El Guero Joliet, Patch Takes You Inside New Grocery Store: Photos

JOLIET, IL — When it comes to business and development stories, Joliet Patch is your leading source for news across Joliet. No other news outlet can compete with our constant churn of exclusive coverage. Our latest example is taking place along East Jackson Street, across the street from the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. It's the long awaited and highly anticipated El Guero Fresh Market.

It's finally happening.

Last week, building contractors allowed Joliet Patch inside to photograph the significant progress being made. And at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Joliet's elected officials are expected to approve a Class C liquor license to allow the El Guero Fresh Market to sell packaged liquor to customers when the El Guero opens.

"This is a much needed full-service grocery store that wishes to include a liquor section. The liquor commissioner is recommending approval of this license as well," one of Joliet's deputy liquor commissioners told the Council at Monday's meeting.

The Council was also asked to approve a second amendment to its sales tax incentive rebate agreement with El Guero, extending the deadline for the business to open date from March 31 until Sept. 30, 2024.

Contractors told Patch the remodeling of the 55,000 square building on the 4.5-acre parcel is about 85 percent finished, and at Monday's meeting, city manager Beth Beatty told everyone that El Guero is planning to have its grand opening by the end of June.

Seven years. It's been seven long years since Joliet's east side lost not only one but two Certified Warehouse grocery stores. The one on Richards Street was ultimately remodeled and converted into a drug addiction rehabilitation center.

As for El Guero Joliet, its plans to take over the former Certified Warehouse at 118 East Jackson Street has been in the works for a long, long, time. Its initial plan called for being open by June 2020.

Now, as these photos taken by Joliet Patch reveal, El Guero Joliet is in the final stretches of offering wholesome food, fresh produce — and alcoholic beverages — to Joliet's adult citizens.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Dormant Grocery Store In Joliet Coming Back To Life?