What a difference a few months can make.
Buffalo Grove grocery
shoppers, which until recently had limited selection of grocery stores in the
village, may soon have a wider variety thanks to the closing of the three
Dominick’s stores in the village.
With Mariano’s
grabbing the Dominick’s at Half Day and Buffalo Grove roads there remains
speculation and hope that the remaining two sites at Lake Cook and Arlington
Heights roads and Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads, would attract new tenants.
It looks as though
the Dominick’s at Buffalo Grove and Dundee roads may become a Garden Fresh Market. Village officials have confirmed that the Mundelein-based
firm has applied for an “an application for Tenant & Use” for the site.
It will be
interesting to see how Jewel handles its new competition. In addition to Mariano’s and Garden Fresh,
the Sunset in Long Grove is a 9-iron shot from the village while the newly
opened “The Fresh Market” in Lincolnshire is a par-five from the village.
I am amazed that
grocery stores flaunt “fresh” in their name. Maybe it’s me, but I’m not in the
market for dated food.
As a friend of mine
noted, it seems like more and more consumers are making multiple trips for
groceries, almost like they go the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick
maker. If he’s right, then the Caputo’s
at Rand and Hicks factors in because it strives to be a major player in the
produce game – my guess it’s fresh as well.
If Garden Fresh gets the green light and opens at Dundee and Buffalo Grove road, it could make things interesting for Jewel. If Garden Fresh emulates its Northbrook store, it would bring a very active kosher operation to Buffalo Grove, something Jewel has been trying to do in recent years. But not on the scale as Garden Fresh. In addition to have a Chicago Rabbinical Council approved “Kosher Korner” and a dedicated kosher manager – not to mention an afternoon minyan (services). Calls to Garden Fresh’s corporate office have not been returned.
If Garden Fresh gets the green light and opens at Dundee and Buffalo Grove road, it could make things interesting for Jewel. If Garden Fresh emulates its Northbrook store, it would bring a very active kosher operation to Buffalo Grove, something Jewel has been trying to do in recent years. But not on the scale as Garden Fresh. In addition to have a Chicago Rabbinical Council approved “Kosher Korner” and a dedicated kosher manager – not to mention an afternoon minyan (services). Calls to Garden Fresh’s corporate office have not been returned.
As for Mariano’s,
they will likely sabre rattle with Sunset and The Fresh Market since the three
tend to be a bit more “upscale”. Despite
what has been reported, the Mariano’s concept is not a Bob Mariano idea. One Mariano’s official told me the store is modeled
after Rochester, New York-based Wegman’s.
The chain, which has stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. Massachusetts,
Virginia and Maryland, features food courts with prepared foods and
tables. They thrive on community
involvement and local ownership, similar to what Mariano’s aims to be.
Other players? Rumors have been flying about Kroger coming
to the Chicago area. It would not
surprise me if Cleveland-based Heinen’s, which has a store in Barrington and
one planned for Glenview, would make a bid for one of Chicago area Dominick’s. Buffalo Grove would be a good fit since
Heinen’s does well in suburban areas. I have visited Heinen’s stores in Cleveland
and Wegman’s in both Erie, Pennsylvania and Jamestown, New York, which should
give you an idea as to the excitement that often reigns in my life. Most visits include my mother-in-law, which
concerns me because if either Wegman’s or Heinen’s opens nearby, she may be
tempted to visit more often. No further
comment.
In the meantime, the
village’s grocery landscape is rapidly changing. No more will it be two standard stores, but there
will be a little variety and competition.
And who knows, maybe
even a minyan too.
Being from Ohio, I would love to see Kroger make a debut in Buffalo Grove. SInce Kroger doubles coupons, the impact could make for some great deals for couponers not to mention Kroger competitors wanting in on the action will be forced to double coupons as well.
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