Save A Lot Reopens Amid Challenges on Chicago’s West Side

Save A Lot has reopened its first location on Chicago’s west side, at 420 Pulaski Road, after overcoming months of community resistance. The reopening marks the first of six stores planned for the area, led by Yellow Banana, the owner and operator.

Yellow Banana CEO Joe Canfield played a key role in addressing community concerns, maintaining open lines of communication with local leaders and hosting several town hall meetings to gather input from residents on what would make the grocery store a success in this food desert.

Although construction took longer than anticipated, the store now boasts significant upgrades, including new lighting, refrigeration units, flooring, and repairs to the infrastructure. The redesigned store also features organic produce, on-site meat preparation, and a value wall highlighting affordable Save A Lot products.

With over $13 million in subsidies from the City of Chicago, Yellow Banana is committed to opening five additional stores across the city’s south and west sides this fall. These locations include 10700 South Halsted Street, 2858 East 83rd St., 7240 South Stony Island Avenue, 7980 South Halsted St., and 4439 West 63rd St..

The store at 832 W. 63rd St., set to open soon, stirred controversy as it replaces a Whole Foods that closed in 2022. The funds provided by the city come with the stipulation that Yellow Banana must return them if any of the reopened stores shut down within the next 10 years.