Buffalo Grove's grocery gain is Wheeling's loss

Buffalo Grove is one step closer to getting a replacement for its former Dominick's store at Buffalo Grove and Dundee roads, but Wheeling will be losing one of its grocery stores as a result.

Village trustees Monday granted a liquor license to Garden Fresh Market, which will operate at the 770 S. Buffalo Grove Road location. According to village officials, the store could ready for occupancy as soon as March.

With the opening of the Buffalo Grove store, Garden Fresh Market likely will be closing its Wheeling location at 1786 Hintz Road.

Garden Fresh founder Adi Mor declined to discuss specifics about the plans, saying those details must remain confidential until late January.

But John Melaniphy, director of economic development for Wheeling, said the Garden Fresh store in Wheeling has a sign in its window announcing its relocation.

“But until the deal is done, a lot of things can change,” he said. “We hate to see any business close, particularly because of the impact on the employees. It's always been considered that maybe this store was not meeting industry benchmarks, considering its size. The Garden Fresh in Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights closed, too.”

An independent grocery store would be one option to fill the space, Melaniphy said.

The store's other locations include Northbrook, Mundelein and Round Lake Beach.

Mor said his stores are known for tailoring their products to the local demographics. So expect specialty ethnic foods, including kosher items that should appeal to the Buffalo Grove market.

“We're a family owned business for more than 30 years,” he said. “We look forward to coming here. It's a great location.”

Mor is no stranger to the area. He is a former Buffalo Grove resident who lived on Thorndale Drive for 10 years.

Village Manager Dane Bragg said the next steps for the store with the village will include a sign variation.

“I welcome them,” Buffalo Grove Village President Jeffrey Braiman said. “I have been to their store. I think that they have got a lot to offer. This is going to be a larger facility. And I think it's going to be a benefit to them and to the residents.”

Ÿ Staff writer Deborah Donovan contributed to this story.