Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Dominick's

Dominick's was a prominent supermarket chain based in the , specializing in grocery retailing with an emphasis on fresh produce, prepared foods, and customer service. Founded in 1918 by Sicilian immigrant Dominick DiMatteo as a small on Chicago's West Side, it evolved into a major regional player under the leadership of his son, Dominick DiMatteo Jr., opening its first full-service in 1950. At its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dominick's operated over 100 stores, employing nearly 18,000 people and capturing about 25% of the local market share before its acquisition by Inc. in 1998 and eventual closure of all locations in 2013. The chain's early growth reflected the post-World War II suburban expansion in and surrounding states, reaching 18 stores by 1968 through a mix of organic development and acquisitions. In 1968, it was sold to Cleveland-based Fisher Foods but was repurchased by the DiMatteo family in 1981 for $100 million, allowing them to innovate with features like in-store pharmacies, florists, one-hour photo services, and bulk food sections during the 1980s. By the 1990s, Dominick's introduced its "Fresh Store" concept, incorporating prepared meals, cafés, and a European-style market atmosphere to differentiate from competitors like . Ownership shifted again in 1995 to the , a investment firm, before Safeway's purchase three years later integrated it as a . Under , Dominick's faced increasing competition from discounters and other chains, leading to the closure of 20 underperforming stores in 2003 and the shuttering of its remaining 72 locations in December 2013 amid labor disputes and financial pressures. The brand's legacy endures through repurposed former sites now occupied by rivals such as —founded in 2010 by ex-Dominick's executive Bob Mariano—and Caputo's Fresh Markets, as well as the DiMatteo family's ongoing ventures in real estate and development via DOM Capital Group. Throughout its history, Dominick's was renowned for its family-oriented operations and commitment to quality, shaping Chicago's retail landscape for nearly a century.

History

Founding and Early Development

Dominick DiMatteo, a Sicilian immigrant, established in 1918 with the opening of a modest corner at 3832 W. Ohio Street on Chicago's West Side. The 1,000-square-foot storefront featured sawdust floors and a coal stove, functioning primarily as a and food market that catered to the immigrant through hand-selected fresh produce and quality meats sourced daily from local markets. This initial business model prioritized customer service and personalized interactions, with DiMatteo opening the store at 7:00 a.m. and making multiple daily visits to ensure high standards, embodying the family motto that " belongs to customers." The venture survived the economic hardships of the by maintaining a focus on affordable, high-quality fresh produce and Italian specialties, which resonated with neighborhood shoppers seeking reliable essentials amid widespread scarcity. Family involvement was central from the outset, as DiMatteo's son, Dominick DiMatteo Jr., joined the operations early and played a key role in management, helping to sustain the business through direct oversight and community ties. In , the family expanded by acquiring a second store for $500, marking the transition from a single-location operation to a nascent small chain under DiMatteo Jr.'s direct supervision at age 16. This modest growth solidified the emphasis on traditional grocer values, including exceptional and specialized offerings like deli items, while laying the groundwork for later adaptations toward larger formats in the post-war era.

Expansion in the Mid-20th Century

In 1950, Dominick's transitioned from small neighborhood groceries to a modern format by opening its first large-scale store at 6900 West North Avenue in , a 14,000-square-foot facility that introduced shopping and significantly expanded product offerings, including in-store delicatessens and foods sections. This shift capitalized on the post-World War II suburban boom in the area, allowing the family-founded business established in to appeal to growing middle-class households seeking convenience and variety. By the mid-1950s, the chain added two more supermarkets, in 1956 and 1959, laying the groundwork for broader regional presence. The marked a period of rapid expansion, with the number of stores growing from seven in the early decade to 18 by 1968, primarily through strategic acquisitions of underperforming local operations in suburban neighborhoods such as Northlake and Oak Park. This growth focused on the burgeoning suburbs, where new stores catered to automobile-dependent shoppers and emphasized accessibility in family-oriented communities. To support this scaling, Dominick's acquired 18 stores from in 1970 when Kroger exited the market, which included the company's Northlake distribution facility originally built in 1961 and streamlined supply chain logistics for perishable goods. During the 1970s, Dominick's reached its mid-century heyday as a leading regional chain, employing around 6,000 people and solidifying its reputation through innovative store designs that included dedicated , , and floral departments tailored to the preferences of middle-class families seeking one-stop experiences. These features highlighted fresh, prepared foods and seasonal accents, differentiating the chain in a competitive market and contributing to its expansion to over 60 stores by the decade's end under Fisher Foods' ownership.

