October 10, 2016

Mayor Emanuel Cuts Ribbon On New Mariano’s Grocery Store In Bronzeville

Store Adds More Fresh and Healthy Food Options on Chicago’s South Side; Creates 400 Jobs

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined Bob Mariano, Ald. Sophia King, Ald. Pat Dowell and Chicago Housing Authority CEO Eugene Jones Jr. to cut the ribbon on the new Mariano’s grocery store in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The new store adds fresh, healthy food options and creates 400 jobs, including approximately 100 jobs that are held by CHA residents.

“Opening this Mariano’s means opening up incredible opportunities for residents in Bronzeville and across Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Mariano’s has shown time and time again they are committed to Chicago’s neighborhoods and families. This store is another important step in making sure every Chicagoan has access to fresh and good food options across the city.”

Located at 3859 South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, the new store covers more than 74,000 square feet and brings renewed life to a key intersection that has been vacant for several years. In addition to creating 400 jobs and serving as an anchor for future development, Mariano’s Bronzeville features products from approximately 50 local suppliers.

“From day one this store has been about the neighborhood,” Bob Mariano, Strategic Adviser to Kroger and Roundy's said. “Since we first identified this location in 2013, we have been working closely with local residents, leaders, architects, contractors and vendors to ensure this store reflects the values and flavors of the community. I am proud that when doors open tomorrow, we will bring high-quality, accessible food, complete with an extraordinary in-store experience.

The new store features artwork by Chicago-based, multi-disciplined artist, Hebru Brantley and exterior murals by Chicago-based artist and urban planner, Chris Devins. The murals highlight famous Bronzeville residents such as Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Lorraine Hansberry.

“CHA is proud to join our partners as we dedicate this new Mariano’s store, which provides more than just great grocery and fresh food options – this store creates jobs,” said CHA CEO Eugene Jones, Jr. “Today, thanks to Mariano’s, the efforts of our partners at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and our service provider Centers for New Horizons, 97 CHA residents are employed at the store - almost 25 percent of the workforce. CHA’s support for projects like this helps not only CHA residents, but residents of the broader community who benefit from this public-private investment that leads to a stronger community.”

The development was a joint venture between Safeway Construction, WBS Equities, Abbot Land, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and the IFF.

Mariano’s Bronzeville is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional details on other grand-opening week initiatives and events can be found on Mariano’s Facebook, Twitter and website at www.marianos.com.

Over the past four years, Mariano’s has created thousands of jobs in the city of Chicago. As of today, Mariano’s has opened 39 stores in the Chicagoland area.

About Mariano’s
Mariano’s, the Midwest’s most exciting food destination, is one of four grocery banners of Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). Mariano’s, founded in 2010, is an integral part of the communities it serves. With 39 locations across the Chicagoland area, Mariano’s places a premium on the customer experience, offering a highly differentiated food shopping experience combined with exceptional customer service. Mariano’s incorporates Chicagoland’s distinctive neighborhood culture into its signature grocery merchandising allowing customers to enjoy a truly unique foodie experience.

###