Whole Foods, who really should be opening a store in Norwalk, is once again trying to get Darien to approve the old Howard Johnsons site for a store. Talk about trucks in downtown Darien.
Darien: Whole Foods Tries Again
by turfgrrl
August 4th, 2007 · 15 Comments
Tags: Darien · In the News
15 Responses so far ↓ “Darien: Whole Foods Tries Again”
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not for nothing but, the ole HoJo is right at exit 11, no serious truck issue there,, easy on, easy off, no added truck traffic in town.
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Not only would there be no increased truck traffic, there is a hugh parking lot there - so not any worry about parking. Probably an excellent place for a food store.
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Or a Norwalk central bus parking lot
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Sorry wrong HoJo’s.
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Yeah, why not Norwalk? Well, the other natural upscale market (the name escapes me right now) is on the Westport line but if you live in East Norwalk you have to schlep all the way to the ShopRite or Stop N Shop on Connecticut Ave.
Could it be that the demographics aren’t supporting the company’s profit target? Seems like Trader Joe’s might support another store here as well; its pricing structure is more along the lines of Stew’s.
The lot on East Ave. and I95 where the HoJo’s used to be and which has been sitting empty for more than a decade would be ideal. Why is this real estate sitting vacant?
Could it be that the owner - the same family that owns Penny’s Diner (and also Ludlow Center from what I understand - also perpetually derelict) wants to prevent any competition from moving into the area? Is the owner placing its own interests over that of the community by which it derives its livelihood?
These two properties could go a long way towards revitalizing commerce in East Norwalk if they were developed in a sustainable manner. What gives?
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We need a regular supermarket in the East Norwalk area - not one that is upscale and caters to natural foods, etc. Most of us in the area are forced to drive up to Main Avenue to Stop N Shop, or to Connecticut Avenue. With all the development going on on Westport Avenue, one would think a Supermarket would be the number one priority instead of all these banks. We used to have the A&P, Grand Union and Food Emporium on Westport Avenue - now we have nothing. I can’t believe that Stews took all the business from these stores.
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nwlknative: Yes we need another “regular” grocery store. However, Whole Foods does not just cater to natural and upscale foods. I love going there because they carry fresh-er fruits and vegetables, are not that expensive and have real butcher cuts of good tasting beef, that the local shops (except stews) don’t carry. Plus they offer prepared foods that taste good. You can still buy corn flakes, but also have the choice of the corn flake organics that taste like cardboard but make people feel better about purchasing.
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It should be mentioned that Whole Foods is virulently anti-union: the company is trying to open a new location not too far from my house, and trust me that not everyone who opposes them are restaurants fearing competition.
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Mattw:
Could you please explain why several of the democrats for the campaign you are managing are anti-union (Miklave, Poruban, Briggs), and why they voted against union contracts and several other pro-dem initiatives such as Carvin Hilliard’s living wage ordinance (Matt MIklave)?
Have you disavowed this type of anti-dem message and have you spoken with them about it ? Many of us DFA and progressive minded people in the city are troubled by this and cannot support these anti-progressive dems.
thanks
concerned norwalk liberal -
There was that whole ugly union dust-up when Wild Oats moved in and put Food for Thought out of business. In terms of quality and price, Food for Thought was much better in my humble opinion.
For those who are a bit more adventurous in their shopping (though it’s really a pretty normal place), there actually is a supermarket in Central Norwalk — at the old CVS site on West Ave and Wall. It has most of the stuff you’d find at ShopRite and Stop and Shop and good prices. Plus some really interesting Latin American specialties. Lots of different fresh chilies. Definately more variety on everything than Stews. Good quality meats and vegetables…plus the ambiance of a quick trip to Mexico. Good steam table lunches too. Music to dance to…clean, well-lit and friendly service. It’s a nothc up from the other Latin American market that’s lower down on West Ave. (more toward SoNo) Y’all should try it.
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I find that Dems are generally about 90% right on these kinds of issues, and Republicans are about 90% wrong.
I suppose I could find a reason to nurse a grudge against anyone on the council if I really wanted to, but I haven’t seen anything that makes me uncomfortable supporting the whole ticket this year.
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mattw, could you give a pointer to your methodology? Specifically, the definitions of right and wrong and how you came up with the percentages.
BTW, its a rhetorical question. I’m going to the beach.
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Mattw
What is your answer ?
Matt Miklave, Gwen Briggs and Kevin Poruban were about 90% wrong on these democratic issues such as union support, ethics reform and living wage. These dems are not 90 right on the issues. Many of us liberals are uncomfortable supporting some dems on the dem ticket and the current party leadership. Many of us that respect and support you will be troubled by that type of answer. Some of the republicans on this council are moreliberal in their voting records than the democrats. I think the lack of a progressive agenda by many of the dems on this council and the Norwalk democratic party is troubling.
concerned norwalk liberal
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Speaking of grocery stores, for fear of giving our secret away, one of the best stocked grocery stores available to East Norwalk is the Market Basket on Cove Avenue. While they probably don’t have the volume of product that a big box grocery store has, they have a wide selection of grocery products, produce, and one of the best meat departments anywhere in town.
Where else can you find the owner of the store behind the meat case willing to cut you any cut of meat you want whether it’s in the case or not? Paul Kokias brings his long experience of food service to bear as he stocks his meat case with near prime quality meat.
Paul and his deli staff offer up one of the best places to get sandwiches for lunch even to the point that there is usually freshly cooked chicken wings and thighs with Italian seasoning hot from the skillet begging to be be put between two slices of bread. (One of my personal favorites)
Once a week Paul cooks up his mother’s favorite meat ball recipe. The aroma is to die for and they are available in packages of six, if you get there on time. Paul’s mom passed away recently and the neighborhood mourned her passing along with her meatball and fried chicken recipes. Not to worry - Paul has memorialized his mom with his rendition of her recipes that fill the store with delicious aromas that are nowhere to be found in any big box store.
Do yourself a favor and try out the Market Basket for their well stocked shelves, and homey, personal atmosphere.
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The Market Basket is a find; terrific meat department. A terrific neighborhood store. Thanks for the tip on the prepared foods…
