Mariano's to open May 1 in former Sears on Route 14 in Crystal Lake

Mariano’s will open May 1 in Crystal Lake.

The grocery store's doors will open at 6 a.m. at 105 Route 14, according to a Mariano's Facebook post.

The 74,800-square-foot building in Crystal Lake will feature Mariano’s signature glass rotunda, which houses a cafe area, and a 19,000-square-foot gas station.

The grand opening will feature live piano music, according to the post.

City officials have said the store could generate between $35 million and $40 million in sales annually.

The city’s community development department specifically sought out the chain because of the “catalyst” effect it has on communities, city officials have said.

“Mariano’s is a premier grocer that offers quality products, variety, exceptional service and convenience, and this is a perfect location for them,” Mayor Aaron Shepley previously said.

The amenities that are offered differ by store, but include specialties such as an Italian coffee shop with a gelato bar, wood-fired pizza, a sit-down sushi bar, a juice bar and others.

Mariano's is hiring for the new Crystal Lake location, including a bartender and meat cutter, according to job postings online.

This will be the first Mariano’s in McHenry County, with the closest stores located in Lake Zurich, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove and Gurnee.

The Sears building that was on the property was demolished in April 2017, and construction then began on the Mariano’s. Jewel-Osco, The Fresh Market and Fresh Thyme also sit along Route 14 near the Mariano’s site.

Mariano’s is a subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc., which operates more than 150 grocery stores in Wisconsin and Illinois under the Pick ’n Save, Copps, Metro Market and Mariano’s retail banners.

Mariano’s representatives could not be reached for details Thursday.