LOGAN SQUARE — The grand opening was pushed back several weeks, but the father-and-son duo behind Fresh MarketPlace have announced their new grocery store on Western Avenue will open Nov. 1.
Paul and Peter Marinis have worked for more than 1½ years to open Fresh MarketPlace in the former Danny’s Fresh Market, 2134 N. Western Ave. In addition to running their first grocery store in Belmont Cragin, the two said they’ve invested more than $2 million in the Logan Square grocery.
A sidewalk cafe complete with a sidewalk service window is one of many wholesale changes to the storefront. The store's kitchen will serve rotisserie, bakery and cafe items, Paul Marinis said, in addition to an olive bar, a cheese island, a deli, and a modest beer and liquor section on the store’s new shelves.
The Marinis say they've distinguished their store by guaranteeing affordable prices with a mix of goods that match the local demographics — traditional Mexican goods and a taqueria feature prominently in the store alongside high-end organic products and other standard goods.
“We’re very customer service-oriented,” Paul Marinis said. “That’s what we feel makes us successful.”
According to Paul Marinis, former employees of Danny’s will have first option for the 30-40 job openings at Fresh MarketPlace. And the new owners also committed to hiring a majority of the total positions from within the neighborhood, they said.
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