Hi Mart, Division of Chicago Food

Hi,

Passing the ghost of Chicago Food's location on Pulaski, just south of Peterson, is simply sad. It was such a generously sized location with a very substantial housewares department. All that is left of Chicago Food is the concrete pad.

A few months ago, my friend Helen thought she saw a retail business back there. Every time I have passed, which admittedly is always mid-evening, I found the gates firmly shut. This evening the gates were open, so I drove past the ghost to the steel building with the red sign, 'Hi Mart.'

I quickly learned Hi Mart is the housewares division of Chicago Food. No food is sold there, though I saw in my quick visit Korean cookware, tableware, kitchen appliances and miscellaneous household items. This was an expanded version from what I remember at the ghost of Chicago Food and much. much larger than H-Mart.

I inquired if there were plans to re-build Chicago Food. I was told they want to, though it will cost a lot money and lots of time to prepare. I mentioned H-Mart to find this wasn't exactly welcome because, "This is our competitor."

I saw the Korean cookbook, Vignette of Korean Cooking by the cashier. I have this book, though I learned they have books I, II and III. I never knew there was more than one book. These were priced around $16 each.

Hi-Mart
5800 N. Pulaski
Chicago, IL

Cathy, is this place open to the public? If so, do you think they're open on Sat? Thanks!

Grant, I can't speak to Saturdays, but I was there yesterday in search of containers to de-clutter my spice shelf, and retail wasn't a problem. They have quite a selection of plastic and glass bento boxes, one of which I hope will serve my purpose...

They mentioned that the attached Chicago Food, which is wholesale only, has a retail branch on Belmont which I was unable to find by googling.

Great, thanks! Phone number???? I'll search around, maybe i can find it. I hate to drive from Arl Hts to see it's closed!

Mhays wrote:They mentioned that the attached Chicago Food, which is wholesale only, has a retail branch on Belmont which I was unable to find by googling.

They most likely meant Chicago Food Corp, home of the "Sneeze-proof panchan bar"

Chicago Food Corp


Chicago Food Corp
3333 N Kimball Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773-478-5566

grant wrote:Cathy, is this place open to the public? If so, do you think they're open on Sat? Thanks!

I walked in! It is set far back that is a bit off-putting. They close at 7 PM on weekdays, though I would call in advance to check for the weekends.

Hope you go and report back on your impressions.

Regards,

Well we haven't made it yet but thanks. Probably this weekend we will check it out. My wife needs some items as she's moving out shortly.