JEWEL-OSCO MARKS 125TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE WITH THREE-WEEK CELEBRATION AND EVENT SERIES
Chicago’s hometown grocer kicks off its 125th anniversary celebrations on Friday, August 23rd at the Fulton Market store with a debut of a whimsical 9,000 square-foot mural by Lauren Asta before family-friendly events are staged at iconic Chicago locales including North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Montrose Beach.
Special offers and events at 188 Jewel-Osco locations throughout the region.
Jewel-Osco, the beloved regional supermarket founded in Chicago in 1899, commemorates its milestone 125th anniversary with a series of public events taking place between August 21st through September 10th. What began with a small, horse-drawn wagon selling freshly brewed tea and coffee door-to-door, grew into a single storefront on the South Side of Chicago. Today, Jewel-Osco is recognized as Chicagoland’s hometown grocer with 188 stores across Illinois, Iowa and Indiana, and proudly commemorates its rich history by giving back to the city where it all started.
The three-week-long celebration offers all types of family-friendly activities to celebrate the grocer’s 125-year commitment to its loyal customers, and its mission as the region’s reliable hometown grocer. From the parking lot to the produce aisles, Jewel-Osco shoppers will be delighted by surprise pop-ups, in-store offers, samples and giveaways at the celebration kickoff event.
The fun extends far beyond the store with a diverse range of events across the city ensuring there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy during the special celebration. Families can celebrate Jewel-Osco’s mascot’s 7th birthday at JoJo’s Birthday Bash at Lincoln Park Zoo, sports enthusiasts and spectators alike can experience the competition at the Charity Beach Volleyball Classic on North Avenue Beach, and pet lovers can get in on the fun with their furry friends at the Yappy Hour at The Dock on Montrose Beach.
The full line-up of Jewel-Osco 125th Anniversary celebrations which are sponsored by partners General Mills, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Hormel, Kemps, Sargento, Procter & Gamble, and Frito-Lay, is listed here:
● Cheers to 125 Years: The Kickoff Celebration (Friday, Aug 23, 1:25-3:00 PM) – Start the festivities at the Jewel-Osco on Des Plaines and Kinzie in Chicago. Enjoy dozens of in-store prizes, contests, and giveaways, surprise pop-ups with samples and freebies, delicious bites and beverages, and a special appearance by Violeta from The Morning Mix (101.9 FM) who will be mixing up creative cocktails. A custom mural by renowned muralist Lauren Asta spans over 9,000 square feet around the store and will be officially introduced, whimsically wrapping the building in company history. Find more information at www.jewelosco125.com.
● JoJo’s Birthday Bash at Lincoln Park Zoo (Sunday, Sept 1, 11AM – 4PM) – Join JoJo, Jewel-Osco’s beloved mascot, along with sports team and brand mascot friends at the Lincoln Park Zoo Main Mall for JoJo’s 7th Birthday Bash! Jump into the 3D mural with its captivating illusion. Enjoy special cupcakes and giveaways (while supplies last) and a chance to meet and take pictures with JoJo and his Chicagoland mascot buddies. Circus-style performers provide big entertainment and energy to the day. An original birthday song by The Morning Mix host Chris Petlak officially marks the birthday celebration at 1:25 p.m. Find more information at www.jewelosco125.com.
● Jewel-Osco Charity Beach Volleyball Classic (Thursday, Sept 5, 5 PM – 9PM) – Enter to participate, or watch hundreds of athletes compete for charity and glory at Jewel-Osco’s first-ever charity beach volleyball tournament on the beautiful shores of North Avenue Beach. Enjoy a spectacular open with Chicagoland Sky Divers delivering the first game balls, food, games, and commentary from ESPN Chicago’s Tom Thayer and David Kaplan. In addition, The Morning Mix road crew will provide music and a 360 Photo Booth to amp up the energy for the additional beach contests offered. (Rain date Friday, Sept. 6; same time) Find more information including how to register for the games at www.jewelosco125.com.
● Jewel-Osco’s Yappy Hour at The Dock on Montrose (Saturday, Sept 7, 11AM – 3PM) – Bring your furry friend to Montrose Beach for an afternoon of fun and fundraising at the Jewel-Osco Yappy Hour. Register to enter a Fall Fashion Show for Dog and help raise funds for PAWS Chicago. Pets and pet parents will also enjoy an incredible sand sculpture, pet caricatures, dog treats and special giveaways from all Jewel-Osco and the 125th anniversary sponsors. Find more information: www.jewelosco125.com.
“Achieving a milestone of 125 years is a true testament to the steadfast dedication and commitment that we have to nourishing the neighborhoods that we serve,” says Mike Withers, President, Jewel-Osco. “We are thrilled to celebrate our incredible journey alongside our customers, friends, beloved Jewel-Osco employees, valued sponsors, and exclusive partners with events at some of Chicago’s most iconic locations. We are honored to have the opportunity to give back and reflect our gratitude to those who have supported us over the years.”
For more information on each Jewel-Osco 125th Anniversary event and how to participate, visit www.jewelosco125.com. The website serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting festivities.