Ownership Changes and Corporate Evolution

In 1968, amid the challenges of scaling a family-owned during a period of rapid suburban growth, the DiMatteo family sold Dominick's 18-store chain to Cleveland-based Foods for approximately $12 million, retaining operational control while gaining financial backing for further expansion. By 1981, as Foods faced broader financial difficulties and Dominick's had grown to 71 profitable stores representing the company's strongest division, the DiMatteo family repurchased the chain for $100 million, regaining full ownership and steering it through the with a focus on regional consolidation. This repurchase marked a pivotal shift back to family-led , allowing Dominick's to leverage its mid-20th-century foundation of 18 stores established between 1950 and 1968 into a more aggressive competitive stance in the market. The chain's next major evolution came in 1995, when Los Angeles-based Yucaipa Companies acquired Dominick's for $750 million in a leveraged buyout, infusing capital to accelerate expansion and modernization efforts. Under Yucaipa's ownership, led by investor Ron Burkle, Dominick's pursued an aggressive store development program, planning to open up to 20 new "Fresh Stores" over two years—larger combo formats emphasizing prepared foods, expanded perishables, and pharmacy services—while remodeling existing locations to enhance customer appeal in a consolidating industry. This period also saw rebranding initiatives to position Dominick's as a premium regional player, with sales reaching about $2.5 billion across 101 stores by 1998, though the short ownership tenure ultimately yielded Yucaipa a substantial return upon resale. In October 1998, Safeway Inc. purchased Dominick's for $1.2 billion in cash plus the assumption of $646 million in debt, valuing the deal at approximately $1.85 billion and integrating the 112-store chain into its national portfolio of over 1,400 outlets. This acquisition aligned Dominick's with 's broader efficiencies, including centralized and distribution networks that aimed to reduce costs through across Safeway's operations in 18 states. However, the integration exposed Dominick's to Safeway's standardized systems, which sometimes clashed with local market dynamics in the highly competitive area dominated by rivals like . Under Safeway's stewardship through the early 2000s, Dominick's underwent significant internal restructurings to boost profitability, including the immediate resignation of longtime CEO Robert Mariano in November 1998 and subsequent exits of several senior executives as administrative staff was streamlined to align with corporate overhead reductions. Leadership transitions continued, with figures like Bruce Everette serving as executive vice president before returning to Safeway's headquarters, and later appointments such as Randall Onstead as in 2003 to refocus operations. These changes emphasized cost controls and productivity gains in the face of Chicago's unionized labor environment and wage disparities—such as a $3-per-hour gap with competitors—aiming to restore margins amid declining sales and intense regional rivalry, though profitability remained elusive.

Operations and Formats

Store Design and Layout

During its operational peak, Dominick's stores emphasized functional yet inviting layouts that prioritized accessibility and the display of fresh perishables, evolving from standard formats in the mid-20th century to more sophisticated designs by the . In the and , as the chain expanded into suburban markets, stores incorporated open layouts with wide aisles to support efficient shopping flows, alongside prominent sections that highlighted , , and offerings reflective of the company's Italian-American roots. These designs often featured practical elements like tiled flooring for durability and wood accents in service areas to add warmth, with standard sizes growing to support larger inventories in high-traffic locations. By the , the typical store measured 35,000 to 50,000 square feet, allowing for variations between compact sites and expansive suburban ones equipped with oversized lots to serve car-reliant families. The 1995 launch of the Fresh Store format represented a key evolution in layout, grouping perishables at the entrance to create a vibrant, market-style entry experience within 35,000- to 45,000-square-foot spaces. Produce departments were expanded to over 400 varieties, including options, ethnic specialties, a 50-item , and a juice bar, all under dropped ceilings with directed lighting and earthy-toned decor for an upscale, carpeted ambiance. Adjacent features included the Corner Cafe—an in-store eating area with seating for about 20, hot service , , hearth-oven , and custom —alongside a specialty cheese island in the expanded and a European-style floral integrated with gifts. After Safeway's acquisition, store designs shifted to the format by 2006, enhancing premium elements with prominently at the front, a central square service counter combining gourmet cheese displays, floral arrangements, and prepared items, plus sections featuring stone deck ovens and wood-fired grills for artisanal breads and meals. Energy-efficient lighting illuminated uniform product shelving and island fixtures for natural/organic goods, maintaining wide aisles and a focus on convenience while adapting older stores to modern standards without altering core suburban footprints like expanded lots.

Omni Superstore Initiative

In 1987, Dominick's Finer Foods launched the Omni Superstore initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of warehouse clubs and big-box retailers, aiming to diversify its offerings beyond traditional grocery retailing by creating large-format stores that combined food sales with non-food merchandise. The first Omni Superstore opened in April 1987 in , spanning 86,000 square feet and operating 24 hours a day to provide convenience and broad appeal. These stores featured a warehouse-style layout with exposed ceilings and structural elements, integrating traditional grocery departments—such as fresh , prepared foods, and upscale specialty items—with general merchandise including apparel, , housewares, , and drugs. Additional amenities encompassed in-store video rentals, one-hour photo developing, and a drive-thru , positioning Omni to compete directly with retailers like and Cub Foods by offering one-stop shopping in a discount-oriented environment. The initiative expanded rapidly, with Dominick's opening 17 locations across the area between 1987 and 1993, targeting suburban markets to capture higher-volume sales through low prices and extensive product variety. However, by the mid-1990s, the format struggled with profitability amid rising operational costs and shifting consumer preferences toward more focused upscale grocery experiences. In 1997, under ownership by the —which had acquired Dominick's in 1995—the chain announced the closure of the division, converting all 17 stores to the more successful Dominick's Fresh Store format within a year to streamline operations and emphasize core grocery strengths. The rapid phase-out of highlighted the challenges of hybrid superstore models in a competitive landscape, influencing subsequent strategies after Safeway's acquisition of Dominick's, which prioritized refined Fresh Store designs centered on quality perishables and over expansive non-grocery diversification.

