After nearly 10-year wait, Tony's Fresh Market opens in Schaumburg's Town Square
The grand opening of Tony's Fresh Market in Schaumburg's Town Square Wednesday morning ended a nearly decadelong vacancy of the 65,000-square-foot space.
That pause was started by the shutdown of the Dominick's grocery chain on Dec. 31, 2013, and then prolonged by Albertsons - owner of the rival Jewel-Osco supermarket chain - using long-term lease options on the property to keep it empty.
On Wednesday, Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly joined representatives of the village, the Schaumburg Business Association and neighboring Schaumburg Township District Library to celebrate the long-awaited opening.
When first elected four years ago, Dailly said negotiating an end to the vacancy was among his top priorities.
Tony's bought the Town Center anchor site at 200 S. Roselle Road in 2015. But because of the Albertsons lease, work to prepare it for a new grocery store was stalled until 2021.
Supply chain issues prevented an expected opening in late 2022.
The village's redevelopment agreement with Tony's ensures the employment of at least 200 workers and a minimum $10 million investment in the building. The store is expected to generate more than $300,000 in annual sales taxes and food and beverage taxes for the village.
In addition to recommending approval of a Class 7b Cook County property tax break lasting 12 years, Schaumburg trustees agreed to provide $3 million in village funds for the expected $13 million renovation of the building.
The building's vacancy potentially could have lasted until 2036 if Albertsons hadn't stopped exercising its long-term lease options.