Arax Foods

Not much square footage in this smaller strip mall space, but it’s one of the most well stocked «Mediterean» markets in the suburban Chicago area, While stores on Kedzie in the middle eastern «hood» might have a larger inventory, none are as clean and well organized. They have baked goods from the same bakeries on Kedzie, a terrific selection of canned goods, spices, and deli items.

I come here for Za’atar and other foods that I can’t find in Anchorage, like fine bulghur. I didn’t like the person ringing me up. I used to be able to find Armenian stickers and flags here, but not anymore. I asked if they had any stickers for sale and chicki behind the counter gave me a snarl face only Elvis would appreciate and shook her head no. I almost left all the food there right then, but cooled my head when I thought of the cheese and halva I was going to enjoy. I noticed Zanders across the street and may have to switch stores when I come here next year. Boo.

Let me preface this by saying I have worked many years in the customer service field and have yet to understand how employees/​employers/​what have you think it’s acceptable to treat their customers like trash. Every position I have taken on, my employers have embedded the phrase «the customer is always right,» and choosing to argue with the customer is horrid and downright pathetic, which makes your establishment look quite petty.
Though originally from Chicago, I now live in Los Angeles and was visiting family when I decided to shop at Arax Foods, thinking I could find tasty treats. I bought the Karoun string cheese, the very same I purchase at Middle Eastern stores in Los Angeles and know the taste very well, so it was much to my dismay that the cheese was rubbery and did not have the taste it was supposed to. When I tried to return or exchange the product in-​store two days after my purchase (I had cut a tiny piece, the rest of the cheese was still in its plastic packaging), I was told to call the owner in 2 hours so that he could see if the transaction was possible. I decided to explore the surrounding areas during the wait, then called the owner when I was told.
On the call, the owner was downright rude and did not try to understand my situation for the $ 5 cheese. He insisted that the Karoun cheese was the best and no one else had any issues, and it didn’t matter that I did not like the taste, despite trying to explain my situation and how I know the cheese has a different and fresher taste. After arguing with me for minutes on the phone, he said he would accept a return and hung up on me promptly. I showed up at the store minutes later (since I was in the area), all but viciously grabbed the cheese from me and laughed at me as though I was trying to pull a fast one on him when he found the cheese was warm. Had he not kept me two hours outside with the cheese (since I do not live in the area), the cheese would not have been in that condition. As he handed me the cash, he told me, «Next time order your cheese from California, not here.» So he not only turned away a customer for knowing what they want, he showed exactly how petty and cheap the business is. I know better than to come here again and will be telling all of my cousins/​friends who are loyal customers to stay away. Thanks ARAX, for the horrible experience. Learn some manners and know that losing $ 5 is better in the long run than losing customers.
TL;DR don’t expect these people, especially the owner, to establish relationships with Arax’s customers to make it a friendly and courteous shopping experience — they will chew you out for having an opinion in what you like and want, whether it’s $ 5 or 50 cents.

Forgot a can at the bottom and instead of saying something to me they waited till I left the store to run after me?! Wth I just spent 100 u think I’m gunna steal a 89c can? Rediculous

Worst customer service you can imagine purchase the rice it was old instead of apologizing she is being a nasty average hundred $ 150 purchase every week this is the last time I walked in and now I purchase across the street from Zandar

If you want fresh pita bread don’t come here. They can’t get enough in to supply their customers. So if you are coming for pita bread you need to shop somewhere else.

Very nice store to shop for some imported mediterranean stuff. Always fresh pita daily and they have a variety from deferent local bakeries. Cheese, olives and olive oil along with some exotic tea brands. They also carry some nice china and good looking tea cups. I will always be back

You know this is literally a hidden gem. An awesome convenient Armenian grocery store, but to me its the best local Hookah store there is! They have a large wall of tobacco, carry coals by the boxes, sell hoses, bowls, hookahs, and just about any accessory you may need! A+ guys.

Very cool little Mediterranean spot, kind of a trek from the city but the only place I’ve found so far that carries Armenian String Cheese! People were very friendly and helpful, love that no one was speaking English here, makes you feel like you’re back in old world Europe.

Great little store with a lot of different ethnic goods. I buy from the balk section and also get some of the olives, cheeses, and spices. Good prices, good service, good store.

Who says there’s nothing interesting in the suburbs? Lots of great treats to be had in here, and at very reasonable prices. I got my Turkish pine honey (best honey ever) and malban candies today. Lots of goodies await next time I make it there. Baklava, Turkish delights, all kinds of nuts, the list goes on. We had fun checking it all out.

Love this store — huge variety of middle eastern products you can’t find anywhere else all in one place, and that’s saying a lot for the north suburban area, where there are plenty of Middle Eastern groceries. This is the place to go to if you need some ingredient you’ve never heard of for a recipe. Best of all for me, they carry a lot of brands that have kosher certification, which not all middle eastern stores do.

usually only come here for hookah flavors, and for lotto. i’ll def come back, but unsure of how to rate this; 4 stars i suppose.
and who is the hottie that usually works behind the counter?!

it is the only place i can get rare imported foods and spices, yet pick up rare and great priced hookah accessories and tobaccos

Get some lahmahjoon and freeze it for the tastiest Armenian snack… second only to my hunky Armenian treat!