Mariano's Celebrates Grand Opening

Mariano's Fresh Market hosted a grand opening celebration Monday, Jan. 30.

The invitation-only event featured two bands, a bar made of ice, fresh made gelato, sushi and a smores station. The celebration wrapped up at 10 p.m. The store was scheduled to open to the public at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan.31.

Although the grocery store will not have the night club-like feel on display Monday, many of the amenities highlighted throughout the night will be available. For example, the sushi will be available from Oki Sushi. Guests also were served pizza from a wood-fired pizza oven.

Mariano's still is new to the Chicaog-area. The first store opened in Arlington Heights in July 2010.

The 70,000 square foot store Palatine store at 545 N. Hicks Rd. in December 2010. The property Mariano's now occupies once was owned by the village. Palatine paid $6.150 million for 14 acres and then sold 7 acres for the Mariano's project for about $3.050 million.

The new opened just to the north of Mariano's earlier this month.