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British grocery chain eyes north Hanford site

By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com

British grocery chain Fresh & Easy is seeking to open a new store in north Hanford, city planning officials say. The location of the proposed store is the northwest corner of 10th and Fargo avenues. Currently, a site plan for the shopping center integrating the Rite Aid store to the south is currently being processed. Evergreen Devco, Inc, a Phoenix-based developer, is seeking city approval for the sale of liquor at Fresh & Easy.

On Tuesday, the Hanford City Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the conditional use permit that would allow liquor sales at Fresh & Easy as well as a parcel map proposing to divide the 5.13-acre project site into four parcels.

The liquor sale by the chain would require a conditional use permit because the store is located within 300 feet of a residential zone, city officials say.

Fresh & Easy -- a subsidiary of the U.K.-based retailer Tesco, the fourth largest retailer in the world -- is a small supermarkets chain fairly new to the West Coast.

Since its first store opening in Southern California last year, the company has been rapidly expanding its reach. There are now 67 stores in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Fresh & Easy stores are 13,969 square feet in size, while a regular grocery store is between 50,000-60,000 square feet. Because of its compact size and its neighborhood-friendly format, it is often compared to Trader Joe's, which has long dominated the local small grocery store business.

The Planning Commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St., Hanford.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(Aug. 11, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

About Time wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Thank goodness. It is about time we got some supermarket competition in our area. The fact that it will have higher quality food is a plus too! "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:59 PM:

" Good store but that location is kind of the kiss of death. "

MaryW wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:40 PM:

" Fresh and Easy had proposed a store in Lemoore behind the RiteAid. What happened to those plans? "

Great IDeam but...Wont Work wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:29 PM:

" It will close in two years. Hanford does not have the economic base to support the cost of "alternative" grocery stores. Just like the 24 hour Target in Tulare with its expensive deli, it can not find the customer base to stay open. That Target is like a large empty warehouse, with few customers.

It will be fun to give it a try,but sadly, Hanford is a Walmart town. Perfect demographics for Walmart, not much else. "

Happy Camper wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:37 PM:

" I think it will be a huge hit and am thrilled to get a quality grocery store in my neighborhood. Bring it on! "

Mrs.D wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:49 PM:

" I think it will be a welcome change to Hanford. The Best Buy Market on 10th and Grangeville is nice, but it's hard to get into at times(parking lot wise). The Save-Mart here in Hanford, they're all about customer disservice;the women who work there as cashiers(with an exception of a couple of blonde ladies)are rude and discourteous and I don't want to see their new tattoos! The men are just as bad.

I hope that when Fresh&Easy comes into fruition there will be relief for us shoppers. "

chjta wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Yea!!! it's about time we get another choice in grocery options! Now if only we could get some more dining options...other than fast food and Mexican. "

Cant Wait wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:44 PM:

" Fresh and Easy are great stores, the produce is fresh and high quality and they also have a good meat department. I am looking forward to it opening. "

NE resident wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:09 PM:

" to Mrs. D,
I resent what you are saying about the staff at SaveMart in Hanford. They are all courteous, helpful and hard working. I am not related to any of them, but I go into the store all the time. AND, there is always parking at Best Buy. It sounds like you are the disgruntled person.

We just need some choices on our end of town. We've waited a long time for a store over here. "

Rediscovery locally grown...Golly Gee wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:10 AM:

" Ol' classmates from Hemet, CA says she likes the market. It's nothing new...the area she resides in are used to upper scale markets that cater to "organic" conscious consumers who enjoy sitting at a sushi bar/deli counters within the store talking smooth or crinkle lettuce!?

Although I don't think this market will push that hard with that type of grocery store atmosphere here in Hanford.Time will tell.

Happy Cow, Trader Joe's, Jimbo's Naturally are other high-end organic grocery stores situated in areas like La Jolla, Rancho Benardo, and even the slums of Vista and Escondido, CA (once nice cities to live in.... 30 years ago).

I don't know if the demographics of this area or the eating habits of locals fit the patrons those type of grocery chains target.Are our locals willing pay the higher prices for the type of product they market?

Our local famers who jest with organic product will try to sell their commodiites to them maybe.

