Publix Downgrading Service

[retiredguy123]

I went to the Publix in Lake Deaton Plaza today to buy some steaks. They have removed the full service meat department, and they only sell meat in packages. Bummer.

[davem4616]

might want to try going to Best Meats...a quality family run meat store....just go to the corner of 44 and 301, bang a right and it's about a half mile down on the right.

[valuemkt]

Publix is shooting themselves in the foot. The new format stores (466A and Magnolia) removed the meat counter, and have taken a bad deli situation and made it worse with the "circle".. Average wait time over a half hour. Massively understaffed there.. Have not bought any steaks there in a while. We had Earth Fare in Atlanta .. anxiously awaiting their opening. In the meantime, Winn Dixie offers good steaks in a meat counter .. some prime. Tried Best meats .. what was advertised as Prime, wasnt even Choice. That place was a one and done. Fresh Market wait times normally intolerable and overpriced.. but at least it has a broad selection.

[DAVES]

I went to the Publix in Lake Deaton Plaza today to buy some steaks. They have removed the full service meat department, and they only sell meat in packages. Bummer.

All Publix are not the same. You may want to ask the store manager or look in a different store. Wife is hooked on their animal crackers. They never have them in the Brownwood store. She knows which Publix has em. I am sworn to secrecy

[retiredguy123]

All Publix are not the same. You may want to ask the store manager or look in a different store. Wife is hooked on their animal crackers. They never have them in the Brownwood store. She knows which Publix has em. I am sworn to secrecy
I know that all Publix are not the same. But, the Lake Deaton Plaza store had a full service meat department a few days ago, and now it is gone. That was confirmed by the meat guy packaging the meat. The Publix at Colony Plaza still has a full service meat department and I hope they keep it.

[JSR22]

Publix is shooting themselves in the foot. The new format stores (466A and Magnolia) removed the meat counter, and have taken a bad deli situation and made it worse with the "circle".. Average wait time over a half hour. Massively understaffed there.. Have not bought any steaks there in a while. We had Earth Fare in Atlanta .. anxiously awaiting their opening. In the meantime, Winn Dixie offers good steaks in a meat counter .. some prime. Tried Best meats .. what was advertised as Prime, wasnt even Choice. That place was a one and done. Fresh Market wait times normally intolerable and overpriced.. but at least it has a broad selection.

Earth Fare opened today.

[EdFNJ]

might want to try going to Best Meats...a quality family run meat store....just go to the corner of 44 and 301, bang a right and it's about a half mile down on the right.
I have heard that many times but from the outside it looks so "unclean" and of course that has no bearing on what's inside but just makes it unappetizing.

[EdFNJ]

In the meantime, Winn Dixie offers good steaks in a meat counter .. some prime. T I just today happened to ask the meat guy at Winn Dixie (at LSL) about "prime" and they said they never carry it.

[asianthree]

Stopped at Earth Fare this afternoon, just in time for cutting of fresh fish. Picked up fruit, meat, deli, bakery, at the counters, (best carrot cake ever, cream cheese frosting is better than my Granny’s). Service is always excellent.

We have shopped at Earth Fare for years, and very glad they are close. Will cut down on my TJ’s and Whole Food trips.

[retiredguy123]

You can buy USDA Prime beef at Sam's Club, and sometimes at Publix. I bought some Prime filet mignon last week at the Lake Deaton Publix.

[Number 10 GI]

I would bet that there wasn't enough sales to justify the expense of offering that service. No well run business would eliminate a money making service.

[Bjeanj]

All Publix are not the same. You may want to ask the store manager or look in a different store. Wife is hooked on their animal crackers. They never have them in the Brownwood store. She knows which Publix has em. I am sworn to secrecy

Ooh, I love animal crackers!

[Michael G.]

I would bet that there wasn't enough sales to justify the expense of offering that service. No well run business would eliminate a money making service.

This is my thinking also.
Wife and I haven't bought steak for some time and amazing how you can
get away from those expensive meals.

[retiredguy123]

I would bet that there wasn't enough sales to justify the expense of offering that service. No well run business would eliminate a money making service.
That's possible, but I think it is difficult to evaluate. I go to Publix almost every day, either Colony Plaza or Lake Deaton, and spend over a thousand dollars every month. But, I won't be shopping at the Lake Deaton store as much anymore.

