El Mercado, a local fresh foods market developed by Bickerdike, has been an important source of jobs and community economic revitalization. Bickerdike developed the El Mercado in 1992 as a public marketplace, at a site where two chain supermarkets had been unsuccessful. Cermak Produce, a locally based independent grocer, is our anchor business at the site and operates a vibrant store where local residents regularly shop.

Cermak Produce at El Mercado satisfies the community's needs for a one-stop shopping source offering:

• A well stocked supermarket with culturally relevant quality products and services;
• A full line of quality fresh produce targeting the ethnic tastes of neighborhood residents;
• A full service butcher shop, offering quality cuts;
• A low fee Automated Teller Machine offering Link card capability and,
• Importantly, employment opportunities for the local community, with at least 75% of all jobs going to neighborhood residents.

Through its partnership with Cermak Produce at El Mercado, Bickerdike will maintain and continue to enhance El Mercado as an important source of quality products at fair prices and a source of local employment for community residents. Cermak Produce at El Mercado provides over 30 jobs and is a centerpiece of community economic development which benefits local residents.