We were super excited when we heard the news this winter that Hart’s market would be opening later this year. We were out of town for the big grand opening this summer, but hit the store once we were back in town and our kitchen needed restocking. I was not messing around. I needed groceries. And I would have two kids in tow, so this was going to be SERIOUS BUSINESS.
Before I continue any further, it should be known that I don’t enjoy grocery shopping. Lots of people do, but I don’t. I’m a terrible shopper all around, no matter what I have to shop for — I get overwhelmed, too many choices… and I just want to hide under a bench and get some coffee. When I have an entourage, I get even more confused. I am definitely the weakest grocery shopper link in our family.
My challenge to Hart’s on my first trip in: Can I get everything I need and not go elsewhere?
I know when new grocery stores open (particularly if they aren’t part of a big chain), there is a time period when they have to figure out what people who shop there will want and need. So I had an open mind with my list and was pleasantly surprised. The store had everything we needed, with a few exceptions. We have done two big grocery shopping trips there since it opened. And both times, there were people stocking shelves and roaming about who asked what I was looking for and added it to the list of requested items.
There are lots of locally-sourced options, organic, non-organic and even regular stuff like Cheerios and Clorox Wipes. We’ve had several items from the prepared food section (the beet salad rocks), as well as the sandwich shop (the maple chipotle pulled pork on a bun extravaganza kicked my usual PB&J’s ass).
Now is the time when we move away from food (yes, I know it’s a grocery store) and talk about the look & feel of Hart’s. I do this because half of the reason I hate shopping is psychological. Hart’s reminds me of the urban grocery store in our old neighborhood in DC, which I miss. The store is compact, efficient, clean and nestled in the neighborhood. I looked out the window when we were checking out (yes, you get to look out a wall of windows when you are checking out, which makes all the difference to your mood) and saw not a parking lot, but the streetscape. And you will immediately notice the signs all around the store, which are all contributions from local designers. My favorite is the cow above the dairy section designed by MyDarndest.
Does this mean I am giving up the other big store we all love around these parts? No, it doesn’t. I will still shop there and many other places. There is room in this city for more than one grocer. But Hart’s wins on urban setting. You can take the bus there, walk, ride your bike or drive your car.
I’m sure someone at some point will complain there isn’t enough parking during rush hour. We’ll cross that bridge if/when we come to it. Honestly, it can’t be worse than the East Ave Wegman’s parking lot, which should be be part of the driver’s license test for all NY State drivers.
Check out Hart’s the next time you are in the neighborhood!
Hart’s Local Grocers
Open Daily 7AM – 9PM
Next door to 2Vine and The Little Theatre
Written by: Renee
Tags: hart’s local grocers, hart’s market, hart’s rochester, rochester grocery stores, groceries rochester ny, shop local rochester,
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