Jewel Celebrates New Stores, Remodels
Grand openings are planned this week for five new Jewel-Osco locations in the Chicago area, along with 14 other stores that have completed major remodels.
Two new stores in Chicago (424 W. Division St. and 1763 Howard St.) and three in the suburbs of Merrionette Park, Fox River Grove and Lake Zurich will open on Tuesday afternoon, June 24. Remodeled stores opening the following morning include six city locations and eight suburban stores, of which four are former Dominick's locations that Jewel-Osco acquired when Safeway closed its Chicago-area banner late last year.
The five new stores, which Jewel says have created more than 1,500 new jobs, were designed to offer customers "a new experience in fresh products" and "a comfortable shopping experience with a focus on premium customer service."
Signature Items and Service
“Our business has picked up momentum over the last several months, and we have no intention of slowing down,” said Jewel-Osco President Shane Sampson. “With over 30,000 team members strong, Jewel-Osco has a deep roster of talented individuals that drive our company to be the number one grocery retailer in Chicagoland. We’re getting back to doing what’s right for our customers, our team, and the community. Our mission is to support the neighborhoods that we serve by giving them the prices they deserve, the goods and services they want, and the highest standard of service.”
Select locations will offer bulk foods including olive oil, honey, teas and spices, gourmet bulk nuts and candy, and other savory indulgences. Division Street will feature a fudge shop, freshly made caramel corn and caramel apples, and smoothies. The Howard Street store will offer a community room open for the public to use as a meeting space for neighborhood events and organizations’ gatherings.
The grocer also plans to debut across all store locations “Jewel-Osco Signature Items,” showcasing a selection of goods from each fresh department that are specially made fresh every day. These include bakery items like 18-count cookies, French bread "guaranteed hot" from 4 to 7 p.m., and custom cakes decorated in-store; delis will serve fried chicken and store-baked, carved turkey breast.
The meat market offers USDA Choice Steakhouse Choice beef, with full-service custom cuts upon request, in addition to all-natural, hand-trimmed, boneless-skinless chicken breasts; fresh-ground 96 percent lean sirloin pub burgers; sausage; and never-frozen 6-ounce salmon. The produce department will offer fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, fresh-made guacamole and tortilla chips, yogurt parfaits, and locally raised roses.
Jewel-Osco Remodels
In the 14 remodeled locations, virtually every department received a fresh update. Equipped with new self-service salad bars and juice bars, the additional remodeled stores will feature new Jewel Signature Items. Bakeries will offer gourmet desserts and a variety of fresh baked breads, muffins and bagels. With expanded prepared hot and cold food, delis are equipped with carving stations and will offer Dietz & Watson premium sandwiches and wraps made fresh daily. The refreshed meat and seafood department includes live lobster tanks, natural and antibiotic-free chicken, and fresh seafood that can be seasoned and steamed without additional cost.
To honor the community’s contribution to the continued success of its stores, Jewel-Osco will make nearly $40,000 in grant donations to 36 organizations across Chicagoland. The company will recognize local schools, food pantries and other nonprofit organizations as dedication to each community the stores serve.
Established in 1899, Jewel-Osco, owned by New Albertsons Inc., operates185 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.