Mom’s Organic Market will enter the Chicago market with stores in Naperville and Mount Prospect scheduled to open by the end of 2026, marking the organic grocer’s first expansion into the Midwest.
The Rockville, Maryland-based retailer will open a location at 1163 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville this fall, with a Mount Prospect store to follow. Both locations will feature 100 percent organic produce, curated local products and products from food artisans typically found at farmers markets.
“We’re thrilled to introduce MOM’s to this vibrant community and bring our organic offerings to the Midwest,” said Scott Nash, founder and CEO of Mom’s Organic Market. “These stores will reflect the same integrity, warmth and purpose that our customers have come to expect from Mom’s.”
Market selection
Nash said he was motivated to bring Mom’s to the Chicago area after visiting the city last year. After consulting with real estate brokers, he determined Naperville would be an ideal location.
“We are mostly a suburban operation,” Nash said. “Our model is set up for years for people with children living at home, for family meals cooked in the kitchen. So, Naperville kind of checks that box, where it’s quite suburban [and] there’s plenty of families living in the area.”
Nash said the company canvassed the entire Chicago area before settling on the two locations.
Product strategy
In addition to fresh organic produce, Mom’s works with local food artisans to stock products that might normally be found at farmers markets.
“A lot of these just starting-off food artisans, whether it’s dairy or cheese, meats, things in bottles, things in cans, maybe some good spreads, bakeries,” Nash said. “They kind of find us, and we go looking for them, and again they end up on our shelves because it makes sense. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Small food businesses that started at Mom’s have since grown into larger national brands, including Michele’s Granola, Jesse and Ben’s line of handcut french fries and Honest Tea.
The store bans more than 250 ingredients including aspartame, hydrogenated oil and artificial colors. Nash said the business focuses on providing fresh and healthy items to customers.
“We give a lot of attention to our produce, with our handling, ordering and rotation,” Nash said. “One of our most important offerings is the quality of our products, and it’s not confusing. You don’t have to go and try and find the organic stuff. It’s all organic.”
Sustainability initiatives
Each location will feature products from local vendors and will partner with community environmental organizations to help clean up neighborhood waterways. The stores are built with sustainability initiatives including using renewable energy and hosting electronic recycling drives.
Founded in 1987, Mom’s Organic Market operates stores in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The company’s purpose is to protect and restore the environment.
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