[EdFNJ]

That's possible, but I think it is difficult to evaluate. I go to Publix almost every day, either Colony Plaza or Lake Deaton, and spend over a thousand dollars every month. YIKES! You either are buying for a basketball team or have a large appetite (or are hoarding for the zombie apocalypse!) :D :D :D

[tophcfa]

At least they are not (yet) trying to force customers to self checkout like many other stores.

[retiredguy123]

YIKES! You either are buying for a basketball team or have a large appetite (or are hoarding for the zombie apocalypse!) :D :D :D
Not really. That is only 34 dollars per day. It includes food staples, ready-to-eat meals, paper products, detergents, other dry goods, wine, beer, drugs, and other basic stuff. I have to spend my outrageous Federal pension.

[JoMar]

At least they are not (yet) trying to force customers to self checkout like many other stores.

Love self checkout....use it where ever it exists. Usually much faster, especially during snowbird season, not sure why the reluctance to use it.....unless just a technology aversion. I prefer the meat counter also, nice to have personalized cuts.

[thevillages2013]

YIKES! You either are buying for a basketball team or have a large appetite (or are hoarding for the zombie apocalypse!) :D :D :D

The gentleman is buying beef at $30 per pound so probably 20%of his monthly expenditures are bovine related

[DaleDivine]

YIKES! You either are buying for a basketball team or have a large appetite (or are hoarding for the zombie apocalypse!) :D :D :D

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[DaleDivine]

You can buy USDA Prime beef at Sam's Club, and sometimes at Publix. I bought some Prime filet mignon last week at the Lake Deaton Publix.

I like Sam's club steaks.
:coolsmiley::ho:

[Luggage]

I wince at the prices of meat. My heart Tells me not to buy it and my doctor appreciates my cholesterol going down. Yes I do have a t-bone once or so a month on the grill and quite frankly I can't tell the difference from choice to prime to end of life cows. As I like to burn everything. But if you want really good meat there are several internet wholesalers that are much better than anything you can find locally

[vinricci]

The Publix butcher was telling another customer that with the high prices on meat lately, the produce department is now the cash cow of their stores. Never happened before.

[HoosierPa]

I would bet that there wasn't enough sales to justify the expense of offering that service. No well run business would eliminate a money making service.

Agreed. If the meat service counter was profitable, it would still be open and they would have that format in all stores. Publix is well managed which is why they took it out.

[Skunky1]

Wow!!! $1000 a month at a grocery store! Some people don’t even get that much on Social Security every month!

[allsport]

I went to the Publix in Lake Deaton Plaza today to buy some steaks. They have removed the full service meat department, and they only sell meat in packages. Bummer.

Give up meat, it is not healthy and you are in fish country.

[chrisinva]

I like the self check out option. I get to check that the price is correct & pack my bags the way I want.

[mkjelenbaas]

How do I “bang” a right?

[grumpy@turton.us]

I went to the Publix in Lake Deaton Plaza today to buy some steaks. They have removed the full service meat department, and they only sell meat in packages. Bummer.

Was there yesterday (Lake Deaton) and had some meats specially ground.

[Traveling lady]

I just today happened to ask the meat guy at Winn Dixie (at LSL) about "prime" and they said they never carry it.

Winn Dixie carries Black angus beef. Really great flavor. Try it.

[Ken D.]

Not really. That is only 34 dollars per day. It includes food staples, ready-to-eat meals, paper products, detergents, other dry goods, wine, beer, drugs, and other basic stuff. I have to spend my outrageous Federal pension.
Sounds like you never dine out

[retiredguy123]

Sounds like you never dine out
I do. But, when I go to the grocery store, I buy mostly food that is ready to eat.

[Oneiric]

I have heard that many times but from the outside it looks so "unclean" and of course that has no bearing on what's inside but just makes it unappetizing.

We stopped going there because of poor quality beef. Their chicken was even worse.

[Oneiric]

Try Sam's Club. They have surprisingly good Prime.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If they removed the meat section it’s because not enough people were using it.

[DDToto41]

I know that all Publix are not the same. But, the Lake Deaton Plaza store had a full service meat department a few days ago, and now it is gone. That was confirmed by the meat guy packaging the meat. The Publix at Colony Plaza still has a full service meat department and I hope they keep it.

