Aldi takes over vacant Whole Foods location in River North

Aldi, a popular grocery chain, is preparing to occupy a storefront that was previously home to Whole Foods in the River North area of Chicago. The shuttered Whole Foods, located at Huron and Dearborn, ceased operations in 2022. The former grocery space was intended to be taken over by Dom's Kitchen and Market, but those plans fell through when all Dom's and Foxtrot locations unexpectedly closed in 2024 following the collapse of the merged companies. Aldi, which already has numerous locations throughout the Chicago area, is currently processing a liquor license application to offer liquor sales at this new grocery store location. This expansion into the River North neighborhood demonstrates Aldi's strategy to increase its footprint in urban areas, particularly in convenient locations for city dwellers. The nearest operational Aldi currently is located in Old Town, while another one is slated to open in the West Loop by 2026. As the grocery market becomes increasingly competitive, openings like the one in River North could significantly enhance Aldi’s presence in a high-demand area for grocery options. As of now, specific details regarding the opening date for the new River North location remains unclear. The company has not released a timeline, which is often an essential piece of information for potential customers keen on knowing when they can transition from the former Whole Foods to the anticipated Aldi. The community is expected to react to this new grocery option, particularly since the previous location's closure left many local residents without a nearby shopping alternative. Additionally, the abrupt closure of Dom's and Foxtrot has left a void that Aldi's new store could fill. The decision to apply for a liquor license indicates Aldi's intent to compete directly with other nearby grocery chains that have adapted similarly to offer liquor sales alongside food products. While some may view this move by Aldi as a savvy business strategy, others might question the impact of having another grocery option in River North, particularly given the recent market volatility experienced by local businesses.