New Ultra Foods Caters to 'Underserved' Area

A new Ultra Foods location recently opened up nearby and one area official says it will provide a boost to an "undeserved" area.

Crestwood Mayor Robert Stranczek and executives from Ultra Foods cut the ribbon late last week on the new grocery store near 131st and Cicero in Crestwood—just a short drive for residents.

"We're very excited to have Ultra Foods here in Crestwood," Stranczek said. "We've been looking forward to this moment for three years.

"Crestwood, Alsip, Tinley, Oak Forest—we've all been underserved in a grocery store" he added.

Andy Raab, vice president of operations for Ultra Foods' parent company, Strack & VanTil, said he is proud to bring the grocery store to the south suburbs.

"Finally, we were able to get this location," Raab said. "This is a good community with a lot of great people, this fits what were about. We hope to continue to grow out this way."

The 89,000-square-foot building includes a sushi bar. The store contains a variety of international food, gluten-free products and organic foods, along with the normal staples.

For those looking for thrift, food prices can be up to 30 percent cheaper at Ultra Foods as compared to other grocery chains, Raab said.

"I think the biggest thing for anybody new to Ultra is that we're going to save you money on great quality products," Raab said. "We don't lower our standards and we give you more variety than anyone around us. Ten thousand items are on sale every week."

Besides savings, variety and service, Ultra gives back to the community—a fact Raab is most proud of.

"We get involved in everything, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church functions and more," Raab said. We firmly believe not taking from the community, we're partnership with the community."

is currently served by to larger grocery stores—,  and —as well as other smaller outlets.

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