Ruffolo Fresh Market, Prospect Heights IL

Prospect Heights has had quite a revolution in groceries the last couple months: Ultra Foods on Rand flipped to Tony's, and on the east side on Milwaukee just south of Palatine, Save-A-Lot became Ruffolo's Fresh Market (there's another one in Arlington Heights on Algonquin).

I stopped in there the other day while dropping off dry cleaning, and it's not a big change from Save-A-Lot. The coolers for meat, etc. have been rearranged if not replaced, but it's still a very warehouse-y looking store, no decor to speak of at all, just white walls and ceiling. It seems cleaner than under Save-A-Lot which went from spotless to grimy between the two visits I'd had (leading to a decision not to come back).

There's a focus on hispanic groceries and produce, which makes sense for the neighborhood. The meat certainly looks better than it did in its previous incarnation -- arrachera skirt steak at $4.99/lb looked pretty good.

The cashier seemed genuinely happy to be there, which is rare for any retail worker, but always a good sign.

One interesting note: there's a sign that with a $30 minimum, they'll pick you up and drop you off with the groceries. Nice service if you don't own a car.

They're not likely to interrupt my usual cycle between the nearby Mariano's at Sanders and Willow and the Jewel at Randhurst (primarily because Mariano's doesn't carry Brown Cow yogurt singles), but if in the neighborhood I won't avoid it.

1414 W Algonquin Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 577-2833