Geographic Reach and Store Count

Dominick's Finer Foods primarily operated within the Chicagoland region, concentrating its stores in the metropolitan area of , , with a peak of 130 locations in the late 1990s. The chain's footprint spanned key counties including , DuPage, Lake, and Will, serving urban neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs, while maintaining a limited presence in before fully exiting that market in the early . This regional focus allowed Dominick's to capture a significant share of the local grocery market, positioning it as the second-largest chain behind during its height. The company's store count grew steadily from its early days, starting with two locations in following the opening of its second store in . By 1968, it had expanded to 19 stores under Fisher Foods ownership; this increased to 71 outlets by 1981 after the DiMatteo family reacquired the chain. Further growth occurred in the 1990s, reaching 102 stores by 1993, including 16 Omni Superstores, and hitting 116 locations by the time of its 1998 acquisition by Inc. Under , the chain briefly expanded to its peak before stabilizing around that number into the early 2000s. Supporting this network was a central distribution center in Northlake, Illinois, which handled logistics for fresh produce, prepared foods, and other perishable goods across the region. By the 2000s, approximately 60% of Dominick's stores were in suburban areas, reflecting a strategic shift to target middle-income demographics in growing communities outside central Chicago. This mix balanced urban accessibility with suburban expansion, contributing to the chain's strong local identity and operational efficiency.

Brands and Services

Private Label Products

Dominick's developed its offerings as a key differentiator in the competitive grocery market, beginning with the Heritage House brand during its affiliation with Foods in the late 1960s and 1970s. This brand encompassed a range of staple grocery items, establishing a foundation for in-house products that emphasized affordability and reliability for everyday shopping needs. By the mid-1990s, under ' ownership, Dominick's sought to elevate its strategy to counter rivals like Jewel's line, announcing plans to phase out the established Heritage House brand in favor of a premium upscale label called Private Selection. This new line was intended to focus on higher-quality alternatives to national brands while maintaining competitive pricing. However, following the 1998 acquisition by , these plans were not implemented, and Dominick's instead integrated Safeway's portfolio. A notable early example of this premium push was the 1996 introduction of a private-label compartmentalized lunch pack under Dominick's branding, featuring cheese, deli meat, and crackers in a 4-ounce prepackaged format priced at $1.29. This product highlighted Dominick's efforts to expand private label into convenient, ready-to-eat categories, appealing to busy families and reflecting the chain's commitment to value-driven innovation. Following 's acquisition of Dominick's in 1998, the chain integrated Safeway's extensive portfolio, gradually replacing or supplementing legacy Dominick's brands with corporate-wide offerings such as the premium Safeway Select line, including continued limited use of Heritage House for some items. This shift allowed Dominick's stores to carry Safeway's organic-focused O Organics brand starting in 2005, which provided high-quality, USDA-certified organic alternatives in , , and items, aligning with growing consumer demand for natural products. The emphasis on rigorous supplier standards and became central, as Safeway's centralized control ensured consistent product integrity across its subsidiaries, including adaptations of premium lines to suit regional preferences. By the early , these integrated s contributed significantly to store sales, bolstering margins through exclusive, competitively priced options that reinforced Dominick's upscale positioning.

Lifestyle and Marketing Strategies

Dominick's positioned itself as an upscale grocery chain in the area, emphasizing a through its branding as "Finer Foods," which highlighted quality and sophistication in store offerings and customer interactions starting in the mid-20th century. This approach differentiated the chain from low-price discounters by focusing on superior product quality and service, fostering a of Dominick's as a more refined alternative in suburban markets. In the 1990s, following acquisition by in 1995 and subsequent purchase by Safeway Inc. in 1998, marketing campaigns reinforced and the chain's heritage, rooted in founder Dominick DiMatteo's background as an immigrant who established the business in 1918. These efforts included promotions that celebrated the family-owned legacy and cultural ties to culinary traditions, appealing to local communities with an emphasis on trustworthy, heritage-driven shopping. To enhance , Dominick's introduced the "Fresh Values" frequent shopper card program in December 1996, allowing participants to access personalized discounts and track purchases, which significantly boosted category sales and loyalty among frequent shoppers. Community involvement became a of Dominick's from the onward, with sponsorships of local events and charity drives designed to strengthen ties in 's suburbs. Notable examples include annual partnerships with ABC7 Chicago for the Spirit of Giving Holiday Food Drive, which collected donations to combat hunger and engaged thousands of residents in community support efforts. In-store demonstrations of products, including private label items like Heritage House brands, further built loyalty by offering interactive experiences that showcased fresh, high-quality goods and personalized service. This multifaceted approach underscored Dominick's commitment to being a community-oriented , distinguishing it from competitors through relational rather than price competition alone.

Integrated Banking Services

In the , Dominick's introduced integrated banking services through a strategic partnership with First National Bank of , enabling customers to handle financial transactions alongside grocery shopping. The initiative launched with the opening of the first in-store branches by late 1993, initially targeting three locations in underserved neighborhoods such as Chatham-Avalon Park, where demand for accessible credit and basic banking was high. These branches provided essential services including account openings for checking and savings, loan applications, check cashing, and ATM access, all designed to serve working-class families seeking convenience without separate trips to traditional banks. Building on the proven model from Dominick's Omni Superstore division, which had partnered with St. Paul Federal Bank for in-store banking since 1988, the main chain's expansion emphasized one-stop shopping for groceries and finances. By 1997, First Chicago announced plans to add at least 24 branches within Dominick's supermarkets, contributing to a growing that exceeded 20 locations by 2000 and focused on dedicated banking pods offering money orders, bill payment, safe-deposit boxes, and appointments for mortgages or investments. This approach catered specifically to working-class customers by extending hours beyond standard bank operations and integrating services into high-traffic store environments. The partnership evolved with First Chicago's successors, including Bank One and ultimately , maintaining full-service branches and ATMs in up to 49 Dominick's stores by 2013. Following Safeway's acquisition of Dominick's in , these services persisted as a key convenience feature, though they concluded with the chain's overall closure in December 2013 amid broader operational shifts. This banking integration aligned with Dominick's branding to create comprehensive experiences.

