Palatine Mariano’s On Track To Open In Early 2012

The Monday approved three separate liquor licenses for Mariano’s Fresh Market, currently under construction at 545 N. Hicks Road.

The grocer plans to open its doors early in the first quarter of 2012, no later than February, according to Max Dickman, Roundy’s Supermarkets real estate development manager.

Roundy’s Supermarkets is the umbrella company that owns Mariano’s.

Mariano's was granted liquor licenses allowing it to sell packaged wine, beer and liquor. The store also will be allowed to offer product sampling and will be allowed to serve alcohol in its café area, where the menu will include items such as pork roast, ribs, meatloaf and chicken dishes.

The cost to obtain the liquor licenses was $5,296.

A few concerns were raised by councilman during discussion about how alcohol consumption in the café would be monitored.

“We are cognizant of where alcohol goes; consumption will only be allowed in the designated café area, and our employees will be aware of and enforce that policy,” Dickman said.

The café will include 82 seats, 40 indoor and 42 outside when the weather permits. Roundy’s has opened four other stores in Chicago and nearby suburbs recently.

The first was opened in 2010 in Arlington Heights at 802 E. Northwest Highway, and the next in Vernon Hills at 1720 N. Milwaukee Avenue in 2011. Two stores in Chicago were opened in 2011, one in Roscoe Village and the other downtown.   

Roundy’s has an aggressive plan for growth over the next several years.

“We plan to open four to five new stores each year within the next five years,” Dickman said.

The Palatine location will be 70,000 square feet, which is slightly larger than the 66,000 square foot Arlington Heights store.

“The increase in size may not be visible to the naked eye, but the extra space will allow our customers to move more freely through the store, especially at busy times,” Dickman said.

Hiring for the Palatine location has already begun. The company plans to employ as many as 450 full and part-time positions.

During each shift, there will be up to 150 employees on the clock, Dickman said.

“Our employees have to be there for our customers because we pride ourselves on strong service; that is what earns and keeps our customers coming back,” he said.

Residents driving by the construction site on Hicks Road near Northwest Highway will notice a good amount of activity. 

The outside of the structure is virtually complete, and workers are putting the finishing touches on the parking lot. Construction will continue on the interior of the building through the end of the year.

The zoning and site plans for Mariano’s Fresh Market . 

If you are interested in full or part-time employment opportunities at the Palatine Mariano’s Fresh Market, visit their website at www.marianosfreshmarket.com. Applicants are required to start the application process through the Mariano’s website before in-person interviews.