Here's a tip about organic...its "labeled" USDA organic (wink! wink!) because a few weeks before harvest they stop applying chemicals depending on the type of produce. "

Alan G. wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:42 AM:

" To "Great dream, but" - I guess this all goes back to the story about the Central Valley's ranking and the number of college graduates at 6.5%? I think it will be a nice thing for North Hanford and look at the bright side "the higher the prices, the smaller the butts you have to navigate around in the aisles! AND, odds are you won't encounter discarded diapers in the parking lot like some other mega-lo-retailer in town. "I'm just sayin'... "

Proud Dad wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:47 AM:

" To Carl: 11th and Fargo would probably be a better location, but I wouldn't write off 10th and Fargo off the list completely, looking at the demographics of the area.

I have enjoyed shopping at Trader Joes, I am curious what this store has to offer us. The store has a smaller footprint and lower operating costs then a warehouse type of store, I feel they have a fighting chance "

Hallelujah wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:30 AM:

" This is a much needed addition to Hanford. I cannot tell you how many people travel weekly to Trader Joes to buy the inexpensive, quality food they offer. Save-Mart, Best-Buy, and the other local markets do not offer quality service, so maybe a little competition will do them some good. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:15 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Good store but that location is kind of the kiss of death. "

Boy nothing satisfies you does it. At least we don't have to knock something down to build it. It isn't replacing an old building in town. Besides this ought to be right up your alley, expensive, expensive, expensive just like Trader Joe's. "

PATRIOT wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:27 AM:

" DO WE REALLY NEED TO BE SELLING MORE OUT TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES, ARE WE ALREADY OWNED BY EVERYONE BUT AMERICANS? "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Proud Dad: Drawing a circle one mile around that store, the rooftops are pretty weak to the east and north. That won't improve much as you hit the urban boundaries of the city. The center at the SEC of the Fargo/10th intersection has always been pretty weak. However, this store may be unique enough to be a destination. Really not many options in N. Hanford when you get right down to it. Regardless, I really look forward to the store.

Fred: Maybe you can start a campaign to force Fresh and Easy to build in the old fire station.

I don't know what TJ's you shop in but I find their prices really CHEAP. "

I cant wait wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:08 PM:

" No matter what you do, if you want to save money, you can't avoid Walmart. Living on the north side of hanford I am looking forward to this new store. Many times through out the week I am having to pick up little things and Walmart is too far so I end up going to Best Buy on 10th. Best Buy's prices are way higher then most of the grocery stores here in town and the quality of the food is very poor. Many times I have had to go back to return frozen items because they are so frost bitten that its unedible or return bread for being too stale. I can't talk about the customer service because I always have a friendly hand to help me to my car BUT if I am going to spend the same amount at this new store and get better quality products then I will for sure use that store vice Best Buy or Savemart. Also there is a great Carniceria on 10th and Fargo-meat is fresh and very affordable. "

If we are going to attract upper-end markets in the area wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:13 PM:

" How about we come back wth some American owned businesses .... let bring back "Safeway"/"Vons" to the area and how about another great store with the organic consumer in mind like a "Nuggets."

Quality foods and high prices attract selected consumers. It also deters the on aid shoppers and their band of hooligans in tail eating freely/stealing through the aisles and touching everything they do not plan to buy. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:39 PM:

" If We Are Going to Attract: They tried that at 11th and Fargo but a bunch of do gooders lead by Savemart wouldn't let the store (I think it was Ralphs or Vons) get a variance to add a little extra square footage to the store. So, the store walked and we got nothing. This store is a real welcome addition to north Hanford. "

yippee wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:43 PM:

" I would love to see Fresh and Easy come to Hanford! I think 11th and Fargo would be a better location, but at this point anywhere works for me. "

Mrs.D wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:21 PM:

" Vons will be a good choice, too. They double coupons everyday and you can use your Savings Club Card with them. On average, you will save around $30.00 on a large trip. "

To If we are going to attract upper-end markets in the area wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:08 PM:

" And you don't think people that pay with cash raise hooligans too. Give me a break, that was one stupid remark you made. I see plenty of spoiled little rich kids that do the same thing so keep your stereo-typing to yourself. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:45 PM:

" WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:15 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Good store but that location is kind of the kiss of death. "

Perhaps if I didnt' know the milk is trucked in from Nevada to the LA area for processing and then have the knowledge of what they pay for a half gallon of milk and the markup they take on it, I would be as naive as you are Carl. We have great dairies right here where the product is fresher and better for you.
One thing I learned about the milk industry is the more the product has to be shipped and handled the larger opportunity for a loss of control on quality and temperature of the product. Which diredtly effects the bacteria in the finished product. So you know that is the aspect I am looking at, Wal~mart brags about it's great low prices which they achieve by breaking the backs of their suppliers and their employees.
Make a sales call to Bentonville, Arkansas thru their maze of buyers and you'll understand what I am saying. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:49 PM:

" WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:15 AM:
Everyone in this town cmplains about Save Mart, but one thing I will say about them is everytime you go there, you have trouble finding a parking place. So they must be satisfying a certain element of the population in the community. They are the largest independantly owned operation of retailers in Central and Northern California, so they must be doing something right?
They pay more to their employees than anyone else operating locally, so if you aren't getting good service you need to bring it to the attention of the Store Manager, if that doesn't work don't hesitate to call corporate. I guarantee you they will resolve the complaint in a timely manner. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:35 PM:

" It's great to experiment retail-wise, isn't it?

The store will be small - 10k sq. ft. is triple the size of my house, so we are talking basically like a big mini-mart.

It is owned by a new to the USA British company who has less than 70 stores in the nation this past year.

And if you google the store and scoot over to Wikipedia, you will see that the parent company already has a built-in controversy: a tax haven in the Cayman Islands. Can't blame this on the Republicans now, can we?

We shall see if they planned correctly . . .

Another thought: isn't there an established liquor store right across the street? By the gas station/mini-mart there? "

A new destination - better than nothing wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:38 PM:

" Savemart is a great store - both Hanford and Lemoore and they pay their employees a livable wage. Between Lemoore's two local grocery - and a monthly trip to Foods Co I can do way better than WalMart prices. I love the fact that SaveMart is expanding the organic market and to the poster that hinted organic wasn't what it's supposed to be, well, keep on dreaming. Go visit an organic farm. Talk to the Canadians who import our organic products.

But, to have something one step closer to Whole Foods... not quite there, but closer, will be nice and it will become a destination shop for me with my monthly trip to FoodsCo. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Fred: That's nice Fred but since I can't walk up to the local dairy and pick up a gallon or 2, I guess I'll just have to take my chances at the store. "

College Grad wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:38 AM:

" Patriot, are you serious? I would much rather spend my money to the British than to give my money to gas stations that are owned by perhaps more "dangerous" foreigners. I know that sounds ignorant but I'm just making a point.

Personally I am super excited about this store, I spent time in the U.K. and Tescos was super nice.

I think there is a market here for good food, I'm so sick and tired of the choices here. Can't wait to move to Fresno! I live on the south side of town and heck yes I'm willing to march my medium sized buttocks down the North Hanford isles. "

Gees... wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:27 PM:

" It's about time, most of the grocery stores in Hanford are nasty, dirty, and over priced. And to go to Wal-mart you have to walk thru the homeless people naping bu the carts, or the cart boys smoking it up by the entrance..... "

New Market and their products wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Organic farmers can't produce the mass quantites American consume.Solely organic commodities impossible.

You had better do a little investigating...organic is not "as organicly grown" as you may want to believe.There are only a small number of "authentic" organic farmers in North America.

Talk to a PCA and find out what the real McCoy deal is.The Farm Bureau's know the story and the procedures big Agri-business follow to label products organic.

Don't keep pushing that organic produce is fully organic, only selected organic labels are truly organic.

It's all about marketing...U.S.D.A. AGAIN! I will reinterate there are guideline and policies and procedures that are not wholly "true organic" and the product can still be called organic. Please don't be so silly to believe all that hype, just because something is labeled organic...that it was grown completely pesticide and chemical free. You will be sadly mistaken.

You can contact local county ag offices from where the product originates from and they will supply the dates and test conducted on the product/produce you have purchased to verify its organic trail. "

Raising a family wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:07 PM:

" I agree with "yippee"

There are many young working families that look for quality foods and restaurants. I live on the north side and enjoy eating healthy foods. “I would love to see Fresh and Easy come to Hanford!
Everyone in the blogs whine about prices. What about our manners, morals, and respect. I would love to see more QUALITY grocery stores and more restaurants in town, where I can take my young children and teach them the appropriate way to behave. Unfortunately it is hard with such limited choices in Hanford, as my young children see other residences children running up and down isles and eating food right off the shelves. Come on lets support more quality businesses, if you cant afford it, its simple don’t go. FYI Trader Joes is not expensive, if you factor in your gas it is possible; however, they have great deals. "

Couchlady wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:26 PM:

