Family tradition continues at revamped Island Lake grocery store

The revamped and updated version of Island Lake's only grocery store, long a landmark and resource for residents and passersby on Route 176, is readying for an encore.

A weathered roadside sign still identifies the site as home to Island Foods since 1972. But the doors on that family-owned business near the Lake-McHenry county line closed for good nearly 2⅟₂ years ago and a new family is set to give it a go.

Outside, Lomeli Fresh Market lettering on a bright orange background was revealed three months ago. Extensive plumbing, ventilation and other utility work has been completed. Shelves are stocked with basics and registers programmed.

Fresh meats, produce and other signature offerings are pending the official green light.

Retooling a more than 50-year-old building has been challenging, and despite working nonstop for weeks, equipment supply issues, final tweaks and other details have made it difficult for new owner Yolanda Lomeli to pinpoint opening day.

The current opening estimate is “within weeks,” and hopefully sooner, she added.

“It's easy to say but harder to do,” she said.

Lomeli's is one of three buildings occupying its site, along with a shuttered bank branch and hardware store, each available for restaurant or retail use. Removing old propane tanks and addressing other issues before the parcel was sold has slowed redevelopment, said Island Lake Mayor Richard McLaughlin.

“They're going to have a great meat department, a great bakery — I'm excited for our residents,” he said of the new grocery store.

The Lomeli family has operated Lomeli's International Supermarket, 230 N. Cedar Lake Road in Round Lake, for 26 years. But at only 5,300 square feet, it's bursting.

That store will stay open, but without room for growth, the six family partners decided to expand.

“Lomeli's was hurting for new space, a new set of wings,” Yolanda Lomeli said.

At 23,000 square feet, the Island Lake location is more than four times the size of the Round Lake store, where customers span generations.

Despite everything being on a larger scale, Lomeli said traditions like taking pride in knowing the customers and working with community organizations won't change.

“You're going to find me or one of the Lomeli's here every day,” she said.

The meat department at the new location has been converted to full service with a butcher on site, and there will be a hot deli area with a menu of different items prepared daily in the new kitchen.

Recipes are from Lomeli’s grandmother, the late Marina Hernandez, a native of Jalisco, Mexico. She planted the seed for the family in the food service business.

“Those were sacred moments. We looked forward to having a meal with grandma,” Lomeli said. “She made sure everyone was welcome to the table.”

Though many aspects of the Island Lake store are new, the old-style essence will remain, she added.

“Everybody’s welcome,” Lomeli said. “My door will be open, just like grandma’s.”