By Jonathan Samples | Bugle Staff
Residents in and around Westmont now have a new option to consider when deciding where to grab their groceries.
Chain grocer Mariano’s opened its 36th Chicagoland location just west of Cass Avenue on 63rd Street in Westmont, and the store celebrated its March 15 grand opening with a ribbon cutting and check presentation to a local charity.
“We are thrilled with the turnout on opening day,” said James Hyland, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Mariano’s parent company Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. “We had customers in the door right at 6 a.m. when we opened.”
Roundy’s Supermarket’s President and CEO Bob Mariano presents Sarah O’Donnell, of People’s Resource Center, with a $5,000 check. The donation is part of the Roundy’s Foundation commitment to local causes that fight hunger.
The Roundy’s Foundation presented the People’s Resource Center with a $5,000 check during the grand opening. The Wheaton-based charity, which has a Westmont location, helps almost 32,000 residents in DuPage County find nutritious food and basic necessities such as clothes and rent assistance, according to its website.
“We selected the People’s Resource Center because of the great work they do to combat hunger,” said Hyland. “As part of the Roundy’s Foundation, we advocate for local causes that fight hunger, especially where it affects children.”
The store – located at 150 W. 63rd St. – will create approximately 400 new jobs, according to Mariano’s. In addition to mainstays such as Oki Sushi and an oyster bar, the Westmont store is the only Mariano’s location with a wine wall that uses a rating system to help shoppers choose between different wines.
Terry Rupp, a resident of nearby Willowbrook, visited the store its opening week and said he enjoyed how easy the store’s nice layout made his shopping experience.
“This is my first time at a Mariano’s, but I’ll be shopping here all the time,” he said.
Rupp added that he used to do most of his shopping at the now-shuttered Dominick’s grocery store located just down the road on Route 83 and 63rd Street in Darien. Now, some of those former Dominick’s employees have found work at the new Westmont Mariano’s.
That’s a feature Rupp said he enjoyed, as well.
“These are all the people who used to work at Dominick’s, so it makes it very friendly to come here,” he added.
Westmont Mayor Ron Gunter, right, assists Roundy’s CEO Bob Mariano and store director Shain Lichty, left, with the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Hyland said Mariano’s welcomes anyone who used to work for the defunct grocer.
“From day one, we’ve encouraged all former Dominick’s employees to apply to Mariano’s, and they are always considered equally among other applicants,” he said.
After the Chicago-area grocery store chain closed 72 area locations in 2014, competitors Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods Market and Mariano’s quickly moved into the vacant sites.
In fact, Roundy’s President and CEO Bob Mariano was, himself, a former Dominick’s CEO. In an interview with Chicago Magazine in February 2014, Mariano said he based his initial decision to purchase 11 former Dominick’s locations on the large number of people in the area and their purchasing power.
At the time, Mariano’s had 13 locations. In two short years, that number is now up to 36, and Hyland said the company will open three additional locations in Naperville, Lakeview and Bronzeville later this year. He credits the success to two factors: understanding customers and a committed workforce.
“Today’s customer is demanding food that is not only healthy but interesting to their palate, and we provide them with fresh and prepared offerings that cater to their lifestyles,” Hyland said. “Second, Mariano’s success is driven by our people. Our employees’ exceptional talent is a key ingredient for our growth.”
Mariano’s Westmont store is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and the full-service pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.