New Grocery Chain Hitting Phoenix Area

Coming to the Valley in early April from Boise, Idaho, WinCo Foods is hoping to do in the Phoenix area what it has done in previous areas of expansion:

WinCo aims to be the low-cost leader in all of its markets and has quickly grabbed market share in every new territory it has entered.

The challenge will not be easy though due to the extraordinary variety of grocery offerings in the Phoenix metro area, which according to AZCentral include:

...mainstream chains Fry's, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons and Bashas', there are niche players Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Fresh & Easy, along with Hispanic markets Food City, Pro's Ranch Markets and El Super. Retail chains Target, Walgreens and CVS also have recently expanded their grocery sections.

Many more names could be added to the above list, but I think the point is made that this will surely be WinCo's toughest market yet.

The employee owned store's description may sound similar to current valley stores like Fresh & Easy on one side and Costco on the other:

Typical stores have concrete floors and metal racks and display much of the merchandise on pallets. There are separate meat, seafood, bakery and deli departments and large bulk-food areas...While they are not necessarily warehouse stores, the "Wall of Values," where WinCo displays its special buys, is reminiscent of Costco or Sam's Club. To keep down costs, customers bag their own groceries and can't pay with a credit card because of the high transaction fees charged by the issuing banks. Debit cards are accepted, along with cash and checks.

Check out interior photos of WinCo via their Facebook page.

WinCo's first two ventures will be located at 330 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 and 5850 W. Bell Rd. Glendale, AZ 85308.  The Phoenix store is a former Walmart spot while the Glendale location used to be a Costco.  In addition, while not ready to make any announcements, WinCo has also looked into further Glendale locations and a possible Gilbert store.

You can get more information and read about customer experience with WinCo at AZCentral.

'Food Truck Day' at Whole Foods in North Scottsdale Today

If you've spent anytime in southern California, there's a good chance you've come across something of this nature. On Thursday, June 16th, from 11am - 1:30pm in the Whole Foods parking lot located at 8688 E. Raintree Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260, the Phoenix Street Food Coalition is teaming up with the supermarket to have their second "Food Truck Day." This event comes after the success of their first event at the Raintree Whole Foods back in May and looks to continue every third Thursday of each month. Here is a list of participating vendors:

• Beet StrEat - Local foods from local producers
• Bella Strada - Italian
• Carte Blanc Gourmet Tacos - Mexican
• Jamburritos - Cajun
• Short Leash Hot Dogs - Specialty Hot Dogs
• Torched Goodness - Creme Brulee

'Food Truck Day' at Whole Foods in North Scottsdale Tomorrow

If you've spent anytime in southern California, there's a good chance you've come across something of this nature. On Thursday, May 19th, from 11am - 1:30pm in the Whole Foods parking lot located at 8688 E. Raintree Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260, the Phoenix Street Food Coalition is teaming up with the supermarket to have their first "Food Truck Day." The event is billed as a chance to "change your typical lunch plans" and choose from a variety of foods.  Here is a list of participating vendors:

• Beet StrEat - Local foods from local producers
• Bella Strada - Italian
• Carte Blanc Gourmet Tacos - Mexican
• Jamburritos - Cajun
• Phoenix Cheesesteak Company - Cheesesteak
• Sweet Republic - Ice Cream, Sorbet, Yogurt
• Short Leash Hot Dogs - Specialty Hot Dogs
• Torched Goodness - Creme Brulee