Valli Produce

It doesn’t get any better than Valli’s! They have EVERYTHING (except a wine department but there’s a liquor store next door and a Binny’s down the road).
EVERYTHING is fresh and priced to KEEP IT THAT WAY! I love the selection offered, the ethnic variety, the deli, butcher, bakery… they have it ALL!
The flow of the store is done quite well also. Upon entry one sees goes through produce, around to the deli, on to meat and all the boxed/​canned goods on aisles in the center, finally over to frozen food, bakery and finally loose nuts, candies, etc. and to check out.
The ONLY negative here is that it is not for one challenged by speed. Long lines at the deli counter and check out can get tedious BUT the savings are worth it. At the deli, the staff is quick, ULTRA efficient and clean. The produce people work tirelessly and efficiently and they have a clearance rack or three in that gets refilled OFTEN, unlike other stores that give you the icky stuff that you really don’t want and hide the ready to rot parts on the bottom of the container.
I have a simple routine that I follow to get my cart filled and out of there quick as possible:
1) Start in produce and pick out all things I need and check the clearance racks in produce (always freshly placed and not a week old like the undesirable leftovers in the big stores around the area).
2) Park my cart in the middle of the store and run up and down the aisles gathering all the things I need from there (canned, bottled, boxed, etc.).
3) To the deli. Take a number (line will be long so park cart and zoom over to…
4) Pick my meat, poultry, etc. (then back to deli for cheese, lunchmeat, etc.).
5) Zoom over to dairy and grab everything there.
6) Over to frozen and zip through there. Almost done…
7) Zip over to bakery (cart full now so bread and other bakery items are ON TOP).
8) Zip through loose nuts (plenty of company there… HAHA).
9) One last spin through produce to check for new things added to clearance racks and…
10) OFF to the check out.
DONE!
… can’t offer any tips on navigating the parking lot. There ISN’T anyway to navigate that thing and I’ve YET to escape from it without a cart OR a car hitting mine. Not even ONCE have I been there in… must be about 15 years now… that I’ve not either been hit by another vehicle or a cart. I have sustained three hit and runs in the parking lot there so I try to park at the very edge as far away as possible unless it’s a day when I need to use my handicapped placard. I prefer my car not be anywhere NEAR the place on weekends.

I bought some red grapes that were very bitter. I threw them out cause my Jewel always says throw it away and come get new. But NO. Valli wants the actual grapes. Not digging thru the garbage for that!

horrible service!!! jennifer front end manager is the worse! it’s amazing how people are looking for jobs in the world and you have this girl that has the worse customer service skills ever!!! gives you dirty looks and watches you like crazy,. she also speaks spanish and doesn’t think you understand. well guess what jennifer you dont have to be mexican to speak spanish! so rude! you need new supervisors in here that speak clear english not just spanish!!.

The store had been remodeled, along with the prices, no longer lowest in cost. They charge more for cream and butter than does Morianno’s, my neighbors agree that the produce is not as fresh, and items from the freezer do not always appear to have been kept frozen. Chicken is a frequently purchased item, isn’t it? The deli is great in selection and price. Fairly much the only deli I frequent. They’ve a selection of fresh baked, still warm, bread. I 1^st purchased a Crescent chicken from Valli’ and found it significantly superior to Purdue, etc. that it was the last brand I’ve purchased. It was available also at the Shop and Save, which has recently left the area, for a lower cost. Valli is now selling only a skinless whole Crescent chicken. How do you roast a skinless chicken? I was told that this was the meat manager’s decision. Seems to me he certainly doesn’t cook. Several times I’ve requested to have a roaster or fryer with skin, and my requests are ignored. Seems that I’ll have to drive a longer distance to get to Walmart just to get the chicken with skin intact, but I expect that the Walmart chicken will be at a lower cost.

I just moved to the Chicago area from Dallas and I was very worried that I would have a hard time finding the groceries that I was accustomed to cooking with. That is no longer a concern! This grocery store is great and the prices are very reasonable too!

Prices and selection are excellent, but unfortunately one still has to be vigilant about checking the sell-​through dates. For example, they will place items on sale on the sell-​through date.
The produce section includes many items that are near rotten or rotten. For example, be careful regarding the cantaloupes, grapes, cherries, oranges, clementines… and everything else.

