Pete’s Fresh Market

Went here for the first time last evening. Love it! They have an amazing selection of foods from around the world as well as something for every budget and diet. Popular brands from whole foods as well as big brands. Which is a huge thing. I like small business products but every once in awhile you need a couple packages of Vienna hot dogs. Hahaha they’re hot food and prepared daily cold foods look amazing and again HUGE selection. It’s a mix between the global foods found at caputos, the small business and organic/​sustainable selection of whole foods, as well as the hot prepared things from Mariano’s, and the familiar brands you’d see in jewel. HIGHLY recommended. My new go to.

Just wanted fresh produce. The watermelon, romaine lettuce, peppers all very good. Surprised at the good qualify of the smoked polish sausage at the deli. It really complimented the grill salmon, rice and peppers recipe.
Only part that I did not like, it seems the cashiers were stressed out???

This review is only for the chicken breasts they sell ! I shop here with my friend twice a month, and I purchased chicken breast on two of the occasions. The chicken breast was so tasteless and hard to chew it turned us all off so we pushed it off our plates and into the garbage. I will never buy chicken at Pete’s again. Oh and I paid $ 8.20 for two chicken breasts to toss in the garbage, not happy at all !

Fresh veggies, Fresh fruits and a good overall selection of dry goods make this a one stop shop. They also have a house made guacamole that’s very good! The checkout lanes are fast too and they have multiple cashiers so you’re never waiting a long time to check out.

Great deli and product selection. The prices are generally good, especially when on sale. I noticed sometimes, deli meat like corned beef and roast beef could be a low as $ 5−6/lb. I’ve enjoyed some of their own prepared food (lasagna was solid from what I recall).
VERY careless with hot food bad. For my liking, things like seafood and other items are dangerously close together. I can’t help that somehow some of the food can contaminate each other (seafood and sides/​meat). I think that is very careless on their part. Forget the taste of seafood on a piece of fries or potatoes for a minute. What if someone doesn’t like seafood or even worse, they’re allergic to seafood.
I can give the rest of the store 4 – 4.5 stars but the hot food service area/​hot bar, no stars. I hope someone doesn’t have some allergic reaction because the carelessness of a few. Straight, no chaser!

Why o why do they sell coffee cake that is hard as a brick??? Stacked 10 high as if the move that much in a day. Ripoff
All the baked goods are either hard as a rock or fall apart from wrong ingredients or undercooking. Bakery is a joke

Very good quality food especially the vegetables little overpriced but you pay for quality. Biggest problem I have is they got rid of their rewards program and honestly I will not be going to Pete Fresh Market quite as often because of that. I called ans was told that too many customers complained they needed a computer in order to redeem the rewards. I think maybe they should have fixed their computer system rather than scratch the program entirely. Too bad for them I’m not going to be as regular a customer as in the past.

I did all of my Holiday food shopping here. They had great sales on meats & the quality has been tremendous. I was expecting a little more from the produce section, but everything that I bought was good — A little pricey. Meat prices were outstanding & quality was top notch.
Hard to find items abound here as well as ethnic items not carried at big box stores. One stupid knock on the store are the narrow isles that make it hard to float around with a full cart.

This may be my new grocery! Not convenient but I put them to the test on some unusual things. They have it all.
Prices seem very good and tons of specialty items. International section is top rate.
They were doing a brisk business at the hot food case, which looked ok. Excellent salad bar.
I did not look at the meat carefully but certainly seemed to have a good selection.
When near I will definitely shop there.

I just want to say that Darnell H. at the Deli counter is awesome. He always cuts to exact specifications, which, to be honest, is a rarity.
Anywhere.
Also, the Mastro Hot Sopressata sliced as thin as you can get it is the shit.
I hope the location at Oak Park is as good.

