We love farmers' markets. We live to discover those little specialty shops selling exotic cheeses, temptations in jars, and unpronounceable but intriguing spices. But for most of us, the bulk of grocery shopping still happens in traditional supermarkets, where every aisle has a number and every fruit has a code.
Robotic, predictable, processed, and packaged wastelands? Not necessarily. While others have rated supermarkets for profits, efficiency, customer service, and ethics, we're all about quality and selection. Inspiring ideas for serious cooks, fun atmosphere, community spirit–these are all things we considered in this list of the best chains in America. These are also all things you might think are hard to find–impossible, even. But not if you live near one of these…
WEGMANS,
Where: Based in upstate New York, with more than 80 stores in six states.
Big number: More than 70,000 products.
What they do better: A salad bar to put Whole Foods to shame (three different quinoa salads!). Fresh dim sum. Live sushi prep. Separate hot tea and coffee bars.
Warm fuzzies: A packed schedule of cooking classes and summer "camps."
Cultural milestone: The commercial that Alec Baldwin made for them because his mother was such a fan. Yup, this happened.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Bon Appetit