" This type of store is needed in Kings County. Trader Joes (which is not expensive!!)and stores like Fresh and Easy are shopping destinations. People from Hanford go to Trader Joes in Fresno all the time. I think it's much better to keep the tax dollars here in Kings County. I hope that this goes through! "

gees wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:35 PM:

" Gees I think everyone wants something for nothing... There's a cost to those low prices at Walmart - it's called shlepping with those you don't necessarily want to associate with... "

Tired of domination wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:02 PM:

" Well, if the "city fathers" get thier way, there wont be any competition. They will find some way to keep business out. Look at the Gianola MCdonalds stronghold preventing In and Out from coming and Salmons preventing other furniture stores anywhere nearby. I am sick and tired of all the businesses being stuck at 12th Avenue! The traffic is HORRIBLE! Bout time someone put something somewhere else. I live in Armona and I am glad to see it. Good luck. I would love to see some competition. "

Barbara B wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:56 PM:

" HOW MANY PEOPLE FROM HANFORD OR ROUND HANFORD HAVE SHOPED AT A TRADERS JOE'S I JUST DON'T REMNBER ONE THERE THEY ARE VERY NICE BUT COST ALOT MORE
THEN OTHER STORES WE HAVE ONE HERE
THANK YOU "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:15 PM:

" Couchlady wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:26 PM:

" This type of store is needed in Kings County. Trader Joes (which is not expensive!!)and stores like Fresh and Easy are shopping destinations. People from Hanford go to Trader Joes in Fresno all the time.

Just curious when you are driving to Fresno all the time to shop at Trader Joe's are you figuring the cost of your gasoline at $4.+ dollars a gallon. Or that doesn't matter? "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:21 PM:

" FLASH TO MRS. D. VON'S IS PULLING OUT OF THE AREA THEY JUST CLOSED THE VISALIA STORE RECENTLY.

Mrs.D wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:21 PM:

" Vons will be a good choice, too. They double coupons everyday and you can use your Savings Club Card with them. On average, you will save around $30.00 on a large trip. " "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:26 PM:

" I sat in on a meeting with Tader Joe's Corporate dudes when the concept was developing in Southern California. They all concluded they were targeting the Yuppie's according to what I've read here, it seems that is who they captured. That only store to be hurt by that in this town is SaveMart. Funny thing is Save Mart has done much for Fresno State College they hire most of their Manager's from that College. They also support Bulldog Sports more so than any other business in the area. So they do have some good points besides bringing a quality product to sell to their customers. Bottom line is usually you get what you pay for. Anyone who says they can save money by driving to Fresno to shop is on my doubt what they say list for sure. Even if you drive a 20 MPG vehicle you are gonna burn 3 gallons of gas which is $1`2+ dollars, now can you save that much in a shopping spree at Trader Joe's or do they just make you feel better about shopping with them? That's why they call it choice. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:33 PM:

" There was another store here in town years ago called Big John's Food King. They were always busy, not the cheapest but concentrated on service and stocking what you wanted. They paid union scale and hired excellent employees. They lasted long enough for many of those employees to retire to a good living with their homes almost paid for when they did retire. They always had people make comments about them, but yet finding a parking place was more difficult than Save Mart or Best Buy Market anytime the store was open.
I miss Best Buy and all those dedicated employees, who always knew you by name and always had something nice to say to you.
But Customer Service is something that my generation thrived on and is distant and lacking in the younger generations. No one has time to wish you a good day or smile and say hello any longer. Everyone working today are working because they have to work, according to them. I never worked a day I didn't thank the Good Lord for giving that day to me. So service is out of the question anywhere, anymore. "

THEREALDOG wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:39 AM:

" I'm back....
Mrs. D You have alot of anger problems........But guess what? Mrs H. Clinton will be looking for a job soon maybe she could work at Save Mart and you two can be bitter together....... "

Con Carne wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:02 PM:

" Fresh and Easy is a welcom addition to Kings County, and I don't believe SaveMart needs to worry about losing too many customers to them. I also shop at Trader Joe's but I try to plan it around a big day out to Fresno, not just drive there to pick up a few things. Same with Costco. I also agree that Hanford has severely limited shopping choices, and not to bust on Save Mart but, they seem to charge so steep prices. I downright refuse to patronize S.W.M. The Best Buy Markets in Lemoore and Hanford are nice alternatives to Save Mart, I basically shop according to whats on sale. Other than those, what's left? Oh yeah, the Commissary on base. Fresh and Easy will most likely appeal to educated, middle class and up families, that are committed to trying to eat healthy. Small demographic in Kings County, but we are out there. "

Yuppies wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:17 PM:

" Yuppies is supposed to mean- Young Upwardly mobile Professional. That is not Hanford, for sure not Kings County. Having two wage earners working at the prison, does not equate a Yuppie lifestyle. Nor having nurse assistants and other health workers, most of whom have less than at least a four year college degree, or government Employees, etc equal a Yuppie.

