Grocerants

Bob Mariano launching new Chicago grocery chain

The longtime supermarket executive is jumping back into the business five years after selling his namesake chain to Kroger.

By Sam Silverstein • May 19, 2020

Sponsored by Shipt

From the desk of Shipt Chief Operating Officer, Bridget Fruit

The grocery industry is facing a challenge never experienced before – how do we serve communities, expedite the supply chain and keep shelves stocked, all while keeping patrons and employees safe?

By Bridget Fruit • May 04, 2020

Hy-Vee adds hot meals to curbside pickup

The grocer will now offer a variety of take-and-bake and freshly prepared meals through its Aisles Online ordering platform as more customers turn to takeout. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 13, 2020

Panera, Subway sell groceries to fight coronavirus sales slump

Restaurants are opening up new revenue streams by offering pantry items — from bread to milk — and trying to alleviate shopper frustrations over long online grocery wait times. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 08, 2020

Hy-Vee to replace Market Grilles with Wahlburgers

The company's 21 full-service restaurants will transition to the popular burger brand by this summer.

By Krishna Thakker • March 12, 2020

Grocers need to improve foodservice to win meal dollars, report says

Retailers need to think more like restaurants and make changes to its offerings to remain competitive, according to recommendations from Kearney and FMI.

By Jessica Dumont • March 05, 2020

Amazon Go will soon offer hot food and fountain soda

A San Francisco location recently closed for renovations and informed customers it's adding more meal and beverage options, including espresso.

By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 28, 2020

On special: Albertsons' in-store bar

Talon Tap & Spirits serves up signature cocktails, made-to-order food and weekly events at the retailer's Meridian, Idaho flagship.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 21, 2020

Demand for prepared foods jumped 11%, report says

Two-thirds of consumers purchase prepared foods at least three times per month compared to only 55% in 2017, according to Technomic.

By Lauren Stine • Jan. 07, 2020

Mariano's focuses on store updates in lieu of expansion

Kroger has spent $150 million remodeling stores since acquiring the brand four years ago, and plans to spend $20 million this year to touch up around 15 more. 

By Lauren Stine • Jan. 07, 2020

Deep Dive

6 grocery trends to watch in 2020

Simplifying apps, evolving in-store dining and expanding micro-fulfillment will be on the menu for retailers in the year ahead, experts say.​

By Jeff Wells , Jessica Dumont , Krishna Thakker • Jan. 06, 2020

Wegmans closes Blue Dalia restaurant

The restaurant in Natick, Massachusetts was shuttered in response to competition from the brand's in-store food offerings like the Burger Bar, pizza and sushi, the company said.

By Lauren Stine • Dec. 11, 2019

Dive Awards

Independent Grocer of the Year: Harvest Market

From in-house butter churning to grilled cheese competitions, the Illinois grocer offers a one-of-a-kind store experience for customers. 

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 09, 2019

Brookshire tests in-store Pizza Hut kiosks

The Texas grocer will pilot the concept at two stores and could expand it to other locations in its home state as well as Arkansas and Louisiana. 

By Lauren Stine • Dec. 03, 2019

Deep Dive

From food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants

While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019

Mariano's to open new barbecue concept to replace Pork & Mindy's

Following the Chicago-based restaurant's bankruptcy filing, the grocer says it will open a new brand called Mariano's Smokehouse. 

By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 20, 2019

Deep Dive

Delivery from aisle 5: How grocers are threatening restaurants' off-premise business

Grocery and convenience stores are delivering meals via third-party platforms, but may not have the right expertise and menus in place to compete with restaurants — yet.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019

Deep Dive

Wegmans' Brooklyn store is the brand's biggest test yet

The cold and the rain didn't dampen enthusiasm on opening day, but keeping the excitement high in a fiercely competitive market will be a challenge for the iconic grocer. 

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 28, 2019

Sponsored by Avery Dennison

Making an impact on food waste: How RFID helps grocers sell more and throw away less

The current rate of global food waste is unsustainable. RFID-enabled supply chains will allow producers to optimize food supply and reduce the impact of food waste on the environment.

By Julie Vargas, Global Director of RFID market development for food, Avery Dennison • Oct. 08, 2019

Inside the store: Save Mart's flagship in central California

The prototype will feature a new in-store restaurant, farmstand-style produce department, house-smoked meats and a team of specialists in store departments.

By Jessica Dumont • Oct. 03, 2019

Deep Dive

Small wonders: How grocers are trying to get scaled-down stores just right

Retailers are forging ahead with bold new formats that can go where their legacy stores can't. Can they roll out quickly enough to make an impact?

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 10, 2019

Sponsored by RELEX Solutions

Where grocery retail is headed: The year in trends

In grocery, change is the new normal. Track today’s trends and how grocers are staying competitive.

Hy-Vee swaps Market Grille for coffee shop in Iowa

The partnership with Smokey Row Coffee Co. is the grocer's latest push into the restaurant and foodservice space. 

By Lauren Stine • July 26, 2019

Tops Markets to test neighborhood coffee 'Spot'

The regional grocer will open two franchise Spot Express cafes to bring local coffee and a neighborhood feel to stores in upstate New York. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 23, 2019

Deep Dive

Bowled over: Grocers embrace latest foodservice trend

More Americans are enjoying the convenience and flavor of bowl-style meals, and food retailers have taken note.

By Jessica Dumont • July 16, 2019