Living Fresh Market: A Black-Owned Grocery with Heart

On Chicago’s near west side in Forest Park, a grocery store is doing more than just selling food — it’s feeding community. Living Fresh Market is a Black-owned supermarket that blends fresh produce, cultural pride, and economic empowerment, all under one roof.

How It All Began

Living Fresh Market first opened its doors in 2018 inside the Forest Park Plaza, on the site of the old Ultra Foods. It was launched by the Casaccio brothers, third-generation grocers, in partnership with Rev. Dr. Bill Winston of Living Word Christian Center. By 2021, the Winston family had taken full ownership, and Melody Winston stepped forward to lead operations. Her vision? To run a grocery store that not only sustains families but uplifts an entire community.

A Store That Stands Apart

At nearly 70,000 square feet, Living Fresh is more than a corner market — it’s a full-service supermarket. Inside you’ll find:

• A bakery with daily fresh bread and sweets

• A butcher and old-school meat counter

• A seafood section

• A hot food bar, deli, and salad station

• A juice bar for healthy grab-and-go options

It’s the kind of place where you can pick up groceries, stop for a meal, and still feel like you’re part of something bigger than shopping.

Faith and Values in Action

Living Fresh is run with values that set it apart. Every Monday, the store closes its doors — not to cut costs, but to give staff time for rest, family, and worship, all while keeping their pay. Then on Tuesdays, the store comes back strong with a 15% discount on everything — a tradition that has quickly become a community favorite.

Jobs and Local Partnerships

Since taking over, Melody Winston has focused on hiring locally and creating jobs. She’s also opened the shelves to local Black-owned vendors, bringing in products from favorites like Brown Sugar Bakery, Dominique Leach’s BBQ, and Brown Cow Creamery. Shoppers often get to sample these homegrown flavors during in-store events.

Living Fresh is also looking beyond Forest Park. Plans are already underway for new stores in Maywood, Bronzeville, North Lawndale, and even Rev. Winston’s hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama. Each one will bring more jobs, more local business partnerships, and more fresh food options to communities that need them most.

The Customer Experience

Walk through the aisles and you’ll notice something shoppers often highlight — the customer service. Cashiers are friendly, the staff is helpful, and the store is bright, clean, and welcoming. While some reviewers have pointed out areas for improvement, the overwhelming feedback is that Living Fresh offers a positive shopping experience that feels rooted in community care.

More Than a Grocery Store

Living Fresh Market is about more than filling carts — it’s about filling a need. It’s about jobs for neighbors, visibility for local vendors, and a place where families can stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality. It’s about building a store where faith, food, and community meet.

As Living Fresh grows, it serves as a reminder that when we support Black-owned businesses, we’re not just buying products — we’re investing in our communities.

We invite you to visit Living Fresh Market soon—whether you’re picking up essentials, enjoying a bite at the coffee bar, or supporting local vendors and neighbors. Stop by on a Tuesday to stretch your dollar (and your legs!), lend your support to a truly community-driven, Black-owned business, and taste the difference living fresh makes.

Check out the video here.