Different demographics for the that "group". That would be the Fig Garden Fresno neighborhoods in Fresno.

Any Yuppies on the City Council or Board of Supervisors? How about on Planning Commission or any of the committees that advise the Council and Board of Supervisors?

So if this market is looking for Hanford Yuppies, it is going to be an empty store after the free food give-aways are over.

But then who needs Yuppies, right? "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:24 PM:

" To" THEREALDOG wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:39 AM:

They say that impersonation is the highest form of flattery. But there is only one dog on this blog and that is the Watchdog and has been for many months now. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:39 AM:

" It isn't that it is English that bothers me, at least it isn't France or Spanish. At least we can be certain they will speak our language. What bothers me is the number of people who think they can spend $4+ dollars on gasoline and drive to Fresno and actually save money buying organic food. When organic food traditionally is higher in cost to begin with in most markets. Furthermore, who certifies organic food and by what criteria? What guarantee do you receive that it is indeed grown organically? I think the best guarantee of that, is to do like our grandparents did and grow it in our back yards ourselves. Then we know exactly if any herbesides were used and if so what they were. My grandfather use to grow vegetables all year long even turnips in his garden. So why not be smart shoppers plant your own garden and be sure in the knowledge of what is or isn't contained in your food source. Of course there might be the little problem of arsenic in the water. "

Just back from So. Cal. wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 AM:

" While in So. Cal, I shopped a fresh & easy, nice store. I so look forward to having a choice to shop without having to drive to 12th & Lacey or 11th Ave. So, bring it on. I will shop there. It's not Tulare with an already saturated market area. It's 10th & Fargo, and we need it. Someone is paying attention to us here in the eastern portion of town. "

THEREALDOG wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:06 AM:

" calm down little watchdog I've been around myelf and I bite harder......The yard is big enough for 2 just stay out of the path....... "

Couchlady wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Just a note...Most of us who shop at Trader Joe's in Fresno, don't just go to that one shop. I, like many others, plan a trip around going to Fresno to shop at stores that Hanford doesn't have. Or, in my case, when my husband is in Fresno on business, he stops by on his way home. That being said...shops like TJ's and Fresh & Easy are not just for yuppies. They're for anyone wishing to shop for lower cost healthier foods. If you haven't shopped in a TJ's lately, then perhaps you should stop by next time you're in Fresno. Things are always what they seem. "

WINCO wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:48 PM:

" What happened to Winco going in? It was in the free paper that is given out abut a year ago that they had a site next to the new Lowes.

Anyone know? "

Bobb wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:15 PM:

" To Winco- They are open and doing well in Visalia just off of Caldwell, (Houston). "

WHO CARE ABOUT FRESH AND EASY wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:24 AM:

" IT AND 13,000 SQUARE FEET STORE DO YOU THINK ALL SAVEMART EMPLOYEES WILL FIT WHEN THE NEW FRESH AND EASY ARE IN THE UNEMPLOYEMENT LINE JUST ANOTHER WASTE OF TIME. .THERE BE JUST LIKE WAL-MART LEAVING EMPTY BUILDING'S ALL OVER UNITED STATES. SAVE MART KNOW THE COMMUNITY AND WERE ALL FRIEND AND FAMILY. THERE SO GO TO AND NEW STORE YOUR JUST AND STRANGER TO THEM .GO TO SAVEMART AND YOU GET FRESH AND QUALITY NOT EASY AND FRIENDSHIP. YOUR LOCAL CURRENT GROCER "

Winco Again wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:54 PM:

" No, not the Visalia WInco. There was one scheduled for Hanford next to Lowes. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:38 PM:

" Couchlady wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:13 PM:
So in otherwords what you are telling me is no they are not cheaper to shop at unless you happen to be on the same block they are located in Fresno. That is what I thought would be the answer, so then Trader Joe's should never be a destination stop when one is considering value.
If I can buy organic in SaveMart then I would be money ahead to buy it at Save Mart, now I understand. It's like Costco and the other box stores if you plan a special trip for special items then it might be worth the trip? "