Controversies and Challenges

Expired Food Sales Scandal

In early 2011, a controversy erupted when customers and media investigations uncovered the widespread sale of expired packaged foods in multiple Dominick's stores across the Chicago area, revealing significant lapses in inventory management under parent company Safeway Inc. Reports highlighted hundreds of outdated items on shelves, including salad dressings expired as early as January 2011, barbecue sauces from July 2009, and stuffing mixes from November 2010, with some products over a year past their dates. Consumer advocate and blogger Jill Cataldo documented 761 expired products during two store visits in February 2011—one at the Carpentersville location yielding 425 items and another at Lake in the Hills adding 336—prompting complaints on the chain's social media pages and amplifying public outrage. The issue appeared systematic, affecting various Chicago-area locations such as Fox River Grove and North Side stores, where similar expired packaged goods were found during spot checks by outlets. Although no official investigations were reported—given that selling expired foods (except ) is not illegal under FDA guidelines—the revelations pointed to failures in tracking expiration dates, as items lingered on shelves despite Safeway's oversight of operations. In response, acknowledged the problem, expressing displeasure and assembling a high-priority team to overhaul inventory practices and ensure better compliance with quality standards across Dominick's locations. Media coverage, particularly in the Chicago Tribune and NBC Chicago, severely damaged Dominick's reputation as a provider of "finer foods," a brand image it had cultivated since its founding, by portraying the chain as negligent in maintaining product freshness amid ongoing competitive pressures. No class-action lawsuits or financial settlements directly stemming from the incident were publicly documented, though the contributed to broader operational challenges that eroded customer trust in the years leading to the chain's eventual decline.

Labor and Operational Disputes

In the early , Dominick's faced significant labor tensions stemming from contract negotiations with the (UFCW) Locals 881 and 1546, representing approximately 9,000 employees across its Chicago-area stores. These talks, influenced by parent company Inc.'s post-1998 acquisition efforts to align costs with non-union competitors like Wal-Mart, centered on proposed reductions in wages, health benefits, and pensions. In November 2002, workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a after rejecting Safeway's "best and final" offer, which sought to lower labor expenses by up to $6 per hour compared to rivals like . To avert an immediate walkout, the parties agreed to an eight-month interim contract, ratified by union members, that included modest concessions but preserved core benefits temporarily. Negotiations dragged into 2003 amid ongoing cost-cutting initiatives, leading to a day-by-day contract extension in July to maintain operations while discussions continued. Tensions escalated as threatened to sell or close stores, citing uncompetitive labor costs of about $3 more per hour than those at rival . Union leaders accused management of intimidation tactics, filing unfair labor practice charges with the over alleged threats to workers during the bargaining process. By late 2003, the dispute contributed to broader instability, with suspending sale efforts after potential buyers balked at union demands, ultimately resulting in further layoffs of around 500 employees in December 2002 to address elevated operational expenses. Supply chain challenges at Dominick's Northlake, Illinois, distribution center—originally built by in 1961—exacerbated internal pressures during the 2000s, as the facility handled inventory for over 100 stores following Safeway's integration. These disruptions, tied to broader corporate restructuring including a shift to Safeway's house brands, affected store-level stocking and contributed to customer dissatisfaction. Worker lawsuits from 2004 to 2006 highlighted allegations of unsafe working conditions and overtime violations at Dominick's locations. In Kostecki v. Dominick's Finer Foods, Inc., filed in November 2002 but litigated through 2005, plaintiff Rosella Kostecki, a unionized employee, brought a class-action suit claiming violations of the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, Wage Payment and Collection Act, and One Day Rest in Seven Act. The complaint detailed "off-the-clock" work without compensation, manipulated time records to deny overtime pay, inadequate breaks, and scheduling that violated mandatory weekly rest periods, potentially endangering worker health and safety. The trial court dismissed the case in March 2004, ruling that disputes under the collective bargaining agreement must proceed to arbitration; this was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court in September 2005. Similar claims surfaced in related filings during this period, reflecting systemic issues with labor compliance amid Safeway's efficiency drives. Operational inefficiencies, particularly in older "legacy" stores acquired pre-Safeway, drove rising costs and closures throughout the mid-2000s. These establishments often maintained higher staffing levels—rooted in traditional practices—resulting in labor expenses that outpaced revenue growth, with hourly rates exceeding competitors by $2 to $6. Safeway's 2004 decision to shutter 12 underperforming outlets, affecting about 900 jobs, was explicitly linked to eliminating ongoing losses from overstaffed operations and outdated layouts in these legacy sites. By 2007, an additional 14 closures targeted similar inefficiencies, underscoring how persistent overstaffing in non-renovated stores amplified financial strain without corresponding productivity gains.