UPDATE: I corresponded with the chain’s customer service representative, and we were offered a credit for the value of the almonds. Upon return to the store, the person who assisted us this time was absolutely gracious, friendly, and apologetic for what had happened. Given the return policy I still don’t plan to return, but it was nice to have a good experience when we went in for the credit, and I believe the store is entitled to kudos for that. Had we been treated the same way from the beginning this poor review would never have been written.
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Worst customer service ever. Let me start this by saying that yes, it does say on their receipt that you need to have it for a return. But let’s be honest — who reads that, and who saves grocery store receipts? Umm, that would be no one.
We bought about $ 8.00 worth of pre-​packaged roasted almonds, and they were incredibly stale — rancid tasting actually. Went back to Pete’s the following weekend to return them, and were told they would not be accepted without a receipt. We were not looking for a cash refund — a credit would have been fine.
TOTALLY refused, the «manager» got combative, and threatened to call the police, then refused to return the almonds to us. We left the store with nothing.
Again, now that I read another receipt the manager produced, I acknowledge that it does say it is needed for a return. That being said? In the interests of good customer service? The appropriate way for a situation of this type to be handled is this:
Store manager:
«I apologize for this issue, but as you can see here, we require a receipt in order to complete a return. I can see that you were not aware of this, so this one time we will provide a store credit without a receipt.»
Since the opposite of that happened? We will shop at The Fresh Market in Glen Ellyn, Fresh Thyme Market in Downers Grove, and any Trader Joe’s, or Jewel, or Aldi’s, none of whom require a receipt for something that they can OBVIOUSLY see was bought at their store.
And NEVER set foot in Pete’s Fresh Market again. I heartily recommend to all my friends that you do the same.
This lack of care or concern for a customer is appalling. And should not be supported.
Follow-​up 11−14−15:
So, to continue on Pete’s Fresh Market…
We stopped there and made a small purchase to get a receipt. Their return policy is HORRIBLE. If I buy fresh produce, it’s a reasonable exception that it should still be good at least two days later — more in my book, truth be told. It is from every other store at which I shop. Pete’s has a 24 hour return policy on perishables. And no cash returns on anything, EVER.
So you are telling me if I go in there and purchase a package of meat or fish, or ANYTHING for that matter, that turns out to be bad, I cannot get my money back — only a store credit? That’s crap — sorry.
There are way too many companies out there who actually WANT my business, so Pete’s is on the «do not shop» list for me.
The Fresh Market, Trader Joe’s, Aldi’s, Mariano’s, even Jewel, for goodness sake’s, take things back, no questions asked, with or without a receipt. Makes this an easy decision for me. I prefer to be treated as a valued customer, not a criminal. Buh-​bye, Pete’s Fresh Market.
And friends, please share and spread the word. Thanks!

