First of 6 stalled Save A Lots in Chicago finally opens

Save A Lot celebrated a grand reopening of a store at 420 Pulaski Road in Chicago on Thursday.

The opening is significant because it is the first of six Save A Lots, owned and operated by Yellow Banana, which are being powered up in the city after a long spell of delays. Many of the stores are located in neighborhoods lacking access to grocery stores and fresh foods. 

Openings at 10700 South Halsted Street, 2858 East 83rd Street, 7240 South Stony Island Avenue, 7908 South Halsted Street, and 4439 West 63rd Street are slated to happen later this fall.

Renovations at each location include new flooring, lighting, equipment, HVAC systems, dairy and meat cases, paint, decor, fixtures and signage. 

“We are proud to take steps to re-introduce the Save A Lot brand to Chicago by reopening our stores,” said Joe Canfield, CEO of Yellow Banana. “I’m confident that the investment made to our remodel and upgrade these stores will pay off for shoppers.” 

To celebrate the grand reopening of the Pulaski store, Save A Lot and Yellow Banana are hosting six days of giveaways, starting with a free tote bag of products to the first 100 customers at the event on Thursday. 

A community fair will take place on Sunday with music, balloon art, free food, and more. 

Thursday’s store opening follows months of delays.

Yellow Banana was receiving pressure from the communities and city to finally reopen the lot of six stores.Yellow Banana, the grocer’s owner and operator, received $13.5 million in subsidies from the City of Chicago. In total, including tax increment financing, loans, and federal grants, Yellow Banana had more than $26 million to work with and guaranteed the reopening of the stores in 24 months.