Grocery store creates Chicago customer service jobs

Posted on November 9, 2016

A new grocery store has created more Chicago customer service jobs.

The new Mariano’s grocery store is in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The new store adds fresh, healthy food options and creates 400 jobs, including approximately 100 jobs that are held by CHA residents.

“Opening this Mariano’s means opening up incredible opportunities for residents in Bronzeville and across Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Mariano’s has shown time and time again they are committed to Chicago’s neighborhoods and families. This store is another important step in making sure every Chicagoan has access to fresh and good food options across the city.”

Located at 3859 South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, the new store covers more than 74,000 square feet and brings renewed life to a key intersection that has been vacant for several years. In addition to creating 400 jobs and serving as an anchor for future development, Mariano’s Bronzeville features products from approximately 50 local suppliers.

“From day one this store has been about the neighborhood,” Bob Mariano, Strategic Adviser to Kroger and Roundy’s said. “Since we first identified this location in 2013, we have been working closely with local residents, leaders, architects, contractors and vendors to ensure this store reflects the values and flavors of the community. I am proud that when doors open tomorrow, we will bring high-quality, accessible food, complete with an extraordinary in-store experience.

The new store features artwork by Chicago-based, multi-disciplined artist, Hebru Brantley and exterior murals by Chicago-based artist and urban planner, Chris Devins. The murals highlight famous Bronzeville residents such as Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Lorraine Hansberry.

“CHA is proud to join our partners as we dedicate this new Mariano’s store, which provides more than just great grocery and fresh food options – this store creates jobs,” said CHA CEO Eugene Jones, Jr. “Today, thanks to Mariano’s, the efforts of our partners at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and our service provider Centers for New Horizons, 97 CHA residents are employed at the store – almost 25 percent of the workforce. CHA’s support for projects like this helps not only CHA residents, but residents of the broader community who benefit from this public-private investment that leads to a stronger community.”

The development was a joint venture between Safeway Construction, WBS Equities, Abbot Land, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and the IFF.