Prepared foods

Schnucks expands restaurant partnerships

The grocer has tapped several St. Louis eateries run by Black restaurateurs as it looks to add more grab-and-go options for shoppers.

By Jessica Dumont • July 31, 2020

Deep Dive

Grocers ponder the future of their self-service stations

More than three months after shutting down, salad bars and hot bars are burning a hole in retailers' bottom lines. Getting them up and running safely and profitably is a major challenge, according to retailers, consultants and other sources.

By Sam Silverstein , Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020

In-store meal kits are poised for a rebound

The format could yet prove its value as people continue to cook at home during the pandemic and new models emerge.

By Jessica Dumont • June 01, 2020

Target, Walmart and other stores damaged during protests

Grocers including Kroger, Cub Foods and Vons also had locations damaged over the weekend as looting and protests roiled cities across the U.S.

By Krishna Thakker • June 01, 2020

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

Meal kit sales are cooking amid the pandemic

HelloFresh nearly doubled its U.S. customer count in Q1, while restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Denny's are rolling out pre-portioned meals for pickup and delivery.

By Sam Silverstein • May 05, 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

H-E-B adds restaurant meals to prepared foods sections

The grocer has teamed up with local restaurateurs in San Antonio and Houston to support their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 06, 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

Target boosts deli offering with Boar's Head

The retailer will roll out grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, sliced meats and cheese from the popular deli brand in up to 200 stores this year.

By Jessica Dumont • March 02, 2020

Meijer opens sushi restaurant and craft beer bar

The new concept serves beer from local Bell's Brewery to accompany chef-made rolls and non-sushi dishes like Asian chicken wings.

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 13, 2020

This year's Super Bowl promises to bring more shoppers online

Demand for game day eats could drive first-time customers to make purchases from services including Instacart, Shipt and Amazon Fresh.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 29, 2020

Publix's new digital deli counter to deliver customized sandwiches

The grocer is partnering with Instacart to deliver its popular subs and other made-to-order deli offerings to shoppers.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 23, 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

Whole Foods adds plant-based eggs to hot bars

Starting in the new year, the specialty grocer will add Just Egg vegan scrambles and sandwiches to the menu in 63 stores in its Southern Pacific Region.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 23, 2019

Choice Market boosts its digital experience

Customers will see more cohesion across platforms and will also have access to a new loyalty program. 

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 17, 2019

HelloFresh debuts hummus bowls

The meal kit company has partnered with food brand Sabra to bring two unique recipes to subscribers during the holiday season. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 09, 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

SnowFox partners with nonprofit to offer grocers sustainable sushi

The sushi company supplies retailers including Costco, Albertsons and Kroger, and will work with FishChoice to identify responsibly sourced seafood.

By Lauren Stine • Dec. 04, 2019

Kroger's new 'dark' kitchens will deliver meals on demand

The grocer has partnered with ClusterTruck to serve fresh-made fare to customers in Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Carmel, Indiana and Denver during a 12-week pilot.

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 02, 2019

Deep Dive

Restaurants are creeping into grab-and-go. Should grocers worry?

Grocers have traditionally owned the space, but customer demand for convenience is driving growth — and more competition — in new places.

By Krishna Thakker , Jessica Dumont • 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

Inside the store: Brothers Marketplace

Roche Bros.' newest banner location in Cambridge, Massachusetts, includes a full-service butcher counter, an extensive prepared foods section and a curated assortment of fresh and local products.

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 15, 2019

Pure Market launches food grading and e-commerce site

The Denver-based company tests for more than 400 attributes, gives an A to F grade to products and sells some that receive a B- rating or higher.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Nov. 01, 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