The grocery landscape is shifting in Chicago, with major improvements taking place at Save A Lot locations across the city. Yellow Banana, the Ohio-based owner of Save A Lot stores, has recently launched a newly revamped site in the South Shore community at 7240 S. Stony Island Avenue. This grand opening occurs alongside the reopening of other remodeled stores in the city, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing food security in underserved neighborhoods.
Investing in the community, Yellow Banana is pouring $26.5 million into the enhancement of six supermarket locations. This initiative has been buoyed by a substantial $13.5 million grant from the City of Chicago, awarded in 2022, aimed at tackling food insecurity. Additional financing from third parties and tax credits also facilitated the necessary upgrades, although some delays were encountered along the way.
Enhancements to the Save A Lot stores include significant physical improvements such as new lighting, flooring, equipment, signage, and décor. In addition, customers can now enjoy a broader selection of products, especially fresh foods. A Save A Lot spokesperson emphasizes that while numerous grocers are exiting the Chicago market, their stores and local retail partners are doubling down on investments in the city to provide the community with quality shopping experiences.
“We have taken the time and care needed to remodel six stores on the South Side of Chicago, aligning them with our operational standards,” the spokesperson said. “Four of the six stores slated for remodel are now reopened and fully updated, ensuring that customers enjoy a first-rate shopping experience.”
Food access, particularly to affordable groceries, has historically been a pressing concern for many residents in Chicago. Save A Lot aims to address this challenge by providing high-quality groceries at low prices. With the reopening of this latest location, the store joins three others—two on the South Side in West Pullman and South Chicago, and one in the West Garfield Park area—improved this fall.
Looking ahead, Yellow Banana plans to reopen two additional locations—one at 4439 W 63rd and another in Auburn Gresham—early in 2025. To celebrate the recent opening in South Shore, Save A Lot held a series of giveaways for the initial 100 customers and provided various coupons and gift cards, further engaging with the local community.
The ownership of Yellow Banana is under the umbrella of 127 Wall, a group co-founded by professionals including Michael Nance, Ademola Adewale-Sadik, Walker Brumskine, and Joseph Canfield. Together, they manage nearly 40 stores across major cities including Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Jacksonville, and Dallas.
Save A Lot is also notable as the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the United States. With approximately 750 locations spread across 32 states, Save A Lot ranks No. 58 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of top food retailers in North America and has also garnered recognition as one of the Best Independent Grocers of 2024.
This investment exemplifies a growing trend wherein companies are taking proactive measures to enhance customer shopping experiences while simultaneously addressing broader social issues such as food insecurity. The focus on fresh, high-quality products and thoughtful store design reflects a fundamental understanding of the importance of grocery access in urban areas.
As the grocery sector continues to evolve, the story of Save A Lot’s revitalization in Chicago stands out as an example of how businesses can make a meaningful impact in their communities while committing to operational excellence.
Save A Lot’s strategy seems to be a winning approach as it not only enhances the shopping experience but also reinforces customer loyalty and community support. This investment could well lead to a resurgence in local grocery shopping, ensuring that quality food is accessible to everyone in the community.
