City Council OKs tobacco sales at new deli market in Rockford’s Midtown
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — City Council members have approved a tobacco license for a new deli market in the Midtown District after a split vote.
Aldermen voted 12-2 to approve the license for Olivo Deli Market, 321 Seventh St., which is expected to open later this month. Cill Council will still need to make an additional vote in two weeks to OK the ordinance allowing for tobacco sales.
Previous coverage: Brothers behind Olivo Tacos plan new deli in Rockford’s Midtown District
The brothers behind Olivo Tacos, which has multiple food trucks and restaurants in the area, plan to offer ready-made and build-your-own sub sandwiches for $5. There will also be a variety of sliced deli meats, ground beef, chicken and grocery items such as eggs, milk, cheese and a small selection of fresh produce.
The shop will also have 99 cent coffee, croissants and other bakery items, and frozen foods such as breakfast waffles and prepared dinners.
Said and Mahmud Zatar bought the former Discount Cigarettes & Pop in late February and gutted the 2,000-square-foot space and renovated it with new flooring, plumbing and other fixes.
There proposal to sell cigarettes as part of the new deli drew pushback last month from some council members who didn’t want to see tobacco as part of the business.
Aldermen Tamir Bell and Gabrielle Torina voted against allowing tobacco sales.
Bell previously stated he supported the creation of the deli market, but not the aspect that allowed tobacco sales. Torina had said tobacco sales don’t align with the city’s goals to improve Midtown, and that cigarette sales signal disinvestment rather than investment.
Other council members had previously countered that the Zatar brothers had proven themselves with a positive track record in the city.
The vote passed Monday without discussion.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
