In an exciting development for the West Garfield Park neighborhood in Chicago, Save A Lot has officially reopened its doors to a refurbished grocery store that promises to prioritize community needs. This 12,000-square-foot store, located at 420 South Pulaski Street, is strategically placed in a food desert, with the aim of providing residents with access to fresh, value-priced products. The reopening comes after approximately 18 months of planning, ongoing dialogues with local stakeholders, and addressing various construction challenges.

Joe Canfield, CEO of Yellow Banana, the store’s owner and operator, explained that the company has been in constant communication with community leaders, including the local alderman and various community organizations. “We are excited to showcase what we have, and we have heard from people saying, ‘Thank goodness we can shop in our neighborhood,’” he shared during an interview with Progressive Grocer.

This commitment to community engagement is a theme echoed by Bill Mayo, the chief development officer at Save A Lot’s parent company. He praised the team for navigating construction delays while securing funding to enhance this store along with five others in underserved Chicago areas. “Joe and our team put the vision together for the remodel, putting forth the best experience we could offer. They spent a lot of time with the local community members to provide consumers with what they are looking for,” Mayo noted, emphasizing the dedication to tailoring offerings based on local preferences.

Walking into the new Save A Lot is reportedly “like stepping into a bright, beautiful clean store.” Fresh produce greets shoppers on both sides, leading to an “Aisle of Values” that showcases the store’s exclusive brands. Notably, the meat department continues to practice the age-old tradition of cutting meat on-site every day, a feature that resonates with customers valuing quality and freshness.

A significant aspect of the remodel is the fresh product perimeter, which now includes organic offerings, new grab-and-go cut fruit, and a wider selection of greens, such as collard, turnip, and mustard greens. Notably, the introduction of a new turkey product stemmed directly from requests made by community members, thus reflecting the store’s responsiveness to local needs.

In addition to refreshing the produce section, Save A Lot recognizes the importance of providing affordable everyday essentials. “Save A Lot is known for great value in the center store, so having groceries, pet, baby, and cleaning products also gives that to shoppers,” Mayo underlined. Like many grocery chains, balancing convenience with economy is a priority for Save A Lot, ensuring shoppers can find what they need without breaking the bank.

The physical space has also seen upgrades, including new flooring, lighting, and equipment, alongside a modern HVAC system and improved refrigerated cases. These enhancements not only elevate the shopping experience but also promote energy efficiency—a crucial consideration for modern retail establishments.

Importantly, the store is set to employ around 20 associates, a majority of whom are local and have a long-standing relationship with Save A Lot. Canfield highlighted the significance of local leadership by stating, “Our store manager has been with Save A Lot for 20 years and knows the company and lives in the community. That is the lifeblood of a store, with longevity and commitment.”

The grand opening held on September 5 was a community event, where the first 100 customers received complimentary bags filled with products and samples, alongside a public barbecue that attracted event-goers. Such events not only celebrate the store’s reopening but also strengthen bonds within the community.

Looking toward the future, Yellow Banana is looking to open more Save A Lot locations in Chicago, notably in areas at 10700 South Halsted Street, 2858 East 83rd Street, 7240 South Stony Island Avenue, 7908 South Halsted Street, and 4439 West 63rd Street, despite facing prior construction and utility challenges. This trajectory of opening new stores is promising for other Chicago neighborhoods in need of quality grocery options.

Canfield views the grand reopening as a testament to effective collaboration among multiple parties. “It speaks to the collective commitment of everyone on the project—the community, the city, and Save A Lot—all coming together. We are excited to get it open,” he remarked.

With its roots reaching back to 1977, Save A Lot operates over 800 stores across 32 states and ranks No. 58 on The PG 100 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America for 2024. Highlighted among the Best Independent Grocers of 2024, Save A Lot continues to adapt and thrive by focusing on community-driven solutions and accessibility for every shopper.

The reopening of the Save A Lot grocery store in West Garfield Park not only fills a gap in the local food market but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in retail that prioritize community needs and aspirations over impersonal business strategies.