In a recent government meeting, the Deputy Liquor Commissioner announced that 1918 Winter Street, Illinois LLC is set to acquire the Mariano's grocery store located at 150 West 63rd Street, with ownership expected to transfer at midnight on October 1, 2024. The new owners, part of CN's Wholesale—one of the largest privately-owned companies in the U.S.—have assured that the store's operations will remain largely unchanged post-acquisition. Christina Dickens, representing the law firm involved in the transaction, confirmed that the current management and staff will stay in place, and the store's layout will remain the same, although new products may be introduced.

The meeting also addressed the transfer of the tobacco and business licenses associated with the store, which will be handled by the Deputy Village Clerk. The board expressed satisfaction with the continuity of services and offerings at Mariano's, including the bar and live music events.

In addition to the grocery store acquisition, the board considered a development permit for Parks Vintage, a proposed vintage clothing store at 21 West Quincy Street. Owner Braden Parks detailed his plans to operate the store seven days a week, featuring curated vintage clothing sourced from estate sales and other venues. Parks emphasized his commitment to creating a clean, retail-like atmosphere, distinguishing his store from typical thrift shops. The board welcomed the proposal, noting the potential for increased foot traffic in the downtown area.

Both discussions highlight ongoing efforts to enhance local business and community engagement in the area, with the Mariano's acquisition promising stability and the Parks Vintage store aiming to attract a diverse clientele.