Con Carne wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:51 AM:

" To W.D.F.-Trader Joes isn't just organic stuff, their foods are mostly all-natural as well. They use whole grains and natural sweetners, basically unprocessed ingredients. If that appeals to you, as well as organics, then give it a look next time you find yourself in Fresno or Clovis. Fresh and Easy claims to have similar products, so we shall see. Of course the alternative is Save Mart where one will be greeted with some of the worst broken English I have ever had the misfortune of reading. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 17, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Fred: I'm guessing you have never even been inside a TJ's. Try it you'll like it. They are the outlet for $2 Chuck wine. "

EHR wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:24 PM:

" TO: (Winco Again) I think Winco was planning a store in the SWQ of Highway 198 & 12th Ave. but the development got cancelled..(i think) also other rumors about Kohl's planning a store north of Home Depot but disagreement with the developer cancelled that out... "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:12 PM:

" Fred: I'm guessing you have never even been inside a TJ's. Try it you'll like it. They are the outlet for $2 Chuck wine. "

Hey money bags, is it as good as Boone's Farm Cherry Hill or not? If not you are wasting your money, Boone's has a larger selection all under $2. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:41 AM:

" Fred: You're a wine snob. $2 Chuck is great stuff and it comes in two colors. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:40 AM:

" We plan for every member of our staff to be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week. We offer a competitive base salary and everyone is eligible for a quarterly bonus. For example, entry-level employees in California will start at $10/hour and can earn up to 10% bonus, with similarly competitive packages in Arizona and Nevada.

All our employees will be eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, which include affordable medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage; with the company picking up a majority of the costs.

We also offer a fun and comprehensive training program focusing on practical, on-the-job skills, life skills, teamwork and other values that make fresh&easy™ a special place. And all our management is trained in leadership so that all employees are treated the way we all want to be treated: with respect.

This is directly from Fresh&Easy's website, for those at Wal~mart working for less than $10 per hour and with no benefits, this may be of interest to you.

Carl can't believe you didn't post paying position, certainly more than IHOP and 99 Cent Store, not! IHOP pays $9 w/benefits depending experience. "

NE side of Hanford wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:53 AM:

" What appeals to a lot of us is that we won't have to waste our $4/gallon gas because we now will have a store on our side of town. In addition, it will be nice to have a choice in markets and selections. Also, someone mentioned growing own vegetables. Try it. You will have your own selection and it will be right in your own yard. Can't get any fresher! "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:41 PM:
Boone's Farm comes in about 50 different varieties. My favorite use to be Strawberry Hill. I had you pegged as more a Bali Hi kind of guy there Carl.

But if you want wine and like wine you need to stop on Hwy. 152 at Casa De Fruta and pick up some really good wine. But you will pay much more than $2 a bottle there. "

Someone mention IHOP wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Food slow and incomplete...how can you ruin breakfast?The problem is the English speaking waitresses can't get accurate tickets coming out of the kitchen.

Spanish speaking waitress gets her orders "rapido" with delay or problems, sometimes three to four orders ahead of the other girls who had their ticket in sequentially before hers.

My fourth attempt...AGAIN...we and the surrounding patrons with Anglo waitresses without fail freakishly have had our orders wrong or items missing and when you do finally get the items it's at the end of your meal or you don't the food item at all.

The manager who should be paying attention to the order tickets and the flow and accurancy of the plates passing out from those grills should not allow the cooks to do "as they please" and yield such powers that affect the waitressing staff.

The buck stops at the manager and he refuses to acknowledge his Spanish only speaking cooks, can't read the terminal receiver, a none English speaking cook-staff is a problem....well yeah...not for his Spanish speaking waitresses.