First, allow me to say that I am a huge fan of Pete’s and do the majority of my grocery shopping here. I only write reviews for outstanding service and horrendous service.
My husband went to Pete’s this afternoon for a few items and two of the items did not make it to our home. We are frequent Pete’s shoppers, we enjoy shopping at your store and any small issues we have had in the past were always resolved promptly and with courteous service. Unfortunately, when my husband called to inform the store that 2 deli items had not made it home he was asked for a lot of information on his receipt and told that the security cameras were going to be consulted and he would receive a call back. I found this to be ridiculous for 2 deli items and when we did not receive a call back promptly, I called the store myself to ask for the store manager. When Anna K. came on the line and I mentioned my reason for calling she informed me that she was the person who had spoken to my husband (the store manager!) and according to the security footage, all of the items my husband purchased made it into his bag and out of the store. I found this approach to be in poor taste as why would a customer waste so much of their valuable time calling about items that are in fact NOT missing. My husband only purchased 2 bags of chips, 5 avocados, 2 small loaves of bread, and 3 deli meats. He only had 3 bags! As someone who has worked in the hospitality industry for a very long time, I find it appalling for a management level employee to in essence tell a customer that they cannot be helped. My husband left the store with 2 bags of chips, 5 avocados, 2 small loaves of bread, and only ONE deli item. He checked his car twice and only had 3 bags. No other items were missing. I informed the store manager that those 2 items could have been left behind and ended up in the next person’s bag and gone home with them to which I was told she watched every item go into each of my husband’s bags and leave the store with him, in essence, vanishing into thin air before he arrived home? When I asked if it would be possible for me to view this footage, just to see for myself as I KNOW those items did not make it home, I was informed that the public cannot view this footage of themselves without an attorney’s request. How ridiculous of a thing for a manager to say to a customer! I informed the store manager that in the past when an item had been missing it was promptly replaced with my receipt and that is the level of excellent customer service I had previously associated with your store. How sad to have a simple inquiry for a missing grocery item escalate into an accusation of a customer lying about the item in question. All I was expecting was for my 2 deli items, which my husband paid for and has a receipt for, be replaced. I would love to see the footage of those items being tracked «all the way to my husband’s car» as I was told! Now, how you would feel about continuing your patronage at a store that handled a situation this way?
After becoming fed up with the store manager’s acusatory tone, I hung up the phone and made a conscious decision to take my business elsewhere. However, the manager actually called my husband back to say that she did not get to finish, she just wanted to let him know that unfortunately they could NOT replace those items as it was not «their fault»! Wow. That is a person who MANAGES other people and makes actual decisions for an entire store. I am dumbfounded at the level of service training this person has. Incredibly disappointing for a family owned store that is usually so good to its customers.

Only going to give this store 3 stars. The produce department is nice, I like the selection which is very large. They have a huge cheese section and nice lunch meat counter. What I don’t like is the meat department, some really strange cuts of meats. I went in looking for a nice pot roast and could not find one at all. I found all sorts of meats and cuts I’ve never heard of before. Maybe they are meats other ethnic people purchase, not really sure. Don’t feel they have a good selection in canned goods.
They take out hot items are great if you’re a working person for lunch, a lot to choose from.
I think I will stick to Caputos and Marianos

I used to love Pete’s. Great produce for the shorter drive over other stores. Deli usually great. they say the store is open until 10 which is great for those of us that work late. Went in at 9:30 and all the produce needing refrigeration was already put away. All pre packaged meat put away. I went to the deli and the lady complained that her shift wasn’t over yet. Didn’t do a quality check on the meat and put me way over the weight I asked for.

I absolutely love this place.
Let me start by this, lunch is very important to me. It is what I look forward to during the first half of my work day and may spend a good part of my morning thinking about. With this in mind, I had a really difficult time transitioning from a job in Chicago to a job in Lombard mostly because I couldn’t find very many decent lunch options within a decent distance from work. I went from having decent Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Polish and Puerto Rican within walking distance to having to drive several miles for not as good versions of some of these foods. It was a sad time for me.
But then Pete’s came into my life and changed it forever (or at least as long as I’m working in this neck of the woods). I probably come here now at least once a week to get some lunch whether it be one of the huge subs or salad from the salad bar (surprisingly filling) or the hot freshly prepared foods or the hot foods under the heat lamps including things like chicken & potato wedges or ribs & mac & cheese
They have some of the best options when it comes to the lunch hour and the food tastes good! They also sell a wide variety of salads of the potato and pasta variety near their deli area and have quite a few types of sushi available too. Everything is fresh and tastes great. I try to pick up some fruit as well on the way in just so that I can be at least a little healthy… And I believe they still have $ 1 gelato. The cakes look delicious, I kind of just want someone to have a birthday so I can get one and try it.
They have a small dining area where you can sit and eat after purchasing your meal. It’s a great, moderately-​priced place to stop in and I have a place I can finally look forward to going to during the lunch hour!

This is an excellent grocery store, with one of the best produce sections I’ve ever seen in the Chicago area. Also noteworthy for deli, meat counter, and international selections. Very good prepared foods as well. The liquor department is good, but could be stronger. Location on Roosevelt Road is very convenient.

