In 1918 Dominick DiMatteo, who had arrived in Chicago from Italy only nine years earlier, had two major events occur. He opened his own deli at 3832 W. Ohio Avenue. And that same year his son, Dominick DiMatteo, Jr., was born. Together they were to build one of the most successful chains of food stores in the heartland of America. Dominick's Finer Foods started as a true neighborhood store, focused on the best Italian foods, the freshest meats and produce, and service that included interacting with customers on a first-name basis.

Growing Across Chicagoland
A second Dominick's opened in 1934. Though it was the depths of the Depression, the original formula of personalized neighborhood service assured the store's success. When the first supermarkets opened after WWII, the Dominick DiMatteo father-and-son management team seized the opportunity for expansion. In 1950 their corner store concept was transformed into 14,000 square feet on W. North Ave., becoming the cornerstore of their chain and supermarkets. Today, Dominick's Finer Food operates 99 retail units in 70 communities.

A Fresh Approach
In 1996, with the introduction of Dominick's Fresh Stores, the company initiated a new concept in grocery retailing. Customers' shopping experiences have been enriched by this European style market which offers restaurant quality carry-out food, specialty bakeries, delis, floral shops, even in-store dining. The meat and produce departments have set new quality standards for the Chicagoland area. Positive reactions from consumers have been overwhelming. Currently there are 60 Dominick's Fresh Stores in operation.

Good Neighbor Policy
Dominick's places a high priority on being responsible part of its Chicagoland community. It is a major contributor to the region's leading food bank organization, The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

A Corner Store Vision Becomes a Corporate One
A third generation of DiMatteo is carrying on the traditions of Dominick's Finer Foods. And despite its size and success, Dominick's fundamental business model remains intact. Now as part of Safeway Inc., it continues its original focus: primary attention to the needs of shoppers partnered with the highest standards for all of its merchandise. It is a positioning that is basically identical to the one expressed by the legendary "Mr. D" Dominick DiMatteo, in 1918 in his 20x50 food deli: "Dominick's belongs to the customers".