Chicago's independent grocery count is growing

Grocery stores are like people—they come in all different shapes and sizes. And here at The Local Checkout, I’ll be taking a closer look through a wide lens of independent grocery stores. Because just like people—they all matter.   

Windy City win

Residents in Chicagoland are seeing that independent grocers are not only surviving but are thriving in the competitive grocery space. In a span of three months, Illinois-based Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets opened two new stores in the Chicago area; the latest grand opening took place on Wednesday.

The grocery stores in the village of Norridge, an enclave of the city of Chicago, and in the suburb of Mt. Prospect, bring the family-owned grocery business store count to 10 locations, proving the retailer still has a competitive advantage when it comes to winning in the grocery space in the Windy City.

In fact, did you know 64% of Americans choose to shop at a small business in order to show support to their community? This data is according to a GOBankingRate survey.

The Local Checkout was at Wednesday’s grand opening in Norridge, and let’s just say finding a parking spot was like being on the Chicago Kennedy Expressway—tons of cars.

NGA's Grocers PAC

The National Grocers Association (NGA) is amping up its PAC growth strategies. The trade association representing the independent supermarket industry has hired Julia Landcastle as its coordinator of political and government relations.

“We look forward to working with Julia as she leads NGA’s Grocers PAC, a key component of our advocacy strategy,” said Chris Jones, NGA’s senior vice president of government relations and counsel.

Additionally, NGA has promoted Max Wengroff to manager of government relations and membership.

13 indie grocers honored

SpartanNash recently honored 13 independent grocers with a National 2022-23 SpartanNash Vision Award. Recipients were recognized for overall sales growth, private-label sales growth and community engagement initiatives.

“Our independent customers are integral to their local communities, and we take pride in providing them with the products, insights and services they need to grow their business,” said SpartanNash EVP and Chief Customer Officer David Sisk. “It was such an honor to celebrate our customers’ amazing achievements with them. Our success as a Company is tied to the success of our independent customers—when they win, our communities win, and our business wins.”

Central Grocer to reopen

This next bit of news is for actor Nicholas Cage. According to a local media report, New Orleans' famed Central Grocery and Deli is expected to reopen this fall, almost two years after the store experienced damage from Hurricane Ida. And in case you’re wondering, the American actor touts the French Quarter grocer’s muffuletta sandwich as the best. Even Homer Simpson has indulged in the grocer’s famous sandwich. Anyone else ready for lunch?

Thanks for reading The Local Checkout. Got an indie grocery story or news item you think I missed? Email [email protected]