Caputo market in Palatine expanding

Those with a taste for prosciutto, polenta or numerous other Italian specialties are certainly familiar with Joe Caputo & Sons Fruit Market in Palatine.

But accompanying the impressive selection of deli meats and produce is a constant battle for space and maneuverability - both within the market aisles and outside in the parking lot.

That frustration should be abated somewhat given the Palatine village council's recent decision to approve an expansion to the grocery store at Rand and Hicks roads. Caputo's plans to demolish 15,000 square feet of vacant tenant space within the Foxfire Shopping Center and build a 9,000-square-foot addition, providing more room for checkout, retail and refrigerated storage.

Plans also call for 35 extra parking spaces for a total of 310 spaces.

"I think it's a tremendous project," Village Manager Reid Ottesen said. "Caputo's has been very successful out there."

Palatine officials say the 40,000-square-foot store, which opened in 2005, will continue operating during construction, which is expected to last up to 18 months.

Joe Caputo & Sons also has locations in Algonquin and Des Plaines.