URGENT UPDATE: A new grocery store is set to soft open this week in Richton Park, Illinois, addressing a significant community need for fresh food options. Independent grocery store owner Sal Omer and his father are determined to fill the void left by the recent closure of the Save-A-Lot store, which shuttered in December 2024 due to high property taxes.
The Richton Park Fresh Market will occupy a 15,000-square-foot space at 3736 Sauk Trail, a location that has remained vacant for too long. Residents have expressed concerns about access to affordable, nutritious food, and Omer aims to change that narrative. “It’s important to have fresh meat and a lot of fresh things because they don’t have it,” he stated.
The store promises to feature a butcher counter with fresh meat prepared on-site, as well as a grill where customers can request meat to be cooked without additional fees. Omer is still finalizing the necessary licenses for the grill but is committed to offering a unique, community-focused shopping experience.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: Omer’s approach is rooted in a family tradition of customer service. He plans to engage directly with shoppers during the soft opening to gather suggestions for products, ensuring the store meets community needs. “Customers will see me every day… I’ll try to do everything they like,” Omer affirmed.
The soft opening is particularly crucial as municipal officials have struggled to attract grocery stores to the area, labeling the east side of Richton Park a food desert. According to Michael Mallon of Mallon & Associates, a food desert is defined as an area lacking a grocery store with fresh food within a 1-mile radius. The new market aims to alleviate this issue.
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES: The village has taken action to support the market’s establishment, approving a Cook County Class 7D property tax incentive which will provide a reduced assessment level for 12 years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage grocery store development in underserved areas.
Omer’s previous experience managing a successful grocery store, La Super Carniceria y Taqueria, in Chicago Heights has equipped him with the knowledge needed to keep prices low while delivering quality products. He plans to start with a limited number of employees and items but anticipates expanding as demand grows. Over 100 job applications were received, leading to a dedicated team ready to serve the community.
LOOKING AHEAD: While the soft opening is slated for this week, Omer has not yet announced a full opening date. However, excitement is palpable among residents, particularly regarding the butcher counter and full-service deli offerings. Brandon Boys, the Richton Park director of economic development, reported that the community is eager to see fresh, quality options available within walking distance of several neighborhoods and the Metra Electric station.
The Richton Park Fresh Market represents a crucial step towards revitalizing local grocery access and enhancing community well-being. As the soft opening approaches, all eyes will be on how this new venture can reshape the food landscape in Richton Park.
