LINCOLN SQUARE — The rumors have been confirmed: Tony's Finer Foods will take over the former Dominick's store in Lincoln Square.
Tony's made the announcement Monday via Facebook and the company's website with the simple statement: "Introducing Tony's Fresh Market! We are proud to announce our new upcoming location, 5233 N. Lincoln Ave."
The store is expected to open in the spring, according to Tony's.
Dominick's parent company, Safeway, announced in October that it was pulling out of the Chicago market. Of the grocer's 15 stores within the city's limits, two were bought by Jewel-Osco and three by Mariano's.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel created a task force to seek buyers for the remaining vacant stores, the majority of which closed in late December. Earlier this month, Cermak Fresh Market announced it would buy the Dominick's at 6623 N. Damen Ave.
Headquartered in Itasca, Tony's operates 11 locations in the metro Chicago area. The family-owned company opened its first store at 3607 W. Fullerton Ave. in 1979.
Tony's line of exclusive Antonino-branded products includes cheeses, pastas and peppers.