When Maciej Gromadzki stepped outside of Rich’s Fresh Market in River Grove to take a break during the store’s construction, people passing by usually had one question for him.
“They are always, always asking me when the store is going to open,” he said.
Gromadzki, the store’s manager, now has the answer.
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The store, at 3141 N. Thatcher Ave. in the Thatcher Woods Shopping Center, is planning to have a soft opening to the public at noon on June 3 and a grand opening on July 4. He said a lot of hard work and money has been put into renovating the 63,000 square-foot store, a former Dominick’s location that closed in 2014.
Once the store opens, it plans to compete with other grocery stores like Mariano’s Fresh Market, Caputo’s Fresh Market and Tony’s Finer Foods, offering a wide range of goods beyond standard produce and packaged foods. Gromadzki said the store will have a hot food buffet, an international food section, fresh-squeezed juices, a sushi bar, a pizza oven, and a bakery where they will make their own bread and other goods.
“We have everything for everybody,” he said.
Gromadzki said the store is committed to living up to the “fresh” part of the store’s name, making sure they have lots of fruits and vegetables.
“We will have it delivered daily,” he said.
Ray Bernero, director of economic development for the village of River Grove, said he’s happy the store will finally be open for business soon. He’s seen the work that has gone into the store and believes residents will be impressed.
“I’m very excited about it,” he said. “It’s a beautiful store and it will be worth the wait.”
Cathy Arntzen, manager of Hallmark Gold Crown in Thatcher Woods Shopping Center, hopes Rich’s will attract more customers to her business and others in the area. She also lives in River Grove and is looking forward to doing her grocery shopping in the village again.
“This area needs a grocery store,” he said. “Hopefully, it brings new people to the area. For me, I want good produce. If they have good produce, it’s a plus.”
Gromadzki said he can’t wait to show the community what the store has to offer them.
“We are so excited,” he said. “Stop by and be our guest.”