The other dominant traditional (i.e.: not Wal-Mart) supermarket chain in the Chicago area is, of course, Dominick's Finer Foods. Started by Dominick DiMatteo with a single store in 1918 and the addition of a second in the 1930's, the company consisted of a very small group of stores until the mid-1960's. As late as 1963, the chain had less than ten stores. The chain grew through acquisition in the later 60's, starting with a 3-store purchase from Korvettes in 1965 - Waukegan Rd. and Dempster St. , 87th and Cicero, and 111th and Crawford (Pulaski Rd) and then more importantly through a series of Kroger store buyouts, culminating in a 1970 purchase of 18 stores and soon afterward the Kroger Chicago Distribution center as well, effectively ending Kroger's Chicago area tenure. By the start of the 1970's, Dominick's (itself acquired in 1968 by Cleveland-based Fisher Foods) had achieved impressive growth indeed, and was only getting started - much faster growth was to follow.
This Chicago store opened in September, 1956, and the photo was taken shortly thereafter.
Wondering if you know the address of this Dominick's? It looks so much like a former Dominick's, in terms of style and architecture, located on Central and Devon that was built I believe in the 60s. It is still there today and looks exactly the same except that now for years it has been Happy Foods.
ReplyDeleteI don't know for sure, but someone else asked the same exact question, so I have reason to believe it is. The store did open in 1956.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a city location, because Dominick's didn't move into the suburbs for a few more years.
Yea, the location on Central and Devon is still within the city limits although Lincolnwood and Skokie are just a few blocks away. It was just that when I saw that photo my heart raced because it just looks EXACTLY like the building that is still up there today and I have seen a lot of old former Dominick's and none of them have that distinct look to them. That was why I made the immediate connection. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDidi/Dave:
ReplyDeleteLike Didi, my first thought on seeing that picture was the Devon/Central Dominick's. I grew up a little further south and west near the Higgins/Foster Dominick's that was a Kroger when my family first moved to the neighborhood. To this day, my mother laments the conversion of that Kroger to a Dominick's.
Great blog, by the way.
RV, it definitely is the one at Devon and Central. Didi's question spurred me on to verify it. I found some old Dominick's ads that actually called the location "Edgebrook, Ill.", when of course it's more accurately called the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago.
ReplyDeleteI think my Mom would probably agree on the Kroger issue. We moved to the Chicago area in 1966 and the Kroger stores were gone just a few years later. To this day (she's still in Chicago), she has some ancient Kroger-brand spices in her cabinet!
Thanks!
It's Happy Foods I think, isn't it? With the big Acid House smiley face where the Dominick's Logo was.
ReplyDeleteDavid (good name!), it definitely is a Happy Foods store. Nothing like a 70's icon on a 50's store!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
This is definitely the Dominick's store I work at in 1958, '59 and '60. The staff was supervised by Joe Ciaccio, a partner at that time. I recall names such as Vince Amado, Peter Figaretto, Jack Dempky, Mike Junto, Frank (Book keeper), Lou ? (supervisor), Pete in the deli, and various other co-workers whose names escape me at this time. We worked hard and met the expectations of a dedicated group of owners and partners. Dominick himself frequently visited the store. It was a rewarding experience.
ReplyDeleteBill Wasik
Petaluma, California
Bill- Thanks for sharing those great memories. To learn the names of the original management team after all these years is a hoot!
ReplyDeleteThey were a classy organization, especially under the DiMatteo family leadership, and as I'm sure you know, Dominick Sr. and Jr. were very involved in charitible causes in the Chicago area.
I think I have a copy of the source ad for this photo that shows a picture of Mr. Ciaccio that I'd be glad to email you if you'll send your contact info to the email address on my profile.
I wonder if this could of been built 6 years earlier?
ReplyDeleteThere one nearby at Devon,Milwaukke & Nagle Ave. and many Dominick stores have posted, "Serving so and so since 1950 above the registers.
Mater of fact the Norwood Pk. store says that.
I think it was a visit to the Norwood Pk. Historical Society one of the members said the present shoppping center at that intersection wasn't built till the late 70's. So I wonder in the Dominick's there was the one the was on Central?
Up until the mid or late 50's GM cars were rounded in the back which is why I'm wondering if the store is slightly older?
Mike - I know there were a couple of Dominick's stores open before it, but I believe the 1956 date for the Edgebrook store is correct. Probably just a few older cars in the lot when this photo was taken.
ReplyDelete