Jet Foods Set to Open in Chicagoland, Announces More Stores

Nearly a year after announcing a new chain of stores, Nat Caputo, whose family ran the Joe Caputo & Sons grocery chain, is finally set to open Jet Foods in Carol Stream, Des Plaines and Park Forest, Ill., later this fall.

Caputo, who joined Jet Foods as president last spring, and partner John Everest Thomas (his initials form the grocery chain’s name), the CEO of Chicago-based parent company Freedom Development Group, plan to begin hiring for the Carol Stream (40,000 square feet) and Park Forest (35,000 square feet) locations in the next few weeks. All three announced locations will be open before Thanksgiving, and the partners plan for up to six stores in the greater Chicagoland area, including Rockford and Harvey. Naperville is another possible location, according to local reports.

Jet Foods was first announced in late September 2019, but the pandemic put a hold on opening plans. Officials said the stores are focused on providing local, fresh food that is easy to grab and go. Foodservice also will play heavily in providing a unique shopping experience for customers.