Why Does North Killeen Still Not Have a Grocery Store? Residents Demand Answers

I grew up on the north side of Killeen, Texas, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. The North Side had all the amenities you could need. Down the street was Long Branch Park, and there was a Bowlerama and a movie theater that were only five to ten minutes from my house, plus a grocery store right up the road.

Get our free mobile app

North Killeen’s Fight for a Full-Service Grocery Store Reaches a Boiling Point

Of course, I grew up, moved away, and built my home in different cities over the years. But every now and then, I like to come back to the north side of Killeen just to reminisce about the nostalgic childhood memories I had. Long Branch Park and the Bowlerama are still in the same place, but the movie theater and the grocery store are no longer on the north side of town.

What's Really Stopping a Grocery Store from Opening in North Killeen?

I’ve spoken with residents who still live there, and they share the same opinion I have—it just feels a little unfair. The closest store is either on Trimmer or in the neighboring city of Harker Heights. Even though that may not seem far, you have to remember that some residents don’t own vehicles. How are they expected to reach these destinations?

Killeen's Grocery Store Gap Impacts Northside Families Daily

The reality is, a grocery store is needed on the north side. I wouldn’t be opposed to having not only a grocery store again but even a movie theater. But first things first—the people who live on that side of town need access to groceries. From what I understand, this has been a topic of conversation in the community for a long time, but many residents feel they’re not being heard.

A lot has changed since my childhood days in that neighborhood, but the most disappointing change is that a grocery store is needed—and yet still not there.