The first family-owned and operated grocery chain in Chicago, Tony’s Fresh Market, turned 45. Heritage Grocers Group announced that its banner company, Tony’s, is celebrating a significant anniversary serving Chicagoland families and communities. The year-long celebration will feature special sales, ad promotions, Team Member spotlights, and added philanthropic support.
“From our humble beginnings in 1979, Tony’s has steadily grown into a thriving Chicagoland mainstay known for providing the most authentic offerings and freshest products that celebrate life, family, and culture,” said Frank Ingraffia, CEO of Tony’s Fresh Market. “As we embark upon our year-long 45th anniversary celebration, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, our dedicated Team Members, and vendor partners who have all contributed to the company’s success and made this remarkable milestone possible.”
Tony’s has launched its year-long anniversary celebration with a special ad highlighting its history and throwback pricing, offering staple items at $0.45. Throughout the year, the company will also feature social media giveaways and Team Member spotlights highlighting the dedication and commitment Tony’s Team Members have for customers and the communities where they live and work.
Additionally, Tony’s Charitable Foundation will honor this landmark year with the inception of its inaugural scholarship program. Through this program, each Tony’s store location will award one (1)—$3,000 scholarship to a local student who demonstrates academic excellence, financial need, leadership attributes, and a commitment to serving their local community. In total, $63,000 in scholarship funds from Tony’s 21 store locations will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Related Article: Heritage Grocers Group Stores to Award $345,000 in Scholarships
The Story of Tony’s
Founded by two Italian immigrants, Tony Ingraffia and Domenico Gambino, Tony’s began in 1979 as the first family-owned and operated grocery chain in Chicago. Today, Tony’s operates 21 store locations under its parent company, Heritage Grocers Group. Through its partnership with Heritage, the company remains poised for continued success by leveraging scalability, which results in even more selection and high-quality products at affordable prices.
Nowadays, Tony’s Fresh Market is the largest Independent Grocery chain in Chicago by Volume.
Heritage Grocers Group is a leading specialty ethnic food retailer offering an extensive assortment of traditional and specialty grocery items to the communities it serves. The group operates in six states: California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois, with a total of 58 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner, 29 stores under the El Rancho Supermercado banner, 21 stores under the Tony’s Fresh Market banner, and seven stores under the Los Altos Ranch Market banner.