Favorite Grocery store?

[perrykat]

Just wondering, what's your favorite upstate grocery store? I usually do all of my shopping at BI-LO or Publix. Unfortunately the Publix stores that they've been building lately aren't as nice as the older ones like the one on Woodruff Rd.

[upstate29650]

Gotta be Publix! They have the best bakery of all grocers, hands down! I wish they'd build more of them here. Second place to me is Ingle's.

I go to Bi-Lo only if I need something real quick. I do wish Harris Teeter would come back to the Upstate.

The Earth Fares, Fresh Markets & Whole Foods of the world are more of "specialty" grocers, so I don't really count them.

[Spartan]

Publix, no question. I don't go there as much as I'd like, as its not wirth driving a 40-45 min round trip just for groceries

[RestedTraveler]

Publix has been one of my favorites since I first moved to Florida, back in 1985 (even though I worked for a direct competitor, Gooding's Supermarkets, while in High School and College). From these choices, Publix gets my vote hands-down.

Another one that I really love is The Fresh Market!

[upstate29650]

I went to a super nice Gooding's once off of "I" Drive in Orlando once.

Weren't they bought out by Winn Dixie?

[RestedTraveler]

In June of 2000, Gooding's Supermarkets, Inc. sold 14 of its 17 stores to Winn Dixie with the exceptions being the three "tourist stores" which had traditionally brought in the profit: International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and Clebration.

The store on International Drive was fairly nice,; however, it's currently being remodeled and was an absolute mess inside when I was there back in October.

For a real treat, you should have seen the Bay Hill Store on Sand Lake Road. It was pretty special: Tanks with Live Fish in the Seafood Department; a Wine Cellar with a Full Time Sommelier and Wine Porters; an incredible Meat Department with exotic meats; a superb gourmet delicatessen with made-to-order fresh pizzas, a cesar salad cart staffed during the lunch hours to prepare fresh cesar salads. ... I wish I had some photos to show you. It was an awesome store. Today, it's a Home Goods store.

Today, Gooding's concentrates primarily on its catering business; however, I've heard that they are looking to expand the chain again, which is why they're remodeling the three existing stores.

[southernphilly]

In June of 2000, Gooding's Supermarkets, Inc. sold 14 of its 17 stores to Winn Dixie with the exceptions being the three "tourist stores" which had traditionally brought in the profit: International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and Clebration.

The store on International Drive was fairly nice,; however, it's currently being remodeled and was an absolute mess inside when I was there back in October.

For a real treat, you should have seen the Bay Hill Store on Sand Lake Road. It was pretty special: Tanks with Live Fish in the Seafood Department; a Wine Cellar with a Full Time Sommelier and Wine Porters; an incredible Meat Department with exotic meats; a superb gourmet delicatessen with made-to-order fresh pizzas, a cesar salad cart staffed during the lunch hours to prepare fresh cesar salads. ... I wish I had some photos to show you. It was an awesome store. Today, it's a Home Goods store.

Today, Gooding's concentrates primarily on its catering business; however, I've heard that they are looking to expand the chain again, which is why they're remodeling the three existing stores.

Heard there was a WholeFoods coming to Greenville. It is a bit pricey, but wonderful selection

[DigitalSky]

Heard there was a WholeFoods coming to Greenville. It is a bit pricey, but wonderful selection

A whole foods wold be nice for Gville

[RestedTraveler]

Yes, Whole Foods is opening soon at the Point off of Woodruff Road.

[upstate29650]

Instead of Food Lion, I'd rather see Piggly Wiggly expand up this way.

[DigitalSky]

^I went to a Food Lion recently in Charlotte, and their new freshlook concept is actually pretty nice.

[upstate29650]

Instead of Food Lion, I'd rather see Piggly Wiggly expand up this way.

On this note, I saw where the Pig has recently opened a new store just outside of Greenwood. Please Mr. Newton, keep comin' north!

[goodbye]

Publix, no question. I don't go there as much as I'd like, as its not wirth driving a 40-45 min round trip just for groceries

Mighty tempting though! Publix on Pelham Road has achieved supermarket greatness in customer service. The only thing I don't like much is that there are no cart returns in the parking lot. It's only a minor complaint.

[upstate29650]

Mighty tempting though! Publix on Pelham Road has achieved supermarket greatness in customer service. The only thing I don't like much is that there are no cart returns in the parking lot. It's only a minor complaint.

Traditionally, Publix doesn't have cart returns. The bagboys are supposed to keep the lots clear. Some Publix's do have them now, and that's a very recent development for this chain.