Decline and Legacy

Safeway's Exit and Potential Buyers

In October 2013, Inc., which had owned Dominick's since acquiring the chain in , announced its decision to exit the market by selling or closing all 72 Dominick's stores due to persistent financial underperformance. The move was driven by the chain's status as a "noticeable drag" on Safeway's overall results, with Dominick's reporting pretax losses of $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 alone. Kroger Co. emerged as the leading potential acquirer, expressing interest in purchasing up to 15 or more stores and evaluating them for conversion to its discount format as part of broader integration strategies. However, Kroger's assessment revealed that the locations faced unsustainable operating losses, exacerbated by intense local competition from and the aggressive expansion of , which had captured significant with innovative fresh formats since 2010. Initial and operational plans were considered but ultimately abandoned in favor of non-acquisition, as the financial viability did not align with Kroger's growth objectives in the region. This decision contributed to the chain's termination as an independent entity, with only a fraction of stores sold to other operators like (for ) and (for ). Employees were notified of the impending changes immediately following Safeway's announcement in October 2013, with 5,633 workers affected across stores and the Northlake . Eligible staff who remained until the final closures in late December 2013 received packages, typically consisting of up to eight weeks of pay plus continued health benefits, though some faced deductions for early departures or disciplinary issues.

Store Closures and Aftermath

On October 10, 2013, Inc., the parent company of Dominick's Finer Foods, announced its decision to exit the market, leading to the or sale of all 72 remaining stores in the region. By December, only a handful had been sold, including 11 locations acquired by Inc. for conversion to Fresh Markets and four to for rebranding, leaving approximately 57 stores to shutter permanently on December 28, 2013, after that drew crowds seeking bargains on fixtures and remaining inventory. This abrupt end to nearly a century of operations followed years of declining amid intense from larger national chains. The closures resulted in the layoff of 5,633 employees across the area, with significant impacts in Cook County (over 3,200 jobs), DuPage County (970 jobs), and Lake County (about 700 jobs), contributing to local economic strain in suburbs dependent on . Community reactions included widespread dismay among longtime shoppers who viewed Dominick's as a neighborhood staple, alongside concerns over disrupted access to fresh groceries; in areas like South Shore, the shutdown raised fears of exacerbating food deserts, where residents already faced limited options for affordable produce. Municipal leaders and economic analysts highlighted the broader fallout, including potential revenue losses for local governments and challenges in redeveloping vacant sites, with some communities forming task forces to attract new grocers. In the years following, many former Dominick's sites were repurposed into competing grocery formats, such as (with the initial 11 conversions expanding under Kroger's 2015 acquisition of ), Pick 'n Save, Cermak Produce, and independent markets like Joe Caputo & Sons, while others remained vacant or were demolished, frustrating suburban officials amid prolonged . The episode underscored the vulnerability of regional chains to consolidation by national giants, as Dominick's struggled against low-price leaders like and entrenched players like , ultimately symbolizing the challenges faced by independent grocers in urban markets. By the mid-2020s, local media continued to reference the closures nostalgically, portraying Dominick's as a lost emblem of Chicago's grocery heritage amid ongoing discussions of retail evolution.

