Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets opens in Carol Stream

The new Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets in Carol Stream is not just a grocery store, company officials say, it's a "food emporium."

The store at the intersection of North Avenue and Schmale Road, drew large crowds Thursday for its "soft opening." The official grand opening is set for Oct. 8.

Caputo's already has stores in Addison, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Elmwood Park, Naperville, South Elgin and Downers Grove.

The Carol Stream store, which covers roughly 100,000 square feet and is attached to the company's warehouse, has multiple options for food lovers, including a fresh juice bar, a yogurt bar, a produce section and a bakery.

For those looking for a quick drink during their shopping trip, the store offers Bar Angelo near the entrance and offers guests craft beers and imported wines, CEO Robertino Presta said.

There's also a crepe station, a cafe, a food station that offers omelettes for breakfast and pasta for lunch, a hot food section, a sandwich station, a pizza station that includes a wood-burning oven, a sushi counter, a carvery and a taco and burrito bar.

Because the store is connected to the company's warehouse, customers can look through windows to see how some of its goods are made.

Guests also can enjoy fresh sausage, a meat section, a deli, prepared foods and a fish market in the store. The Carol Stream location also features a machine used to make fresh pasta along with a bulk section for those who want to stock up on certain items and plenty of seating for customers.

"It's a world market," Presta said.

Thursday's opening also featured an appearance by Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who met with fans.

Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino and his wife were among those who came to shop Thursday.

He said the store will boost business in Carol Stream by attracting people from nearby towns and introducing them to other businesses in the village.

"It should benefit this whole area, with the restaurants that are down here, although he's running this like it is a restaurant, too," Saverino said.