Hands down best super market in the area.
Lived in lombard for the last four years and this was BY FAR the best super market.
Pros:
Huge selection of fruits and vegetables at unmatched prices. The prices are consistently the same or better then COSTCO… COSTCO! The fruits and veges are always fresh. They even sometimes have a discount cart with even better deals. They always display the fruits really nicely and it makes everything very appealing.
Fair liquor selection at average prices but with a wide selection for a grocer.
Entire cheese area with all types of cheese
The deli counter has very good variety and the staff are always super friendly and helpful. I have never encountered an employee here that wasn’t super nice.
Great selection of international foods including fresh Halal meats.
THE BAKERY: I have to try and avoid walking by this area because they always have tasty samples out and all the baked goods are drool inducing. This is a great place to get a cake at a VERY reasonable price.
Cons:
The only thing I would have liked for them to improve on was the toiletry selection. It always seemed that they didn’t have a very good selection and the items they did have were not priced well.

I love Petes! The produce is the best in the area. Fresh great prices and selection is huge. Everything is clean and very well organized. I love the international selection. Not as crisp as Mariano’s but certainly close. Very few products are overpriced. Love the deli as well as the bakery. They’ve got some great warm food as well. Customer service is greats as staff is very responsive to my needs and will always assist you. However it doesn’t have upscale things like wine tastings sushi bar wi fi organic options etc.

I thought I reviewed this already, but I guess not! Well, all good things to say. Pete’s is the place to go for fresh produce… veggies, fruit, and meats are all top notch! My Co-​workers are shocked when I bust out my huge honey crisp apple that I even grocery shop for them because they can’t find that kinda apple anywhere! !! To make it even better, prices are so reasonable. You really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth unlike other places where you pay more or the same for crap that’s stale, old, and small… Ehemm Jewel and Mariano’s.
The place is always clean and organized. All the produce looks so spectacular and soo fresh! Just found out they serve sushi and spring roles! Yum had a spring roll, it was so fresh. They have pretty good deli’s especially their meat, fish, and bakery. Ohhh the bakery. They have a huge selection of butter cookies, but they’re probably the most expensive thing in this store! I really have to avoid that part! They even have a Gelato deli with coffee! You can sit down there too.
All in all, this really is the only place to get the freshest of produce for the right price!

I’ve been to this grocery store about 3 times now, and I have to say, it’s pretty impressive.
I’m not from the area, but if I was I would make this my go to grocery store. The place is just pretty — like, if you took Whole Foods, same layout and beauty aspects, made it cheaper, and then put it into an affordable grocery store, you’d get Pete’s market.
The reason for today’s visit was an emergency cake for my boss at work. Since none of us remembered that it was his birthday, it was a critical mission. I went into Pete’s with a purpose and came out extremely satisfied.
Their cake selections = *mouth hanging open by all of the deliciousness that I can not have*. Like, here I was thinking that I was walking into a Jewel bakery section and going to come out with a standard yellow or chocolate cake with crappy sugary frosting, which is totally okay and standard for any random persons birthday. But these cakes… oh my god, so good. Not at all the standard selection. They had multiple fun varieties such as Neapolitan, canole, fruit cakes, cheesecakes (multiple kinds), German chocolate cake… you get my drift; they have a lot.
The cake I settled on was a triple chocolate ganache cake. Let me tell you, the office raved about this cake. It was simply the perfect taste and not too out of control sweet either.
The service was great, the store setup is great, this store is just plain awesome.
And I would definitely recommend their bakery section over almost any other grocery store chain.

Fresh produce… quality deli meats… they have a lot of ethnic food isles. I love this place and come here a few times a week. They have a large parking lot. Staff is always wonderful and the market is always clean.
Liquor selection is solid with a great variety and price point!!!
This place is a CHEAPER version of whole foods!