Frank’s Freshway Market customers shouldn’t be surprised if they spot co-owner Frank Casaccio stocking shelves at the new South Elgin grocery store that occupies the former Butera Market location.
It’s just part of the job when you’re an independence grocer.
Frank Casaccio and his cousin, Ryan Casaccio, opened their store several weeks ago in the former Butera Market at 1175 Spring St. The Butera family still owns the building and is leasing the space to the Casaccios.
While the grocery store remains essentially the same, they just completed a major renovation of their produce department.
“We’re (also) remodeling our deli and bakery and putting in all new coolers,” Frank Casaccio said. They’ll be doing the remodeling project after the holidays, he said.
The produce department is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables that they obtain from the South Water Market Produce in Chicago.
“We get produce fresh every day from the market,” Frank Casaccio said. “You’re getting better quality and fresher produce.”
Larger grocery chains get produce from warehouses where it can sit until being shipped out. Frank’s prides itself on getting produce daily and putting it out the same day, he said.
They’re also bringing in new new features, like a selection of fresh cheeses, healthy drinks and ready-made meals that include Italian sliders and salads. Casaccio said he’s noticed that a lot of his friends and people his age prefer easy dinner options or dinner kits so they’ll be adding more pick-up meals, like sushi.
Frank’s also is working with a sushi chef and a vendor who sells products from Italy.
Frank and Ryan Casaccio took over another Butera Market grocery store in Genoa in March. They are fourth-generation grocers, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, Gus, who opened his first store in Chicago in 1923.
Frank Casaccio started working in grocery stores at a young age, he said, working as a bagger, stocker and janitor. Later, he started working at his dad’s store.
“I worked my way up,” Casaccio said. He learned the business by being hands on, he said.
Gus Casaccio was good friends with Paul Butera Sr., who founded the family-owned chain. The Butera family owns numerous retail properties and eight stores in the area, including two in Elgin and one in Algonquin.
“This opportunity came along, and I knew me and my cousin were ready (to open our own store),” Casaccio said.
“It’s going from one family to another,” said Ken Casaccio, Frank’s dad, noting that the business takes a lot of work.
“It’s got to be in your heart. It’s got to be something in your blood a little bit,” he said. “It’s a people business. You have to enjoy the people who come in every day.”
The time and commitment sometimes comes at the expense of family, which is a sacrifice, Ken Casaccio said. The independent store owner is a “dying breed,” he said.
Frank Casaccio understands the competition he’s facing, but he and his cousin are prepared to “offer quality, freshness and competitive prices,” he said.
Customers will support independent grocery stores “as long as you provide them a fair shake,” Ken Casaccio said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
