H-E-B - Gets top US grocer spot - Can Illinois get them to come?

[Nearwest]

I recall reading an article in Crain's about the Kroger purchase of Roundy's, which was Mariano's parent company.


The article stated that one of Kroger's main objectives was to re-enter the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. Roundy's operated Pick N' Save in Milwaukee. Kroger exited both markets in the early 1970s. Supposedly, Roundy's was about $800 million in debt, due to launching of a new banner (Mariano's).

[jfre81]

Part of what makes H-E-B what it is, is it can focus everything - from the marketing to the sourcing of products to its own in-house warehouse/distribution network - on Texas. I don't know that this model works expanded on a national scale.

At some point, Charles Butt will pass on and the family could end up selling out (and Texas will lose its mind), then anything can happen. But with the current boardstate, so to speak - no, it's not coming to Illinois.

[txbullsfan]

I'm here in the southern Chicago suburbs (Channahon, Shorewood area) for an extended period of time to spend with family. I already miss my Texas HEB.

I have been highly disappointed with Jewel on price and with both Jewel and Walmart on quality/freshness of produce and Aldi on lack of selection.

What grocer do you guys recommend that comes closest to HEB (among highest rated on quality and among highest rated on cheap prices) for the local southern Chicago suburb area?

Thanks

[DamenVChicago]

I do think it would be awesome if Hy-Vee expanded into the Chicago market.... specifically, the south and west suburbs, which for the most part, only have Jewel and Mariano's (in some parts, there aren't even Mariano's). The far outer suburbs are especially grocery deserts that could use more competition.

Seeing how H-E-B is literally only in Texas.... I would put to rest any hopes of them coming up here. Odds are slim to none. Hy-Vee would probably be the best bet. They already have locations in DeKalb and Peru, so it wouldn't be crazy to see them try to sneak into the outer west/south suburbs.

[japster28]

Originally Posted by txbullsfan

I'm here in the southern Chicago suburbs (Channahon, Shorewood area) for an extended period of time to spend with family. I already miss my Texas HEB.

I have been highly disappointed with Jewel on price and with both Jewel and Walmart on quality/freshness of produce and Aldi on lack of selection.

What grocer do you guys recommend that comes closest to HEB (among highest rated on quality and among highest rated on cheap prices) for the local southern Chicago suburb area?

Thanks

This is a smaller, more upscale place, but Brookhaven Marketplace is nice. Although I would classify it as Western Suburban. It's in Clarendon Hills, not exactly the Joliet area. I'm not too familiar with the South Suburbs, but if you have Tony's, thats a choice establishment as well.