I love this store and the staff! They hire the most amazing women and men to run their store and they give everyone a chance who wants to work. I love to see that! The cashiers are always running around cleaning and smiling and talking to customers. The managers. Jessica, haydee and Miriam are the most efficient customer service people I’ve ever seen! They will try to help you in any way! And I live that we always see the owners on the floor with everyone else working and making sure every employee is at their best and the customers are happy! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else nor shop anywhere else! Their meat prices are out of this world and everything is fresh! I’m surprised when I hear complaints about prices! I LOVE VALLI

I have now made my home in several different parts of the country, all of which have had their different major grocery store chains. Just when I get one figured out, work takes me elsewhere and I have to start from ground zero all over again. I should probably also add that I am not one of those urban hipster types that refers to places like World Market or Whole Foods in a quasi-​religious context either. Blue collar mentality, white collar profession. Just how I roll.
Any who, I selected this grocery store based solely upon it being the closest one to my apartment via Google Maps. Other than it being located in a strip mall with the most poorly designed parking lot arrangements I have ever seen (is it a requirement to be a drug addict to be a city planner in Hoffman Estates?) the store itself was a cut above what I was expecting.
The produce was all extremely fresh, and the selection was wide and diverse. I had to do far more wandering around than normal since I was unfamiliar with the layout, but for the purposes of this review that is probably a good thing. Other than fresh vegetables, I also picked up some meat from the deli and ground chuck from the butcher shop and both were quite good for a large chain. Prices were also far lower than I was expecting, which is certainly a plus.
My checkout attendant was one of the most pleasant people I have encountered since I arrived here, and not in that forced «Hi there sir, did you find everything alright»? type of way either. She seemed generally interested in making pleasant conversation. Alas, friendly customer service is such a lost art these days.
The store could stand to be a little clearer, at least during my visit, but the building does appear quite old, at least by Hoffman Estates standards. I am sure to be back for provisions again very soon.

Yes. Prices are lower than Dominics but the parking is a huge hassle, especially in inclement weather. Thus is a big turn off to me.

Lotsa goodies out here. Good variety of groceries all under one roof — got milk, mushrooms, green peppers (capsicum), carrots, buttermilk, bread and were out in 30 minutes on a wintery day!!!

This is the best supermarket I’ve ever been to! They have a great deli, fresh produce and the prices are very reasonable.

Valli by far has the best produce around. They’ve kept up with the Market introducing more organic options and a whole section for halal options.
This my go to grocery store.

One stop shop for all my groceries…

So I just popped into this grocery store and I have to say its awesome. Fruit is fresh. As I walked by the bakery they were taking out some fresh focaccia bread which was awesome. I bought that and some lunch meat made a perfect sandwich. I have to try the sushi bar next time I’m there.

I’ve been coming to Valli for many years now as this location is close to home and they were once the cheapest place for produce and other fresh groceries. It was convenient, despite the extremely rude patrons that frequent this establishment and the crazy drivers who try to run me over or park diagonal and take up three parking spots while dinging my doors and crushing my bumpers.
The produce was of decent quality for the price and the meat was once of great quality but ever since the remodeling, quality has gone down and prices have gone up considerably. Despite the convenience of their location, I am forced to discontinue my patronage.
I recently went to their location in Arlington Heights and discovered that their premium eggs were a dollar or more cheaper than at the Hoffman Estates location. I then checked on other items that I buy often and noticed small price differences as well. I’ve already been shifting my grocery shopping away from Valli but discovering such a huge difference in pricing on basic items such as eggs has solidified my decision to leave the Valli brand for good.
Jewel-​Osco, which is right down the street has very similar items at prices that Valli used to have without the overly crowded rude patron environment that permeates Valli.
Valli, get your sh*t together before more people catch on to your scam and shift to Jewel, who is hungry for all of your business.

I enjoy shopping here for my fresh produce and meat needs. There are some great deals on produce, especially in the «reduced» bin. They package a large amount of almost-​expired fruits and/​or vegetables in cellophane and charge $ 1.25. And the sale prices of the rest of the produce can’t be beat: $.29/​lb for acorn squash? $.49/​lb for celery? Yes, please! A tip, though: even with the produce that is not in the «reduced» bin, make sure that it is used ASAP. I have experienced some unfortunate molding of produce within a day or two after purchase. Another option, depending on the fruit or vegetable, is to do a mild vinegar bath: 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. It kills the mold spores and makes your veggies last longer in the fridge. It works so much better than that Veggie Wash. Do this method when you wash your grapes, you won’t believe how much dirt comes off. Yuck.
Valli also has a nice bulk shelled nut section, decent prices on grocery items, and an extensive meat section. I’m not adventurous enough to eat tripe, pig ears, or chicken feet, but they are available for those that are.
I’ve also noticed that this particular location is very busy. The aisles tend to be narrow, and it is difficult to get around other people and their carts. If you desire a peaceful grocery shopping experience, bring an iPod or come in the evening. Otherwise, be prepared for the clusterfudge.

