Mariano's Fresh Market in Lakeshore East (Chicago, Arlington Heights: real estate, new construction, marketplace)

[edsg25]

Mariano's Fresh Market which opened its first store in Arl Hts last year and just opened its 2nd in Vernon Hills is real blockbuster with endless gourmet food displayed with pizzaz, the largest produce section I've ever seen, and a large scale regular grocery component.

The store, a division of Roundy Foods HQ'd in Milw and with leadership from Mariano who I believe was quite active with Dominick's, is scheduled to open in Lakeshore East's marketplace soon. This market is the replacement for Treasure Island which initially considered the space.

I have found nothing on the internet that suggest when the store is open although my understanding is that the construction and set up are virtually completed.

Does anyone know what is going with this opening? I am fairly sure that Mariano's will shake up the whole of downtown super market competition as it introduces its new concept in market design and has a quality and theatrical flare that is sure to make its mark in the city.

[Attrill]

They've posted help wanted ads on Craigslist that indicate an opening date in early September for the Lakeshore East store. They're also opening a store at Western and Roscoe in August, and another one at 5353-63 N. Elston Ave.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by Attrill

They've posted help wanted ads on Craigslist that indicate an opening date in early September for the Lakeshore East store. They're also opening a store at Western and Roscoe in August, and another one at 5353-63 N. Elston Ave.

i'm impressed with any outfit that can expand like this in this economy.

now what's funny to me is that the second store was supposed to be in Palatine and I never even heard about the additional Chicago stores. Looks like they really made some switches.

Is the Western & Roscoe store in a space vacated by another retailer?

[Attrill]

Yeah, it was a Dominick's. It's in the same mall with the Toys R Us, with the Jewel just North of it. It's pushed the Jewel to undergo a complete renovation.

They're opening a number of new suburban stores as well, I forget where though. It is pretty impressive to see a company expanding so aggressively in a short period of time. I'm looking forward to some new alternatives for supermarkets, I've pretty much given up on Jewel and Dominick's for most things.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by Attrill

Yeah, it was a Dominick's. It's in the same mall with the Toys R Us, with the Jewel just North of it. It's pushed the Jewel to undergo a complete renovation.

They're opening a number of new suburban stores as well, I forget where though. It is pretty impressive to see a company expanding so aggressively in a short period of time. I'm looking forward to some new alternatives for supermarkets, I've pretty much given up on Jewel and Dominick's for most things.

right on when it comes to Jewel and Dominick's. I suspect though that it might be Treasure Island most affected by their opening.

TI doesn't seem to have that much competition on the North Side lakefront. But when it expanded past the city into the North Shore (beyond its very old and small Wilmette store) in Glenview and Lake Bluff, it couldn't make it. I suspect that TI could not match up with Sunset Foods on the North Shore.

[edsg25]

I started this thread a ways back. and i'm even more amazed now. I know that Mariano's in Lakeshore East (Village Market) is almost complete. Yet I haven't seen a thing in the media about when it will open. The store's website doesn't even talk about expansion (which will include a couple of additional stores on the North Side).

I've been to both Mariano's stores in the suburbs (Arl Hts, Vernon Hills) and they are outstanding and built on a concept I've never seen before. they are blockbusters.

Is it just me or is anyone else amazed on how little coverage this is getting. BTW....the Village Market really benefitted when Treasure Island backed out on their deal there and Roundy's signed on with Mariano's Fresh Market. TI is a fine store, but just doesn't offer what this place does.

Why the silence on it all, i wonder? seems to me this close to completion, there should be plenty of info

[sydbarrett]

Originally Posted by Attrill

They've posted help wanted ads on Craigslist that indicate an opening date in early September for the Lakeshore East store. They're also opening a store at Western and Roscoe in August, and another one at 5353-63 N. Elston Ave.

The Mariano's planned for Forest Glen will make a big impact on the Northwest Side.

Chicago, IL – 28k Sq Ft Lot in Forest Glen | KB Real Estate Inc. (http://www.kbrealestate.com/listing/chicago-il-28k-sq-ft-lot-in-forest-glen/ - broken link)

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by sydbarrett

The Mariano's planned for Forest Glen will make a big impact on the Northwest Side.

Chicago, IL – 28k Sq Ft Lot in Forest Glen | KB Real Estate Inc. (http://www.kbrealestate.com/listing/chicago-il-28k-sq-ft-lot-in-forest-glen/ - broken link)

is the forest glen site new construction or into an existing space? i do know their mid North Side location is an empty store (was Dominick's, I think).

Still...kind of weird there isn't much publicity. I know the other NS side along with the downtown location are set to open soon.

[sydbarrett]

Originally Posted by edsg25

is the forest glen site new construction or into an existing space?

It is new construction. The lot has been vacant for a while.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by edsg25

I've been to both Mariano's stores in the suburbs (Arl Hts, Vernon Hills) and they are outstanding and built on a concept I've never seen before. they are blockbusters.

Mariano's is very similar to the upscale Pic-n-Save stores in certain locations in Milwaukee. They have been working getting the concept right.

The Arlington Heights store has been packed since it opened.