Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is a day that holds great historical significance across the nation. On June 19, 1865, a declaration of freedom was issued in Galveston, Texas—freeing the Black people who were still enslaved after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862. Today, Juneteenth is a state holiday in Illinois and was recently made a Federal Holiday.
We are honored to support our community and help commemorate the long journey towards equity and inclusion on June 19th and every day. Today we celebrate by highlighting some of our diverse, locally loved and world-renowned Tastemakers, who satisfy and inspire us with every bite.
Yasmin Curtis
Founder of Two Fish Crab Shack, a fun-filled seafood boil destination where patrons come and escape into flavor paradise. We offer a distinct ambiance to enjoy the finest and freshest seafood around! Two Fish Crab Shack is a great place to hang out with friends, family, or both!
Cedric Harden
Chef Cedric Harden, Executive Chef at River Roast is culinary force! Growing up with the natural inclination and desire to cook for his family, Harden’s passion for food was sparked at a very early age. Learn more about Chef Harden here.
Brian Jupiter
Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Chef Brian Jupiter knew at an early age that the culinary arts would be a part of his life. The aroma from Jupiter’s grandmother’s unique blend of spices used in her family cooking was all it took to get him home from school on time. Today, Jupiter continues to be one of the leaders in trending Chicago cuisine introducing his unique smoked whole animal service, a vast selection of oysters and his farm-to-table ideology. Learn more about Chef Jupiter here.
Chrishon Lampley
Chrishon Lampley’s interest in culture, fine arts and wine, and upscale fashion was shaped by her experiences in working and living in Chicago, Germany, New York, and Las Vegas. In December 2013, entrepreneur Chrishon Lampley transitioned from being the owner of a winebar and art gallery to the proprietor of the lifestyle brand and wine company – Love Cork Screw. Learn more about Chrishon Lampley here.
Dominique Leach
Raised In Chicago, Dominique spent most of her childhood playing basketball and baking peanut butter cookies. She comes from a large family that loves to cook big meals and spend time together. In September of 2019 Leach opened her first restaurant in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood. Just three months later she announced a second Lexington Betty SmokeHouse to open in February 2020 at the One Eleven Food Hall in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood. Her third location is in Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall, located at the newly redeveloped Cook County Hospital building in the Illinois Medical District.
Lamar Moore
Chef Lamar Moore, born and raised in Chicago, began showing his love for culinary arts at the age of 8. Growing up in a large family, Chef Lamar learned the importance of cooking with love, taking care of people, and giving back to those less fortunate. Giving back to the community is important to Chef Lamar and graciously accepted the role of mentor and leader for ProStart and volunteers to share his culinary experience with local Chicago Public School students by conducting demonstrations and workshops. Learn more about Chef Moore here.
See our full list of Mariano’s Tastemakers here.
Proudly Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Learn more about the local and national brands we love. Then give them a try when you buy their products at your neighborhood Mariano’s. See the full list of black owned vendors below:
beelove
Created by the social impact enterprise Sweet Beginnings, beelove’s organic honey and honey‑infused skin care products from urban apiaries in North Lawndale, Illinois, also provide important transitional job opportunities for area residents who struggle with barriers to employment.
CharBoy's Sauces
Bring unique flavors to your entrees with CharBoy's gourmet sauces, including Bourbon Sauce, Hot & Sweet Asian, Southern BBQ Sauce and Hot & Spicy Ketchup. CharBoy's takes pride in making products that are lower in sodium and sugar. Use them for char grilling, marinating or cooking your favorite dish.
Doc's Gourmet
When Doc's Gourmet opened in 1998, the Illinois-based company’s first product was a traditional tomato salsa made with all-natural ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup. Today they also make specialty black bean salsas, peach salsa, relish, ketchup and barbecue products that are backed by the promise that in every bite you can actually enjoy all of the ingredients. Taste for yourself when you buy Doc’s Gourmet products at your local Mariano’s.
Essie Marie's Salad Dressings & Marinade
Growing up on the South Side, Itiona Scott remembers how her mother, Essie Marie, fed their family the best food in the neighborhood. After her mom passed away from heart disease, Itiona created Essie Marie’s Dressings & Marinades in her honor. Try each of the five heart‑healthy varieties available in our Mariano’s stores.
Goode Foods
You can feel good when you stock your cabinets with canned items by Goode Foods. The Lincolnshire, Illinois, company is “Dedicated to Good Nutrition for Our Country™” by canning mixed veggies, assorted beans, sweet peas, whole kernel corn and more that is always low in sugar, sodium and fats.
Iya Foods
Iya Foods is a Chicagoland company inspired by it African roots and a mission to inspire delicious foods made from healthy ingredients. Iya Foods stays true to a culture of nourishment and exceptional flavor with its offerings of sauces, powders, flours, spices, herbs and seasonings.
Love Cork Screw Wine
In December 2013, Chrishon Lampley launched Love Cork Screw, which included six varieties of wine. Her hard work and entrepreneurial spirit has skyrocketed her success! We are proud to have Chrishon as a Mariano’s Tastemaker and stock her wines in our Adult Beverage Department.
Margie's Brands
In 2000, Wilbur Reneau decided to try his hand at the jam and jelly business and started what is known today as Margie's Brands, Inc. Nestled right here in Chicago, Margie’s Brand produces a line of 100% all-natural, no-sugar-added fruit spreads, syrups, marinades and salad dressings.
Mike's Seasonings
Mike’s Seasonings is specially blended with 17 spices for a big burst of flavor. Sprinkle, rub or marinate meats and vegetables to “bring the flavor to life!” Try Mike’s Seasonings Healthy Recipe, Original Recipe, Spicy Recipe, Garlic Butter, Jamaican Jerk Sauce and Sweet Asian Glaze.
Reggio's Pizza
Reggio’s legendary "butter crust" pies have been a longtime Chicago favorite ever since the family-owned pizzeria opened in 1792. Today you can fill your freezer with everyone’s favorite Reggio’s varieties available at Mariano’s in our Frozen Foods Department.
Signature Sweets Factory by Marcus J
At the age of 19, self-taught pastry chef Marcus J. Freeman turned this love of baking into a budding Chicagoland-area business. As his baking skill expanded, so did Marcus’ popularity, earning him the honors of catering a wide variety of local events. Today you can find gourmet bakery from Signature Sweets Factory by Marcus J at your local Mariano’s.
Solomon's BBQ Products & Condiments
When it comes to BBQ sauces, Solomon’s had definitely earned their reputation as being the king. Since the 1970s, this Chicago‑area business has been mixing up their signature sauces using a family recipe that is all natural, low salt, and free from gluten, sugar and preservatives.
tgin (Thank God It's Natural)
Chris-Tia Donaldson founded Thank God It’s Natural (tgin), a Chicago-based natural hair and skin care products manufacturer, with a focus on redefining beauty with a line of products that help women fall in with their kinks, curls and waves and cultivates a community that empowers women to be the best version of themselves.
Two Fish Crab Shack
We have partnered with the seafood masters at Two Fish Crab Shack so you can heat and eat some of their sensational restaurant offerings at home. Find select Two Fish To Go products at these Mariano’s stores: Bronzeville, South Loop, Bridgeport, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Crystal Lake and Vernon Hills.