Like all businesses, Publix uses the rule of supply and demand. If people used the meat counter more the meat counter would still be there. Plus you can always ask the manager of the meat department to special package what you want.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Wow!!! $1000 a month at a grocery store! Some people don’t even get that much on Social Security every month! should the guy feel guilty? Should we all get the same to spend ?

[Travelhunter123]

I have heard that many times but from the outside it looks so "unclean" and of course that has no bearing on what's inside but just makes it unappetizing.

Agree, if the owners don’t take care of the outside, it’s probably worse on the inside

[mrf0151]

Publix on 466 Southern Trace took the meat counter out a year ago. With the price of meat now days many people are not buying as often. Other protein sources are a better value.

[Travelhunter123]

That's possible, but I think it is difficult to evaluate. I go to Publix almost every day, either Colony Plaza or Lake Deaton, and spend over a thousand dollars every month. But, I won't be shopping at the Lake Deaton store as much anymore.

The prices at Publix seem to be very high, especially the meats and produce, whereas the quality is suboptimal

[Travelhunter123]

Give up meat, it is not healthy and you are in fish country.

Would appreciate knowing where you buy fish? Publix seems to have a small assortment of expensive, farm raised, imported, previously frozen, too old fish

[tmbozoki@gmail.com]

Bill Gates incorporated's plan in motion...

[tophcfa]

Would appreciate knowing where you buy fish? Publix seems to have a small assortment of expensive, farm raised, imported, previously frozen, too old fish

Lighthouse on the north side of 466 just East of Morse Blvd., Fresh Market, or the Farmers market in Brownwood on Saturday morning.

[Stu from NYC]

YIKES! You either are buying for a basketball team or have a large appetite (or are hoarding for the zombie apocalypse!) :D :D :D

I would bet on the zombie apocalypse have seen some scary looking people lately.:bigbow:

[Stu from NYC]

Would appreciate knowing where you buy fish? Publix seems to have a small assortment of expensive, farm raised, imported, previously frozen, too old fish

Usually buy fish at Sams, like their salmon.

[FromDC]

I just got home from Grand Traverse Publix. I talked to the butcher and they are closing down their meat counter too (as we speak, since it was only a quarter full). He said they will still be there, but they will be cutting the meat and packaging it for counter sales.

[Wyseguy]

That's possible, but I think it is difficult to evaluate. I go to Publix almost every day, either Colony Plaza or Lake Deaton, and spend over a thousand dollars every month. But, I won't be shopping at the Lake Deaton store as much anymore.

Difficult to judge each section (ie meat, fish, bakery) independently. I may go there for the butcher and since I am there pick up ten other items to save me a trip to a less expensive supermarket.

[Wyseguy]

Like all businesses, Publix uses the rule of supply and demand. If people used the meat counter more the meat counter would still be there. Plus you can always ask the manager of the meat department to special package what you want.

True, but one department does not operate independently of others. I go to a store with a butcher because I like steaks cut a certain thickness. While there I will buy various other items from different departments (bakery, deli etc). If I have to go to Earth Fare for the meat, I will just get my other items from there as well.

[irishwonone]

Publix is shooting themselves in the foot. The new format stores (466A and Magnolia) removed the meat counter, and have taken a bad deli situation and made it worse with the "circle".. Average wait time over a half hour. Massively understaffed there.. Have not bought any steaks there in a while. We had Earth Fare in Atlanta .. anxiously awaiting their opening. In the meantime, Winn Dixie offers good steaks in a meat counter .. some prime. Tried Best meats .. what was advertised as Prime, wasnt even Choice. That place was a one and done. Fresh Market wait times normally intolerable and overpriced.. but at least it has a broad selection.
Very true terrible layout. Too no sliced meat that’s already payed out for quick pick up. I’m dumbfounded by their new store layout!

[JSR22]

Would appreciate knowing where you buy fish? Publix seems to have a small assortment of expensive, farm raised, imported, previously frozen, too old fish

Earth Fare in Lady Lake has a very godd selection of fresh fish.

[golfing eagles]

I just got home from Grand Traverse Publix. I talked to the butcher and they are closing down their meat counter too (as we speak, since it was only a quarter full). He said they will still be there, but they will be cutting the meat and packaging it for counter sales.

Did he state why???

