Arlington Heights, Ill — .- Mariano isn't a household name in Chicagoland. But that could change if Roundy's Supermarkets Inc.'s new expansion effort is successful.

Mariano's Fresh Market, named for Roundy's chairman Robert Mariano, opened Tuesday in Arlington Heights to a jammed parking lot and good reviews from customers. Up to 18 more stores are planned in the Chicago area in the next five years.

"I think it's a point of pride for all of us," Mariano said. "It highlights our view of what retailing is all about."

Mariano downplayed the significance of putting his name on the Illinois stores. But observers say that the entry of the Milwaukee-based chain that he oversees to the Chicago market marks a sort of homecoming for Mariano, pitting him against his former employer, Dominick's. Mariano left as Dominick's chief executive officer after the Chicago-based chain was sold to Safeway in 1998.

Doris Hajewski -- July 24, 2010

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