Mariano’s Plans Expansion

Mariano’s (Chicago) has set its sights on more Chicago locations and a possible expansion outside of the Windy City, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The upscale supermarket chain, a unit of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarket Inc., operates 24 locations in the Chicago area with 10 more set to open by the end of 2015. Mariano’s will open stores in Oak Lawn, West Chester, Glenview, Shorewood and Gurnee by the end of 2014, and five more locations are set to open next year, reports the Tribune.

In Chicago’s packed supermarket scene, Mariano’s seeks to distinguish itself with upscale offerings like oyster bars, vegan grills, gelato and patios where shoppers can dine on dishes cooked in the store.

In late 2013, the chain boosted its expansion plans when it bought 11 former Dominick’s locations. On Wednesday, the supermarket chain will reopen 14 stores that have been remodeled, four of which are former Dominick’s locations.