New owners for Leader Ace Hardware

Les and Jeremy Melnick, owners of five downtown Chicago stores and another in Fox Lake, Illinois, have taken ownership of Leader Ace Hardware in Fox River Grove, Illinois.

The store was previously owned by John McHugh, who remains on board in an advisory role.

McHugh will continue to work in the store for a few months as he phases out toward a full retirement.

According to Oak Brook, Illinios-based Ace Hardware Corp., the Melnicks' stores -- Gordon's Ace Hardware -- are "known for providing amazing customer service, an extensive selection of products in categories such as paint, lawn and garden, electrical and plumbing, as well as home delivery and free store pickup of products sold through the website."

“This marks an exciting milestone for us,” said Jeremy Melnick. “Leader has been a part of the neighborhood for decades, and we want to thank our valued customers and invite them in to keep shopping at their neighborhood Ace Hardware."

A grand re-opening event is in the works for late summer.