Mariano’s Opens in Park Ridge

Roundy’s-owned Mariano’s Fresh Market further expanded its footprint today with the unveiling of its newest Park Ridge, Ill., store, located at 1900 S. Cumberland Ave. The Park Ridge Mariano’s is the first to open of 11 ex-Dominick’s locations purchased from Safeway Inc. at the end of last year.

The nearly 74,000-square-foot store offers shoppers a dynamic selection of produce items, including more than 200 organic choices; full-service meat, seafood, bakery and floral departments; a specialty cheese shop featuring artisanal, imported and domestic fare, hand-cut and wrapped in-store; a walk-in beer cooler with regional and global selections including a build-your-own-six-pack section; as well as a full-service pharmacy, which offers new Mariano’s Prescriptions Savings Club with common generic medications for as little as $4.

“[Local residents] were missing a place to shop, so we’re able to fill that void by bringing Mariano’s here,” Dana Schueller, director, senior marketing leader for Mariano’s, told Progressive Grocer. “We’re famous for our produce, including affordable organic items, which is a big plus for the neighborhood.”

Among the many unique features offered by Mariano’s include “Vero,” an in-store authentic Italian coffee shop; prepared foods including made-to-order sandwiches and pizzas; a wine bar where customers can enjoy a glass or flight; as well as the “Health Key” labeling system, which identifies products with healthy attributes, such as Gluten-Free, Organic, Vegan and Heart Healthy.

Milwaukee-based Roundy’s operates 163 grocery stores and 113 pharmacies under the Pick ’n Save, Rainbow, Copps, Metro Market and Mariano’s retail banners in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.