Lincoln Park resident Kenny Ho often visited the Dom’s Kitchen & Market on the corner of Diversey Parkway and Halsted Street.
But earlier this year, all of Dom’s locations across Chicago abruptly closed. Soon after, Outfox Hospitality — formed last year after the merger of Dom’s and Foxtrot — filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
“People were just bummed out,” Ho said. “This was kind of the only grocery store in the area that’s just convenient.”
So when a new grocer took over Dom’s old storefront Wednesday, Ho was among the first to see its offerings with his girlfriend.
The Fresh Market, a national grocery store chain, opened its new Lincoln Park site at 8 a.m., with many residents already gathered outside. The first shoppers were greeted by a violinist playing music near the entrance, and the first 500 customers received a reusable shopping bag.
Fresh Market Zone Vice President Melonie Petty said its the company’s first Chicago store. The grocer also operates locations in Crystal Lake, Geneva, Lake Forest and Wilmette as well as one opening soon in Naperville.
“Due to the location that was here before, … we knew there was a need for the community to have the convenience to come here,” she said.
The high turnout at the store’s opening reflects that need, Petty said.
Inside, the grocery store offered prepared food stations, a café and a full-service bar. A line could be seen for the coffee bar, which serves cocktails in the evening. And despite the early opening, some customers were already trying the hot foods such as pizza and smash burgers, as well as chicken salads.
Many customers also had their phones out taking videos and photos of the new store.
At the opening ceremony, The Fresh Market presented a $2,000 donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. While all Fresh Market locations make donations to the food bank, the Lincoln Park location will be the second to participate in the depository’s Food Rescue program, which helps limit food waste and turns it into donations.
“Every location matters, every bit of food matters,” said Faith Stachnik, food rescue retail engagement manager at the Food Depository. “The need is becoming greater and greater every day.”
Stachnik said the financial donation by The Fresh Market will provide 3,000 meals.
On Thursday, chef Carla Hall, who has appeared on Bravo’s competition show Top Chef and on Food Network shows, will be at the store to offer samples of her Sweet Heritage butter tarts. Giveaways will also be offered such as tickets to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the James M. Nederlander Theater and sweet treats.
Jason Potter, CEO of The Fresh Market, said the activities are all about connecting the company to the community.
“I think it’s fun, and we hope the guests think it’s fun too,” he said. “It’s a joyous thing we’re trying to create, an experience with the guest … making sure people understand we’re a part of Chicago.”
Kate Schimberg, who lives downtown, said she used to travel to The Fresh Market’s Wilmette location because she’s such a fan of their products. Now, with a location about 10 minutes away, she plans to visit frequently.
“It’s a quality store,” she said. “Some of their pre-made foods are fabulous … things are a little pricey but it goes with the territory.”