References

  1. [1]
    The Story of Chicago's Grocery Stores – And How They've Changed ...
    Aug 9, 2024 · The Sicilian-born Dominick DiMatteo opened his first store on the West Side in 1918, but his business took off after he opened his first ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Family History and Story | Dom Capital Group
    Dominick DiMatteo opened his first deli and food store in 1918 at 3832 West Ohio Avenue on Chicago's Northwest side. It was a small 1,000 square foot storefront ...Missing: chain | Show results with:chain
  3. [3]
    Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. - Encyclopedia of Chicago
    This retail grocery business was founded in Chicago by Dominick DiMatteo, who was eventually succeeded by his son Dominick Jr.
  4. [4]
    Dominick's: A Chicago Institution - Supermarket News
    DOMINICK'S TRACES ITS ORIGINS back to 1925, when Dominick DiMatteo Sr. opened a small delicatessen in Chicago. When he acquired a second store for $500 in ...
  5. [5]
    Dominick's: From a corner grocery to a Chicago institution
    Oct 10, 2013 · Some 90 years ago, Sicilian immigrant Dominick DiMatteo opened a tiny grocery store on Chicago's West Side. Through the years, the small ...
  6. [6]
    History of Dominick's Finer Foods, Inc. – FundingUniverse
    In 1981, the family bought back the chain for $100 million, the same year that Dominick di Matteo, Sr. died. Dominick's continued to expand during the early ...
  7. [7]
    The Dynamic Dominick's - Pleasant Family Shopping
    Oct 15, 2013 · Dominick's, founded in 1918 by Dominick DiMatteo with a single, small market at 3832 W. Ohio Street, grew very slowly in the first 40 or so ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    COMPANY NEWS; No. 2 Chicago Grocery Chain Being Sold
    Feb 4, 1995 · An investment group led by the Yucaipa Companies is planning to buy Dominick's Finer Foods Inc., the second-largest supermarket chain in ...
  9. [9]
    DOMINICK'S ADDING MORE FRESH STORES - Supermarket News
    -- Dominick's Finer Foods here said it plans to open 20 additional Fresh Stores over the next two years based on the success of the format over the past three ...
  10. [10]
    DOMINICK'S IS NEXT ON THE SHOPPING LIST | Crain's Chicago ...
    Aug 8, 1998 · Yucaipa bought privately held Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. in 1995 in a $750-million highly leveraged buyout. After putting in $20 million in ...
  11. [11]
    YUCAIPA, MANAGEMENT PURCHASE DOMINICK'S
    The acquisition will give Yucaipa a sales base of about $9.25 billion, including $2.5 billion from Dominick's; $5.5 billion from the merger of Food 4 Less ...Missing: distribution | Show results with:distribution<|separator|>
  12. [12]
    https://www.supermarketnews.com/grocery-operations/yucaipa-management-purchase-dominick-s
  13. [13]
    Safeway to Buy Dominick's for $1.85 Billion - SFGATE
    Oct 14, 1998 · Under the deal announced yesterday, Safeway will pay $49 in cash for each share of Dominick's, an 18 percent premium, and assume $646.2 million ...
  14. [14]
    FOR DOMINICK'S, SALE A NEW START - Chicago Tribune
    Oct 14, 1998 · ... Dominick's announced it had agreed to be acquired by Safeway Inc. for $1.2 billion in cash and the assumption of $646.2 million in ...
  15. [15]
    Dominick's CEO to Resign, Safeway Says - Los Angeles Times
    Nov 10, 1998 · Safeway last month agreed to pay $1.85 billion in cash and assumed debt for Dominick's, a Chicago-area chain with 112 stores. The purchase is ...
  16. [16]
    OTHERS EXPECTED TO EXIT AFTER DOMINICK'S CEO
    Nov 11, 1998 · Though executives at Safeway and Dominick's couldn't be reached for comment, indications are that the administrative staff will be chopped, and ...Missing: restructurings changes
  17. [17]
    Safeway Replaces Dominick's Chief | Chain Store Age
    Nov 9, 2005 · He replaces executive VP Bruce Everette, who is returning to Pleasanton from Dominick's Chicago headquarters to take on broader retail ...Missing: restructurings changes
  18. [18]
    FAST CUTS BY SAFEWAY EXPECTED AT DOMINICK'S
    Changes were already apparent last week, when Safeway said Robert A. Mariano, 48, will resign as president and chief executive officer of Dominick's once the ...Missing: restructurings | Show results with:restructurings
  19. [19]
    Safeway's Midwestern Missteps - Forbes
    Nov 27, 2002 · But since Safeway bought it in Nov. 1998, Dominick's has seen three consecutive years of sales declines and Safeway took a $589 million ...
  20. [20]
    DOMINICK`S CLOSES 4 SMALLER STORES - Chicago Tribune
    Mar 6, 1991 · The four stores` average size of 13,000 to 25,000 square feet is less than half the size of newer Dominick`s stores, which can range from 35,000 ...Missing: Dominick's | Show results with:Dominick's
  21. [21]
    PRODUCE STARRING IN DOMINICK'S FRESH STORE ...
    ... Fresh Store shopping experience is the expanded produce section. The department boasts more than 400 produce varieties offered up in addition to a large ...
  22. [22]
    DOMINICK'S CULTIVATES FRESH STORE FORMAT
    Fresh Store's hot food offerings include pizza baked in hearth ovens, custom-made pasta entrees and Oriental cuisine. The stores also carry hot rotisserie ...
  23. [23]
    SAFEWAY'S LIFESTYLE STORES - Supermarket News
    Remodeled stores put produce at the front and center, including expanded natural and organic selections; behind produce is a square service counter featuring ...
  24. [24]
    COMPANY NEWS; SAFEWAY TO ACQUIRE DOMINICK'S ...
    Oct 14, 1998 · Safeway Inc., North America's second-largest food and drug retailer, agreed yesterday to buy Dominick's Supermarkets Inc., based in Northlake, ...
  25. [25]
    GET SET CHICAGO, A YEAR OF MARKET INNOVATION LOOMS
    May 14, 1987 · Already in operation is Dominick`s Finer Foods` first Omni. The huge, 86000-square-foot, 24-hour-a-day superstore opened in Orland Park last ...Missing: Dominick's | Show results with:Dominick's
  26. [26]
    79. DOMINICK'S SUPERMARKETS INC. - Chicago Tribune
    May 3, 1998 · In fiscal 1997, the company said it would convert its 17 Omni discount stores to the Dominick's format. Dominick's is fully committing its ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    An In-Depth History of Chicagoland's Dominick's Finer Foods.
