Tony's Fresh Market opens in Prospect Heights

Tony's Fresh Market opened on Rand Road in Prospect Heights this week, only two months after the former Ultra Foods closed in the same spot.

The new grocer at 1421 N. Rand Road, held an official ribbon cutting on Wednesday after spending a few months remodeling the 87,000-square-foot space and getting ready to bring more variety items to its clientele.

"We want to cater to all ethnic groups in the communities we serve," said owner Tony Ingraffia in a news release. "Our stores offer items that make continuing cultural food traditions possible."

Ingraffia said the store will stock rare international products, but also include sections for produce, meat, bakery items, deli, seafood, liquor, frozen foods, florals and a juice bar.

The Tony's Finer Foods-Fresh Market chain has been in the area since 1979 and has other stores in Chicago, Hanover Park, Melrose Park, Bridgeview, North Riverside, Niles, Plainfield and Countryside.

Prospect Heights Mayor Nick Helmer and several other city officials attended the ribbon cutting on Wednesday.

Ingraffia said Tony's Fresh Market will hire 200 employees for the Prospect Heights store, which is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ultra Foods closed in the same location on March 1 after being open for two years.