History of Cermak Fresh Market
Cermak Fresh Market is a concept that first began in 1986, founded by Greek Immigrants Dimitrious “Jimmy” Bousis and his late partner Pantelis “Pandelo” Tzotzolis! Their vision was that they could introduce a grocery store where you get the best and cheapest fresh produce. The success at this first store, Central Park Produce allowed them to explore and expand their offerings. Then in 1993, they launched Cermak Produce along with a meat and poultry section that led the store to become one of the highest volume food stores in America.
But they did not limit their innovation to this point of time. They gradually extended their groceries and added a butcher-shop style meat counter and bakery at the opening of many more stores throughout Chicago as well, even beyond. Cermak Fresh Market took another big step, opened its first out of state store in Milwaukee Wisconsin by 2012.
Cermak Fresh Market is still a family operation today with Jimmy Cerniglia, (Son of Founder) and his son Michael managing the largest store located in Aurora Illinois. Bobby and Taso Tzotzolis, Panteli’s children have continued to grow and are committed to their customers while helping the community by still making fresh produce affordable.
Location & Hours
Cermak Fresh Market operates several locations across Chicago and the Midwest, each catering to a diverse community with a variety of ethnic foods. Here are some key locations:
1. 4605 W. Cermak Rd., Cicero
2. 3435 S. Archer, Chicago
3. 4234 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
4. 1711 W. Cermak, Chicago
5. 5220 S. Pulaski, Chicago
6. 3311 W. 26th St., Chicago
7. 1250 N. Lake St., Aurora
8. 7220 S. Cicero Ave., Bedford Park
9. 3033 S. Halsted St., Chicago
10. 1541 Miller Park Way, Milwaukee, WI
Each store location typically operates with generous hours to accommodate their customers’ needs, often opening 7 am and closing 10 pm. For the most accurate hours, it’s best to check the specific location’s details on the Cermak Fresh Market website or contact the store directly.
About Cermak Fresh Market
Cermak Fresh Market is known for its variety of ethnic foods, including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Greek, and Italian fare as well as Polish-Russian offerings from Europe and Latin American culture. Their departments are as diverse as their people, with produce, grocery, deli & meat, and seafood being options (each including thousands of products), along with dairy/frozen foods lines, bakery lines, or beverage distributors.
Their battle for freshness and low prices reaches every department, ensuring quality products affordable to the widest range of tastes from their clientele. From fresh produce to quality meats and international grocery items, Cermak Fresh Market assures that you get it!
And after all these years, Cermak Fresh Market still continues an improvement and development process of its stores to comply with clients’ demands. The 95,000 square feet store in Aurora, managed by Michael Bousis, is one of the Cermak stores leading the future direction all locations are heading toward.
Health and Wellness
As health and wellness trends rise in the U.S., Cermak Fresh Market has expanded its offerings to include organic items and products catering to an increasingly diet-conscious customer base. With a focus on organic foods, gluten-free options, vegan choices, and more, the store is dedicated to serving all diets. By targeting the health and wellness category, they can cater to all customers and their respective lifestyles and health goals.
Customer Experience
Customer experience is important to Cermak Fresh Market. The staff is trained to assist you as best they can, creating a friendly and courteous atmosphere every time you visit. The stores are laid out to be user-friendly and organized, with wide aisles to give easy access, regardless of the section you’re in. This customer experience-centric approach reflects the distinctiveness that Cermak Fresh Market strives to perfect.
Future Growth and Innovation
The story lives on as Cermak Fresh Market strives to further its innovation and continue growing into the future. For the first time, the company is testing new markets and contemplating more potential store locations to bring their one-of-a-kind shopping experience to additional communities. It is also a part of their unwavering commitment to bringing fresh, affordable, and unique products, as well as addressing the changing needs over time for occasions.