    Feb 23, 2022 · 1918: Dominick di Matteo opens his first store. · 1934: A second store is opened. · 1950: The company's first supermarket opens. · 1968: The ...
  28. [28]
    Dominick's to exit Chicago; Jewel owner nabs four stores
    Oct 10, 2013 · That store count is down from a peak of 130 in the late 1990s. Dominick's market share, which once approached a third, has stood recently at ...Missing: counties | Show results with:counties
  29. [29]
    Omni Superstore - Wikipedia
    Omni Superstore was a chain of supermarkets in the Chicago area and was owned by Dominick's. In 1997, Dominick's phased out Omni and converted the stores ...
  30. [30]
    SAFEWAY DECIDES TO KEEP AILING DOMINICK'S AFTER ALL
    After trying to sell Dominick's Finer Foods for 11 months, Safeway said last week it has taken the 113-unit Chicago-area chain off the market and installed ...Missing: integration | Show results with:integration<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    TIME FOR DOMINICK'S TO PRODUCE | Crain's Chicago Business
    Sep 7, 1996 · Mariano.o do that, he will dump the worn-out Heritage House brand and introduce an upscale label called Private Selection (used by sister ...
  32. [32]
    DOMINICK'S OFFERS PRIVATE-LABEL COMPARTMENTALIZED ...
    Dominick's Finer Foods here has introduced a private-label version of a prepackaged, compartmentalized cheese-deli meat-cracker product.
  33. [33]
    This Is What A Failed Supermarket Looks Like - Forbes
    Jan 31, 2014 · ... Dominick's. Jewel was more aligned with everyday, working class neighborhoods and Dominick's had a slightly more upscale feel. It was ...
  34. [34]
    Dominick's exit has ripple effects throughout Chicago
    Oct 12, 2013 · Founded in Chicago by Italian immigrant Dominick DiMatteo in 1918, Dominick's grew to a peak of 130 stores in the late 1990s. Safeway paid $1.8 ...
  35. [35]
    The impact of introducing a customer loyalty program on category ...
    Dominick's Finer Foods (DFF) introduced its “Fresh Values” frequent shopper card program on December 5, 1996. Like many other loyalty programs in place ...
  36. [36]
    ABC7's Dominick's Spirit of Giving Holiday Food Drive LIVE Day
    Dec 4, 2012 · Dominick's Finer Foods and ABC 7 Chicago are teaming up for the 14th consecutive year to help fight hunger in Chicago during the Spirit of ...
  37. [37]
    Dominick's Finer Foods' Frank Capone remembered - The Packer
    Nov 15, 2022 · Frank Capone, who spent some of his 30 years at Dominick's Finer Foods as a buyer of imported produce in Nogales, Ariz., has died.Missing: slogan | Show results with:slogan
  38. [38]
    1ST CHICAGO BRANCHES AT DOMINICK'S - Chicago Tribune
    May 13, 1993 · First National Bank of Chicago said Wednesday it has signed a deal with Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. to open branch banks in Dominick's ...Missing: LaSalle | Show results with:LaSalle
  39. [39]
    First Chicago To Add 24 Branches in Chicago Area Dominick's ...
    CHICAGO, January 14, 1997 -- The First National Bank of Chicago announced today that it plans to add at least 24 branches in Dominick's supermarkets in the ...
  40. [40]
    Chase Pulling Out of Dominick's - Supermarket News
    J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. said Wednesday it plans to close its banks at 49 of the 52 Dominick's stores in which it operates branches — the same day ...Missing: Finer | Show results with:Finer
  41. [41]
    Chase to lose 49 branches in Dominick's Chicago supermarkets
    Dec 12, 2013 · As the end of the Dominick's Finer Foods franchise in Chicago nears, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has determined it will lose 49 of its area ...
  42. [42]
    Outdated items at Dominick's upsets customers - Chicago Tribune
    Feb 18, 2011 · Dominick's has upset a contingent of consumers over selling packaged food with expired dates. The supermarket chain's fan page on social ...Missing: 2003-2005 | Show results with:2003-2005
  43. [43]
    Customers Say Dominick's Sold Expired Items - NBC 5 Chicago
    Feb 18, 2011 · Prominent Chicago coupon blogger Jill Cataldo says she found 761 expired items at Dominick's in just two trips to the store. Dominick's issued a ...Missing: scandal 2003-2005
  44. [44]
    Mom Blogger Finds Cartloads Of Expired-Date Food At Popular Grocer
    Feb 17, 2011 · CBS2 also found expired foods at Dominick's at one of the chain's stores in Fox River Grove and at two locations on Chicago's North Side. CBS 2 ...Missing: sales scandal 2003-2005
  45. [45]
    Dominick's unions OK day-by-day extension – Chicago Tribune
    The two unions representing Dominick's 9,000 employees on Wednesday announced an agreement to extend the recently expired contract on a day-by-day basis.
  46. [46]
    Dominick's attacks UFCW - Socialist Worker
    Nov 15, 2002 · Safeway was so confident that it had scared the workers into voting against the strike authorization that it actually chartered dozens of buses ...
  47. [47]
    Dominick's Workers Authorize Strike | Progressive Grocer
    Nov 11, 2002 · NEW YORK - About 9000 workers at Dominick's, a Chicago division of Safeway Inc., voted on Sunday to authorize a strike to back their demands ...Missing: 2003 1550
  48. [48]
    Dominick's Supermarket Employees Ratify Contract
    Nov 26, 2002 · CHICAGO -- Union employees at Dominick's supermarkets voted Sunday to accept a new eight-month contract, avoiding a strike threatened for ...
  49. [49]
    Safeway's own gaffes may bring Dominick's sale - Chicago Tribune
    Nov 13, 2002 · Safeway has raised a ruckus over the union contract that forces it to pay its workers a costly $3 an hour more than their counterparts at Jewel ...Missing: overstaffing legacy
  50. [50]
    Dominick's union files complaint | Crain's Chicago Business
    Nov 7, 2002 · The union representing cashiers and clerks of Dominick's Finer Foods is accusing the grocer of illegally intimidating workers during ...
  51. [51]
    Safeway Suspends Efforts to Sell Chicago-Area Chain
    Nov 4, 2003 · A bidder for Dominick's is unable to reach a deal with the unions, prompting the company to call off the sale.Missing: UFCW | Show results with:UFCW
