'Next Generation' Jewel Store Opens Tuesday in Merrionette Park

Perhaps feeling Mariano’s breathing down its neck, Jewel-Osco Stores is rolling out five new stores and 14 remodels across the Chicago area.

Slated for a grand opening today (Tuesday), Merrionette Park will welcome one of the new Jewel stores at 3243 S. 115th St., with a public gala at 5 p.m.

Expect a few politicians and Jewel-Osco executives to attend tonight’s gala in Merrionette Park, free samples and live music as the company puts the finishing touches on the “next generation of the new Jewel-Osco,” a company news release said.

The new Jewel on 115th Street was described by by Merrionette Park’s village attorney, Michael Stillman, as possibly becoming a flagship Jewel similar to the Palos Heights' location, which sports a cheese shop, organic Wild Harvest brands, a florist and liquor department, Beverly Review reported in March.

The five new stores are being designed to offer customers a “new experience in fresh products,” including an expanded produce section, and top-quality meat and seafood departments, the company said.

Select locations will offer an oil and honey bar, gourmet bulk nuts, candy, teas and spices, freshly made caramel corn and caramel apple. The Merrionette Park Jewel will feature a pizza bar, according to the company blog.

“Jewel-Osco Signature Items” will also debut across all store locations, showcasing a selection of goods from each fresh department that are specially made on site every day, such as cookies and bread from the bakery, and deli fried chicken and store-baked carving turkey breast.

The five new stores created over 1,500 jobs, the company said. In addition to Merrionette Park, the other new locations include 424 W. Division St. and 1763 W. Howard St. in Chicago, Lake Zurich and Fox River Grove.

“Our business has picked up momentum over the last several months, and we have no intention of slowing down,” Jewel-Osco President Shane Sampson said in a news release. “With over 30,000 team members strong, Jewel-Osco has a deep roster of talented individuals that drive our company to be the number one grocery retailer in Chicagoland. We’re getting back to doing what’s right for our customers, our team, and the community.”

In addition to the five new Jewel stores, 14 other locations will be getting a fresh update in the Chicago-area, four of which are former Dominicks’ stores.