Even city leaders faced the same challenge.
“Look around us. The mayor lives on the next block,” Abunaw noted. “The man can afford food, but until we got here, he had to go into Oak Park to get food.”
Although she avoids calling the area a “food desert,” she acknowledges the gaps. Her store helps close those gaps by offering fresh produce, essentials, and fair prices within walking distance.
Building Legacy Through Black-Owned Business Leadership
Abunaw brings years of experience from her time at General Mills. She understands that grocery retail demands attention to detail. “Grocery is not complicated, but it is complex,” she said, noting that success depends on managing many moving parts.
Customers already feel the impact. Nearby resident Samuel Correa said quick trips for basics are now simple. Community member Haniyyah King praised both the store’s meaning and its quality products.
Abunaw believes pricing must remain competitive to survive. “If we’re charging the same prices as other grocery stores, that means we’re doing it right,” she said. While proud of her achievement, she honors the legacy of Black Chicago grocers who came before her. Her store continues a story that started generations ago.
