One-hundred and twenty-five years after its inception in Chicago, Jewel-Osco has proven its enduring commitment to its heritage and community by blending the past with modern technology. This commitment was highlighted during their recent anniversary celebration at a West Loop store. The event featured a horse-drawn carriage, a nod to the grocer’s roots, parked near contemporary delivery trucks displaying QR codes, representing their stride into the e-commerce space.
Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers described their journey in a recent interview with Progressive Grocer. “We’re back to our roots. We started with ‘e-commerce’ and we’re big in e-commerce today. We’ve really come full circle,” he stated. The company, founded as a simple coffee and delivery service in 1899, has evolved through various acquisitions and expansions to remain a key player in the Chicago grocery market, competing alongside stores like Domnick’s Finer Foods.
Acquired by Albertsons Cos. in 1999, Jewel-Osco is a significant part of the proposed merger between Albertsons and The Kroger Co. The brand has continued its expansion in the Chicago metro area, along with parts of Indiana and Iowa. Notably, a new store is set to open this fall in Diamond, Illinois. Withers emphasized that their focus remains on enhancing the in-store experience in tandem with digital offerings. “We’re very proud to serve the neighborhoods where we are and cater to their needs,” he elaborated.
A tour of the store located at 370 N. Des Plaines Street, which held the anniversary event, showcases how Jewel-Osco has adapted over 125 years. Shoppers there will find a selection of ready-made meals and fresh products, along with everyday essentials. This location even boasts a bar where customers can unwind and enjoy a game on a big screen—an exemplar of the merging culinary retail with entertainment.
During the anniversary event, attendees enjoyed product samples, including innovative dishes like “soup shooters” and charcuterie plates, creatively displayed next to a large cheddar cheese sculpture. Special promotions and deals added to the festive atmosphere. The event concluded with a toast at 1:25 p.m., acknowledging not just the company’s history but also its workforce and customer loyalty. Withers expressed gratitude towards employees and customers, underscoring their vital role in the success of Jewel-Osco.
The celebration festivities are expected to continue for weeks, including activities across Chicagoland, with all 188 stores partaking in the celebrations. According to Tina Browen, senior marketing director at Jewel-Osco, “Our associates live in the communities they work in, so we wanted to make sure that we serve the communities.” The store will host parking lot events, giveaways, and even a birthday celebration for the store’s mascot, JoJo.
Albertsons, which oversees Jewel-Osco, operates 2,269 retail locations across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 different brand banners. The company has made an impact by maintaining a sizable presence in the retail sector, ranking ninth on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America, and is celebrated as one of PG’s Retailers of the Century.
As Jewel-Osco continues its legacy, it demonstrates how a deep-rooted commitment to community can coexist with modern retailing demands. The company’s trajectory showcases a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, proving that staying true to one’s roots while adapting to market changes can foster enduring success.