[FromDC]

Did he state why??? No, he didn't say why they are changing the department. He had a big tray of meat he was moving around and I didn't want him to drop it. Hopefully, someone else can get a more complete answer.

He was surprised that I heard they were closing down the counter. I told him you can get alot of information on TOTV!

[Michael G.]

That's possible, but I think it is difficult to evaluate. I go to Publix almost every day, either Colony Plaza or Lake Deaton, and spend over a thousand dollars every month. But, I won't be shopping at the Lake Deaton store as much anymore.


Have you ever heard of Aldi's ?

[ohio tim]

We stopped going there because of poor quality beef. Their chicken was even worse.
I went once and was not impressed. I bought a pack of skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Looked good on the front side but when I went home and opened the package the back side of the breasts were all fat and skin. I never went back.

[frank1975]

EARTHFARE!!! Just opened, you won't be disappointed.

[taruffi57]

A life of steaks is known to be a somewhat shorter life.

[flflowers]

At least they are not (yet) trying to force customers to self checkout like many other stores.

Absolutely!! I am visiting in Austin, TX and the Walmart at this location has no other option but to self check out! All other point of sales registers are gone! If I wanted to work for Walmart I would apply....not happy about self check out

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have heard that many times but from the outside it looks so "unclean" and of course that has no bearing on what's inside but just makes it unappetizing.

It's a butcher shop. It looks like one inside, smells like one, there's no getting around it. They also have a variety of fish, mostly frozen but most of them are not "commercial brand" fish but rather, line-caught and hauled in to be frozen by a fishmonger and sold at Best Meats. Can get some pretty nice pieces of salmon there.

But if you remember old fashioned butcher shops - they were not "pleasant" places. The smell of a back room that cuts up sides of beef without a wall to separate it from the sales floor is not pleasant.

They have good local Florida cheese too by the way, right at the counter.

Earth Fare's beef is grass fed and grass finished, so I won't buy it. I want beef grain finished. Grass finished is dry and gamey.

[Topspinmo]

I know that all Publix are not the same. But, the Lake Deaton Plaza store had a full service meat department a few days ago, and now it is gone. That was confirmed by the meat guy packaging the meat. The Publix at Colony Plaza still has a full service meat department and I hope they keep it.


I afraid all Publix will discontinue them. Have you seen some of the goofballs act when there number comes up. Was 15 people waiting ( that was short for some reason) one person wanted all the counter people to fill her order cause she didn’t want to wait for one guy to do it. Some order 1/4 pound of sliced meat and it it over by once they make them remove the meat. So, eventually they will probably discontinue meat counter in all of them if the public don’t stop the “ I special attitude” ? I have other meaning for this but will reframe from getting nasty.

[EdFNJ]

It's a butcher shop. It looks like one inside, smells like one, there's no getting around it. They also have a variety of fish, mostly frozen but most of them are not "commercial brand" fish but rather, line-caught and hauled in to be frozen by a fishmonger and sold at Best Meats. Can get some pretty nice pieces of salmon there.

But if you remember old fashioned butcher shops - they were not "pleasant" places. The smell of a back room that cuts up sides of beef without a wall to separate it from the sales floor is not pleasant.

They have good local Florida cheese too by the way, right at the counter.

Earth Fare's beef is grass fed and grass finished, so I won't buy it. I want beef grain finished. Grass finished is dry and gamey.

My wife's grandfather had a "semi- kosher" butcher shop in Roxbury Massachusetts, which is why this one turned me off. The outside reminded me of his :D

I was referring to the OUTSIDE of the place on 301. Never could get myself to park and walk in. We had a German butcher shop in the town in NJ where we had a business for over 25 years and it was as clean and mostly odor free (other than for the stinky cheese) as any food store I have been in. :)

As for Earth Fare, we visited today and it was (IMO) just a poor copy of Whole Foods but just as expensive. A pint of Ben and Jerry's was $7! Amy's frozen entrees were $2+ more than Publix. Their bakery had virtually nothing and their meat and fish dept couldn't even come close to Whole Foods on looks alone. We don't shop much at Whole Foods except for a couple specialty items my wife likes but Whole Foods (***IN OUR OPINION***) is first class compared to Earth Fare. I'm a chocolate chip cookie aficionado and bought one on my search for the "ultimate chocolate chip cookie" and Earth Fare (IMO) rated below Nabisco. :D :D

[EdFNJ]

How do I “bang” a right? Let's not turn this into another political thread! :1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

How do I “bang” a right?

