Garden Fresh Pursues Buffalo Grove Dominick’s Location

As Dominick’s stores prepare to close, another new grocer has expressed interest in moving into one of the Buffalo Grove locations.

Garden Fresh Market has submitted the initial paperwork required to move into The Plaza shopping center at the northwest corner of Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads, Deputy Village Manager Jenny Maltas said.

Village staff members are reviewing the request to determine whether the grocery chain will need any variances. Garden Fresh will need to secure a business license and liquor license from the village before it can occupy the space, Maltas said. 

Dominick’s will close its doors for good on Dec. 28.

Garden Fresh Market representatives could not be reached Wednesday afternoon for comment. The Mundelein-based company currently operates five stores across the suburbs, including one about a mile south from the proposed location, on Hintz Road in Wheeling.

Meanwhile, Mariano’s is preparing to move into the Dominick’s store in the Woodland Commons shopping center at the northeast corner of Buffalo Grove and Half Day roads, Maltas said. That Dominick’s, which is the only one in the village not holding liquidation sales, is expected to remain open through January, Maltas said. Mariano’s is scheduled to take occupancy in February, when the store will be closed for about six weeks as it’s converted into Mariano’s, she said.

The village hasn’t heard of any plans for the Dominick’s location at Lake-Cook and Arlington Heights roads, Maltas said. Of the village’s three Dominick’s stores, that location is the only one that is owned by the chain, Maltas said. The other two locations are leased, and their agreements are being taken over by Mariano’s and Garden Fresh, she said.

Meanwhile, Buffalo Grove officials have had no further communication with the developer that received approval over the summer to redevelop the Cambridge Commons shopping center with a Fresh Farms grocery store as its anchor. 

Permits for façade construction and inside demolition were prepared three months ago, but have not been picked up by the developer, Village Manager Dane Bragg said earlier this month. Maltas said the village has not heard from the developer recently. 

A variance approved for the Fresh Farms façade sign is valid for only six months, and will expire on Jan. 15 if plans don’t proceed, Maltas said. Special approval for a new ground sign on the site will expire Feb. 19, she said. Should the developer allow the variances to lapse, he’ll have to return to the Village Board to start the process over again, Maltas said.

For more Buffalo Grove news, sign up for our free e-newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.