By Joe Boyle
Officials with Subaru had been eyeing the possibility of bringing a dealership to Evergreen Park for a long time.
Now, the wait is over.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening officially took place on Dec. 7 at Subaru Evergreen Park, 3101 W. 95th St.
“Evergreen Park has been great to work with,” said Francis Mauro, a principal owner for the new Subaru. “This is a great brand and area for us to be in. We have great expectations. We could not be happier to be in Evergreen Park.”
Mayor Kelly Burke took part in the ribbon-cutting and was on hand for the grand opening. She said conversations had taken place for several years between the village and Subaru officials on opening a dealership in Evergreen Park.
“They purchased the building a while ago,” Burke said. “But everything has been slowed by COVID. But they wanted to be here, and this is a family-run operation.”
Francis and Ralph Mauro are both the principal owners of the facility. They own another Subaru dealership in Orland Park. The general manager of Subaru Evergreen Park is Joe Cortese.
Cortese said the dealership opened on Sept. 5. The early returns have been positive, Cortese said.
“We’re very excited, it’s been a good couple of months,” said Cortese, stating that the dealership sold 90 vehicles the first month.
Burke said the possibility of Subaru coming to Evergreen Park dates back several years when Jim Sexton was mayor. The site was previously a Fifth Third Bank and other financial institutions over the years. Fifth Third Bank actually is now located next door to the dealership.
“We are just so excited that Subaru has decided to be in Evergreen Park,” Burke said. “I just want to thank my predecessor, Jim Sexton, for bringing Subaru here.”
Trustee Mark Marzullo said that Subaru was impressed with Evergreen Park.
“They sought us out because they realized we were pro business,” Marzullo said. “It started with Jimmy Sexton. Mayor Burke did the finishing touches.”
Along with Burke and Marzullo, also on hand for the celebration were Village Clerk Cathy Aparo, members of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and Trustees Carol Kyle and Jeannie Olson.
Frank Murray, president of the chamber and director of the Evergreen Park Library, participated in the ribbon-cutting.
As part of the Subaru Share the Love event, Subaru Evergreen Park will donate $75 to Friends of Uncle Mike in the community for every sold or leased vehicle. Additionally, Subaru of America will donate $250 to chosen charities through Jan. 2.
Subaru Evergreen Park offers new and used vehicles. The new dealership has an expanded waiting area, along with a service center and auto repair shop.
The dealership is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The dealership is closed on Sundays. The sales department can be reached at 888-928-7207.
Burke said adding Subaru to Evergreen Park is a major plus and believes the dealership will be a partner with the community.
Marzullo used a baseball analogy to describe Subaru’s arrival in Evergreen Park.
“This is a home run,” Marzullo said. “This is not a single, it’s a home run.”
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