It's the opposite of "hanging a louie"...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My wife's grandfather had a "semi- kosher" butcher shop in Roxbury Massachusetts, which is why this one turned me off. The outside reminded me of his :D

I was referring to the OUTSIDE of the place on 301. Never could get myself to park and walk in. We had a German butcher shop in the town in NJ where we had a business for over 25 years and it was as clean and mostly odor free (other than for the stinky cheese) as any food store I have been in. :)

As for Earth Fare, we visited today and it was (IMO) just a poor copy of Whole Foods but just as expensive. A pint of Ben and Jerry's was $7! Amy's frozen entrees were $2+ more than Publix. Their bakery had virtually nothing and their meat and fish dept couldn't even come close to Whole Foods on looks alone. We don't shop much at Whole Foods except for a couple specialty items my wife likes but Whole Foods (***IN OUR OPINION***) is first class compared to Earth Fare. I'm a chocolate chip cookie aficionado and bought one on my search for the "ultimate chocolate chip cookie" and Earth Fare (IMO) rated below Nabisco. :D :D

It's not fair to compare Earth Fare to Whole Foods, because there is no Whole Foods in close proximity. The whole point of Earth Fare being here, is that it's here, and not somewhere else. If Whole Foods opened up around here, there'd be comparisons for sure.

My husband says Earth Fare's chicken salad is better than Chicken Salad Chick's. Since it was on sale yesterday, the price was juuuust about the same. The only downside to that is I can't get to Earth Fare by golf cart.

The vine ripe tomatoes were also on sale, just $1.99/lb and those are organic, and perfectly ripe and amazingly juicy, and on the sweet side of good (some tomatoes are more tangy, some are more sweet. These are sweet.)

I also picked up some parmesano reggiano, which was absolutely overpriced. HOWEVER - whenever I try to get it anywhere else, a good 2 ounces is just rind. This piece I got had zero rind, which means 100% of it is edible instead of 80% of it. So if you break it down into edible ounces, the Earth Fare was actually less expensive per ounce with zero waste.

When you're paying $20/lb for cheese, it matters.

[asianthree]

It's not fair to compare Earth Fare to Whole Foods, because there is no Whole Foods in close proximity. The whole point of Earth Fare being here, is that it's here, and not somewhere else. If Whole Foods opened up around here, there'd be comparisons for sure.

My husband says Earth Fare's chicken salad is better than Chicken Salad Chick's. Since it was on sale yesterday, the price was juuuust about the same. The only downside to that is I can't get to Earth Fare by golf cart.

The vine ripe tomatoes were also on sale, just $1.99/lb and those are organic, and perfectly ripe and amazingly juicy, and on the sweet side of good (some tomatoes are more tangy, some are more sweet. These are sweet.)

I also picked up some parmesano reggiano, which was absolutely overpriced. HOWEVER - whenever I try to get it anywhere else, a good 2 ounces is just rind. This piece I got had zero rind, which means 100% of it is edible instead of 80% of it. So if you break it down into edible ounces, the Earth Fare was actually less expensive per ounce with zero waste.

When you're paying $20/lb for cheese, it matters.

You are correct, up north Whole Foods, and TJ’s is right around the corner where I go. Both are my go to. Earth Fare for certain things.

In TV driving an hour plus to Whole Foods, when I can get to Earth Fare in 10 minutes just a no brainer. Plus Earth Fare chicken salad, is better than any I have bought here, and I do love fresh fish cutting.

[OhioBuckeye]

I went to the Publix in Lake Deaton Plaza today to buy some steaks. They have removed the full service meat department, and they only sell meat in packages. Bummer.

No Pune intended but all I do is smile & wonder why.

[Nucky]

How do I “bang” a right?

You can Bang it easy or you can Bang it Roughly. Just make sure the wheel is turned due right and bang it. Just be certain not to Bang it Bigly!! Bad News if you do. :1rotfl:

[Dennys37Packard]

I know where too but I can be bought...😀

[valuemkt]

Have you ever heard of Aldi's ?

Sure have.. went in there twice six months apart. Disgusting .. the smell, the looks, the products... not one thing appealing about that place. If you're going to say price, then you really should treat yourself a bit better.