Goodbye to IHOP again in the future.FRESH from the border staff and not so EASY to manage. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:35 PM:

" Fred: Good news, they are painting the old firehouse. Maybe Casa De Fruita will put an outlet store there! "

WATCHDOG FRED BITES BACK wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:18 PM:

" Someone mention IHOP wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 AM:
I have had an entirely different experience on the seven or so times I have eaten at IHOP. Always speedy and accurate service. Furthermore, you didn't mention the Manager's name so therefore that tells me you ran home to figure out how to blog your complaints online. Funny thing is you didn't use a recognizable moniker for a regular blogger. So could this be an attempt by the competition to do damage to IHOP's success story in Hanford.
It also rings of racism, your comments do as though the Manager can't communicate with his staff. That is the funniest comment you made the Manager hired the entire staff himself. He's already got many of the waitresses raises and has promoted some to lead positions. It wasn't because they were english speaking, it was because they do their jobs. Most of the waitresses working at IHOP have worked and handled orders for all nationalities throughout other restaurants in the community for several years now. Sounds to me the patron has a problem with English Speaking waitresses at every eatery. "

Coffeelovinmom wrote on Aug 23, 2008 10:55 PM:

" We desperately need more "natural" and organic foods around here. I shop at three to four different stores a week here in town so that my kids can eat food that is not full of junk. I have friends whose kids can't have soy or dairy, and my mother is thinking of starting a diet for her MS that eliminates a lot of things, gluten being one of them. This kind of store would make a lot of lives easier if it truly is a more "natural" kind of supermarket. Driving to Fresno just to keep your kids healthy is a pain. This town is so much bigger than it used to be - we NEED something like this! I truly hope that this store will come and stay for good. Crossing my fingers!!!! "

Coffeelovinmom wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:15 PM:

" I'm responding to "Rediscovery locally grown...". where he says "Here's a tip about organic...its "labeled" USDA organic (wink! wink!)... a few weeks before harvest they stop applying chemicals... "

Many people completely frown upon the word organic. Believe me, I understand it - my dad is a farmer as well. But the produce TASTES better - there is no getting around it. We have been y buying organic for about 2 years now & it just does- I won't even go into the chemical stuff.

As for everything else being labeled organic - instead of balking at the label or gasping at the price, why not just find out what's being put in your body & read the labels of foods in your fridge/pantry? I couldn't believe the things with high fructose corn syrup & hydrogenated oils in them. (Google both to see how very unhealthy they are for our bodies.) Dill pickles? High fructose corn syrup. Lunch meat? The corn syrup again. It's in EVERYTHING!

Our main reason to go organic is for that reason - alone less synthetic junk going into our kids' bodies. "

Alan G. wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:43 AM:

" To Coffeelovinmom - My family is pretty much all organic and there's no disputing the health benefits. We joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) group that is based in the Central Valley. They are a cooperative of organic farmers from areas like Kingsburg, Madera, Lamont and many other cities. They drive their truck to our city and several others in SoCal every Saturday and we all meet them at a park to pick up our fruits and vegetables when the truck arrives. My family gets the large crate, which runs about $28/week and feeds our family of 4 and then some (they have a smaller crate that runs about $17). It's all straight from the fields and into their warehouse and on a truck within 1-3 days. Definitely CHEAPER than the organic stuff they push in the market. We also eat organic, grass fed beef for under $4/lb. Check their site because I think they have a drop in Hanford. It's kind of fun planning meals around the latest delivery.

www.abundantharvestorganics.com "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:51 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:35 PM:
This is not good news, they only paint it to drive the price up when Paynter puts in his bid for the property.

" Fred: Good news, they are painting the old firehouse. Maybe Casa De Fruita will put an outlet store there! " "

Coffeelovinmom wrote on Aug 24, 2008 4:08 PM:

" Alan G-

Thank you soooooo much for pointing out this site to me! I just showed my husband and we are going to find out if they deliver near here ASAP!

I really appreciate you sharing this information, it might make my life a lot easier!!! =)

THANK YOU! "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Aug 24, 2008 4:52 PM:

" My family and I had eaten the very best watermelons of our life, sold by a little old farmer out of the back of his truck on the 43 exit to the city of Corcoran. He is gone now but not forgotten.

Local grown fruits and veggies are the best and even better if organic -grown and natural.

Need I say Harris Ranch for the carnivores amongst us?

Thanks again! "

Alan G. wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Coffeelovinmom - Glad I could share it. It definitely reduces your time at the market. You can even get organic raw milk, just like the stuff I used to fill up in a tin can at the dairy. Now I don't look so ridiculous to my wife when I shake the milk before drinking it. LOL! "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:40 AM:

" I second Allan G's rec on Abundant Harvest Organics. Good stuff! "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:38 PM:

" CoffeeLovinMom: They have a delivery in Hanford every friday at an old office on east Lacey near the SPCA. "

coffeelovinmom wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Carl-

Yes thanks, I got the email from their site;) "

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