  52. [52]
    Dominick's Lays off 500 - Progressive Grocer
    Dec 16, 2002 · CHICAGO - Just weeks after resolving a labor dispute that threatened to shutter all 113 of its stores, Safeway-owned Dominick's fired 500 of ...Missing: overstaffing legacy rising
  53. [53]
    Dominick's: A Timeline News History of a Chicago Supermarket
    Feb 20, 2014 · September 11, 1925: Dominick “Mr. D” DiMatteo opens his first Dominick's store at 3832 W. Ohio. Nine months later, DiMatteo's son, Dominick Jr., opens the ...
  54. [54]
    Kostecki v. Dominick's Finer Foods, Inc. - Justia Law
    The trial court, on May 5, 2004, denied the motion. On June 3, 2004, plaintiff filed a "Motion to Enforce the Unconditional Tender Offer of Settlement," ...
  55. [55]
    Safeway May Sell Dominick's - RetailWire
    Safeway has threatened to sell its Dominick's Finer Foods supermarket chain rather than agree to a labor contract the company believes will put it at a ...
  56. [56]
    Safeway to Close 12 Dominick's Stores - Progressive Grocer
    Jan 13, 2004 · - Safeway, Inc. said it would close 12 of its underperforming Dominick's stores in the Chicago area in a move that will result in a 2004 first- ...Missing: inefficiencies overstaffing legacy rising
  57. [57]
    Dominick's Closings to Hit Estimated 900 Workers
    Mar 21, 2007 · CHICAGO -- The jobs of approximately 900 workers will be affected when 14 area Dominick's Finer Foods stores here close during the next ...<|separator|>
  58. [58]
    Dominick's to be sold or closed as Safeway exits Chicago
    Oct 12, 2013 · Safeway bought Dominick's in 1998 for about $1.2 billion plus debt. The chain had 116 stores and $2.6 billion in sales back then, when ...<|separator|>
  59. [59]
    Is Kroger planning to buy Dominicks' Chicago stores?
    Oct 16, 2013 · Parent company Safeway Inc. said Oct. 10 it's selling its Dominick's supermarkets in the Chicago area. Safeway, based near San Francisco ...
  60. [60]
    Here's who wants to buy those Dominick's supermarkets
    Oct 11, 2013 · Cincinnati-based Kroger Inc. has indicated an interest in at least 15 Dominick's locations, real estate sources with knowledge of the matter say ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  61. [61]
    Kroger seen as acquisition hungry—but the pickings are slim among ...
    Oct 21, 2013 · That means Kroger is not expected to pursue a large purchase of Dominick's or A&P, both of which are on the block, but may pick up some stores ...
  62. [62]
    Safeway Selling Four Dominick's Stores to New Albertsons
    Oct 11, 2013 · As part of its plan to exit the Chicago market, Safeway has sold four of its Dominick's stores in the greater Chicago area to New Albertsons ...
  63. [63]
    Dominick's Layoffs Could Exceed 5600 Employees - NBC 5 Chicago
    According to a state report, the company may lay off up to 5,600 people. The grocery chain, which will close any unsold stores Dec. 28, could ...
  64. [64]
    Mariano's holds job fair separate from Dominick's; workers must stay ...
    Nov 11, 2013 · Union leaders are cautioning Dominick's employees that they must stay until the stores close in order to receive their severance benefits. Most ...Missing: notification | Show results with:notification
  65. [65]
    Dominick's stores prepare for final days of business | ABC7 Chicago
    Dec 20, 2013 · The mayor wrote a blanket referral letter today for workers who at best get eight weeks of severance pay, and she's hopeful a Whole Foods store ...Missing: notification | Show results with:notification
  66. [66]
    Dominick's says goodbye to Chicago
    Dec 17, 2013 · Dominick's notified the state Oct. 30 that it would close all of its Chicago-area stores by Dec. 28, affecting a total of 5,633 workers. Jewel- ...
  67. [67]
    Eleven Dominick's Stores To Become Mariano's Markets - CBS News
    Dec 2, 2013 · Milwaukee-based Roundy's on Monday said it will buy 11 of the Dominick's stores for $36 million and reopen them under the Mariano's banner next ...
  68. [68]
    Dominick's closings may mean 5,600 lost jobs - Daily Herald
    More than 5600 workers could lose their jobs when the Dominick's grocery chain closes all its unsold Chicago area stores at the ...
  69. [69]
    Dominick's closing: South Shore about to become a food desert?
    Dec 22, 2013 · On Saturday, dozens of Chicago-area Dominick's stores are to be shuttered, putting thousands of employees out of work while disrupting shopping ...Missing: backlash | Show results with:backlash
  70. [70]
    Municipalities Brace For True Effect of Dominick's Shuttering
    Nov 9, 2013 · The closing of Chicago-area Dominick's stores will be felt heavily in the communities they serve. With officials citing close to 5,600 layoffs ...Missing: backlash job food deserts
  71. [71]
    With Nine Newly Vacant Stores on Its Hands, Chicago Hopes to ...
    Jan 22, 2014 · Grocery chain Dominick's closed 57 stores in the Chicago area at the end of last year. A new task force hopes to find new tenants that, if picked properly, ...Missing: backlash petitions<|separator|>
  72. [72]
    4 former Dominick's locations bought by Joe Caputo & Sons
    Jan 28, 2014 · Joe Caputo & Sons Fruit Market, which owns three grocery stores in the northwest suburbs, has acquired four former Dominick's locations.
  73. [73]
    Grocery chains acquire vacant Dominick's stores
    Dominick's parent company, Safeway Inc., announced Oct. 10 that it would exit the Chicagoland market, leaving 72 empty stores, 15 located in the city of Chicago ...
  74. [74]
    'Dark' former Dominick's stores frustrate suburbs - Chicago Tribune
    Sep 17, 2016 · Last year, Albertsons acquired Safeway, Dominick's parent company, giving it control of most remaining Dominick's leases and property in the ...
  75. [75]
    How Dominick's lost its way in Chicago - The Business Journals
    Oct 11, 2013 · Four stores sold means Safeway still has 68 Dominick's left to peddle. It would stand to ...
  76. [76]
    Final closing time for Dominick's on Saturday - Chicago Tribune
    Dec 28, 2013 · On Saturday, dozens of unsold Dominick's stores will close their doors, ending a nearly 90-year run as a Chicago institution, and a painful ...Missing: nostalgic legacy 2023