[Pairadocs]

might want to try going to Best Meats...a quality family run meat store....just go to the corner of 44 and 301, bang a right and it's about a half mile down on the right.

A "right" on 44 ? Or a "right" on 301 ? Never heard of the place, how long has it been there ? What landmark might we look for ? How do their prices per # compare to area grocery stores ? Want to check it out !

[EdFNJ]

A "right" on 44 ? Or a "right" on 301 ? Never heard of the place, how long has it been there ? What landmark might we look for ? How do their prices per # compare to area grocery stores ? Want to check it out ! Make a right off 44 on to 301 or a left off 466A on to 301. IIRC it's got a big BEST MEAT sign on the building that looks like someone painted it freehand with meat prices pasted all over the windows. Can't really miss it. Looks kinda unappetizing on the outside but never experienced going in there yet so it might be the best place in central FL. It would be on your RIGHT from 44 or LEFT from 466A. Google reviews seem pretty good FWIW.

Google is your friend (photos): best meats wildwood, fl - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88e7dcd51328952f%3A0x1ae0dfefde6fed63!3 m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com %2Fp%2FAF1QipMihhF58LmEZqG6iwAjiipqD96eQKrdhHTfAVI 7%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5sbest%20meats%20wildwood%2C%20fl%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMihhF58LmEZqG6iwAjiipqD96eQ KrdhHTfAVI7&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0gtWs7oL0AhXDSt8KHSi8CUwQoip6BAhBEAM)

[PugMom]

I do. But, when I go to the grocery store, I buy mostly food that is ready to eat.

i'll join the chorus on inflation. food costs are way up, we eat simply & still pay hefty prices

[PugMom]

It's a butcher shop. It looks like one inside, smells like one, there's no getting around it. They also have a variety of fish, mostly frozen but most of them are not "commercial brand" fish but rather, line-caught and hauled in to be frozen by a fishmonger and sold at Best Meats. Can get some pretty nice pieces of salmon there.

But if you remember old fashioned butcher shops - they were not "pleasant" places. The smell of a back room that cuts up sides of beef without a wall to separate it from the sales floor is not pleasant.

They have good local Florida cheese too by the way, right at the counter.

Earth Fare's beef is grass fed and grass finished, so I won't buy it. I want beef grain finished. Grass finished is dry and gamey.

omg, that description brought me back to Meadow Meat Store in Middletown. you could smell the place before you walked in. we were never sure if it was all the blood on the butcher's apron, or just eau de bovine

[ThirdOfFive]

The Publix butcher was telling another customer that with the high prices on meat lately, the produce department is now the cash cow of their stores. Never happened before.
I can believe it. Pummelos at $2.39 per pound? Outrageous.

[ThirdOfFive]

A life of steaks is known to be a somewhat shorter life.
Dunno about that. I've been doing that keto thing for about the past two years now, which includes a lot of meat and eggs. We have steak probably once a week, interspersed with ham, bacon, sausage, and just about everything else critter-related. I walk six miles a day, play tennis and golf, and my waistline is down to a svelte 34. I'm pushing 74 years old and can honestly say that I've not felt this good in at least ten years.

SOMETHING is going to have to kill me eventually. Might as well be a steak.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

A "right" on 44 ? Or a "right" on 301 ? Never heard of the place, how long has it been there ? What landmark might we look for ? How do their prices per # compare to area grocery stores ? Want to check it out !

It's on 301; if you're on 466 (or a, whatever it is) where Fresh Market is, take a left just after the railroad crossing, and it's down a ways on the left in front of a strip-mall.

It's dingy looking and so is the entire area/neighborhood. It's been there a very long time. Prices: depends, really. When I went there last it was 5/$20. I assumed that meant $4/lb and was willing to pay extra just for the experience (I like trying new things at least once!).

The ground beef was less than 80% lean, incredibly fatty. But it also made amazing meaballs. Not so good with meatloaf, it was too fatty and the loaf fell apart when I tried to cut it.

The chicken breast fillets were very tasty and tender, I made chicken parm with them. No tenderizing needed.

They were preparing fish that day so the place smelled pretty strongly. But when I lived in North Haven we had a fishmonger in the town, and the store reeked and everyone was used to it because no one in any supermarket within 50 miles of the place had fish fresher. They got it brought to them right off the boat.