New Grocery Stores targeted for Aroma Park, Herscher

 Some business excitement for the communities of Aroma Park and Herscher.  The two Kankakee County towns are gearing up for the opening of new grocery stores.

Berkot’s Super Foods is making an appearance in Aroma Park.  The 23-year-old grocery chain with 13 locations plans to open the former Cliff’s Market building. Plans are to double the size of the facility. 

Berkot’s has area locations in Manteno, Momence and Dwight.  That’s in addition to its stores at Wilmington and Mokena.

Aroma Park Mayor Linda Fowler made the business announcement this week.

The community of Herscher is excited about owning its own grocery store.  Mayor Ray Schneider announced this week that September 1st is a target date to open the former Herscher grocery on W. Kankakee Street.  It’ll be in the old Mario’s Market. 

A 10-member steering committee is behind the effort to open a “community-owned” grocery.  The mayor said shares are being sold to raise money for equipment, stock and management of a 6,100 square-foot store.

The mayor said the community-owned approach is because most chains or independently-owned grocers have little interest in smaller towns like Herscher. 

It’s hoped a grocery store will attract people who want to live in Herscher.

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