I gotta say, I’m enjoying this location more and more, however I will always hate how it’s situated. I feel like it’s a bit of a challenge to get in and out of the parking lot, and once I’m out it becomes a constant battle of traffic and left turn arrows and yadda yadda yadda…
Parking lot woes aside, this is a great Valli.
I recently lived in Arlington Heights, so I would visit the one on Golf for my produce and cold cut needs, however that location is congested inside and out. This spot is very open and spread out which alleviates any tightness in my chest, especially during quick trips. I love the expansive meat/​poultry/​seafood selection and I really love that they have sushi. The AH Valli does not have it, so as soon as I found out that my new Valli had it, I needed to check it out… and I’m glad I did. Cheap and delicious; win-​win.
Other than the sushi, I like the bulk foods, their pre-​made guac, and their lunch foods. The best thing about Valli is all in the name: Produce. If any situation calls for produce (or something weird in a recipe) I can almost guarantee you could find it at Valli. Though I’m not exactly thrilled with their bread or other everyday grocery items, they completely make up for it in their produce offerings as well as the prices for said offerings.
Also seeing as it’s currently the end of October, I’ll be glad to get back there for when the cuties are in season… I’m talking about the clementines; get your mind out of the gutter.

Valli in Hoffman Estates has rebranded, remodeled, and officially reopened.
What’s new? Valli has expanded on their produce, frozen section, bakery, seafood, and meat section. They took over the Lazer Zone area and added a Charter One Bank, an olive bar, live seafood section, and a sushi station. The new layout is more spacious around high traffic areas and utilizes the space more efficiently. If you weren’t a fan of Valli before because of the crowds, then you will appreciate how much open the space is. The cleanliness issue has also been addressed. Once you walk in, anti bacterial wipes are available for all of us OCD folks.
Here are the best two aspects of Valli: the prices and variety. You’ll find better deals here than on sale items at Jewel/​Dominicks/​Marianos with much more variety. Since a significant number of Valli’s customer base are ethnic, you’ll find produce, products, and cuts of meat readily available that you won’t ever find at typical grocery chains. If you are a cooking enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate lamb, veal, octopus, Chinese vegetables, and exotic fruits available year round.
On top of that, Valli probably has the best sushi deal in Hoffman Estates/​Schaumburg. After 7:00pm, all of the sushi is on sale for 50% off. You can’t beat 9 piece rolls being sold for only $ 2 – 3. Kudos to the management of Valli in Hoffman Estates. They are truly offering something unique and different to the market. It’s why you’ll see me there almost twice a week.

The Valli Produce in Schaumburg recently remodeled and this was my first visit since the changes. They did a nice job — the aisles are wider and the display cases are more accessible. They have the same great produce, excellent meat, fish and deli counters as well as a very good bakery. What they don’t bake on premises, they bring in from local Chicago bakeries.
And, Valli is particularly good at ethnic foods. There are multiple aisles with foods from all over the world. This brings in a variety of people looking for foods from their home countries or of their heritages. It gives people like me the option to try new things very easily. People there are generally friendly and are willing to answer questions about the different foods.
Finally, and most importantly, Valli’s prices are MUCH lower than the larger chain markets like Dominick’s or Jewel. We walk out of Valli with our car trunk full of groceries for the same price we would spend for two or three bags at the other markets.

I got 99 problems but the 99 cent blackberry cartons ain’t one.
That’s right, Folks. Valli Produce has NINETY-​NINE CENT Blackberry cartons. You know how much that ish usually costs me? $ 2.99 on AVERAGE. $ 2.69 on a good day.
After my first time shopping at Valli Produce, I felt as if I’d been made a fool of by other grocers. How did I go my whole life being practically price gouged by the likes of Jewel, Dominicks, and I don’t want to say it, but even Trader Joe.
I know Valli isn’t organic but it’s cheaper than dirt. Literally, cheaper than dirt. I mean, it has it’s trade offs and all– like the customers are battier than sh*t, but you know, you get a little of that everywhere… you’re just more likely to be run down by an old lady looking for pre-​sliced bananas (what!?) while spotting someone’s 8 year old sitting their ass in the bread bins at the deli counter… and everyone’s just A-​Okay with it. And you will be too– when you do a double take at those prices.
Things I got for under $ 20:
1. 6 Kolacky Cookies from the bakery (2 apricot, 2 cheese, and 2 nutella)
2. A dozen Amish brown eggs
3. Pomegranate Juice
4. 3 Avocados
5. 4 Kiwis
6. 2.01 lbs of Sweet Potatoes
7. 1.55 lbs of Bosc Pears
8. 1 Corn Flavored Popsicle (hyup, you read that right)
9. 1.65 lbs of Naval Oranges
10. 6 Cartons of Blackberries (that I ate in less than a day)
11. .98 lbs of Florida Sunburst Tangerines
AMAZING!
Sure, the cookies kinda sucked and the corn popsicle was pretty strange (the first layer tastes like breast milk), but it’s hard to complain in a world where I can eat my weight in berries for less than a Benji.
One thing my veteran Valli Produce BF pointed out is that you have be careful when shopping the VF as most all of their produce is just at it’s peak ripeness so it won’t last long after purchase. It’s important not stockpile shop (which is what I usually do) or you’ll end up wasting a lot of the goods if not consumed in mass quantities at light speed.
For bonus fun, check out the über-​hilar angry beaver energy drinks by the registers (photos included).