Kroger Sells Mariano’s Brand, Leaving the Fate of the Grocery Store’s Name in Peril | Eater Chicago
"A Chicago-based grocery chain founded by Bob Mariano in 2010 that operates roughly 44 stores across the city and suburbs. After being acquired by Kroger in 2015, the chain became part of a regulatory-focused asset shuffle: Kroger agreed to sell 14 Illinois stores and the chain's name to the operator of Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly as part of a larger $1.9 billion transaction to divest 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers. Known for in-store amenities such as a bar with live piano music and for launching a local-heritage concept called Dom's Kitchen & Market (a nod to Dominick DiMatteo), the chain’s future branding and footprint remain uncertain because the specific locations included in the sale have not been disclosed and several stores could be rebranded under the buyer’s banners." - Ashok Selvam
