Driving by on a lovely Autumn afternoon, it was seeing an upper outside deck that first caught my attention. Then I saw the Albertsons sign. An Idaho HQ'd grocery chain I ignored until moving to the state myself, I've come to appreciate Albertson's for what it is, even if I don't shop at the stores very often given I'm an organic produce / specialty products / support local / humane husbandry / no processed foods kinda shopper in the main. And Albertson's is not so much that grocer...for now. (See PS - MARKET STREET footnote.) Later in the day, remembering that deck, in my husband and I went after a dinner that was so poor at a so-called wine bar as to find ourselves on the hunt for coffee and dessert elsewhere on a gorgeous Autumn evening when being outdoors was just the ticket.
Good idea it turned out to be. The upper level of this store, where the deck is, is also home to the pharmacy and full service Starbucks. We picked up yummy, crunchy, specialty cookies from the in-store bakery, bought coffee and enjoyed the peace outdoors, we were the only ones there, and peek-a-boo views of the lake in the so sweetly fleeting day in the best time of year.
So, there's that for this Albertson's. Which I understand is relatively newly installed in space remodeled from an old-time local grocery, Paul's, for which some locals seem to grieve the loss. Having never been acquainted with Paul's for comparison, I have to say this Albertson's seems a pretty nice grocer for a small town like McCall. Although like most Albertson's minus a lot of what I'd want to buy were I living in town and needing to shop. Like good organics and humanely husbanded products and yadayadayada...
As example, as long as I was there I figured I'd pick up some ancho and guajillo peppers I knew I needed for a recipe at home in a couple of days. There was not a bag of dried peppers in the place. I did, however, walk out with a bag of Werther's brand (you know, the long time caramel candy company) of caramel popcorn which was new to my hubby and me so "why not..." (Good it is too. Recommended.)
And being used to the super friendly staff at the Albertsons stores in my area, I found the staff here to be pretty reserved, just shy of indifferent. Maybe I hit them on a bad evening. But we're not getting married, I'm just shopping so it is all good for what it is.
Well organized, sparkling clean, accessible (including an elevator to the second floor), well lit and then there's that deck. I'm a fan.
PS: MARKET STREET - Albertsons is introducing a new line of stores called Market Street, which one might see as a 'mash up' of Albertson's and Whole Foods. The flagship, the first, for Market Street stores was launched in Boise this summer. Given that store's proximity to Albertson's stadium at BSU, prior to launch the decision was made by the CEO to leave the Albertson's name on this building. But it is all Market Street format for expanded specialty products, some responsibly raised proteins, expanded take-away convenience food, arguably the best cheese monger section in the State, great customer service and even in-house sommelier for wine section. They still lack enough organic or local for me to be a regular, but they're on a good path. They also have an upper floor with a bar. I don't 'get' a bar in a grocery store, but they are doing gangbusters with BSU students who used to like to imbibe at Whole Foods' 'River Room' and have migrated in good numbers to this Albertson's bar given proximity to campus. Different strokes. This huge store in Boise is about 65,000SF. ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/albertsons-boise-2?osq=albertsons ) Before Thanksgiving Albertson's will open the next Market Street store in Meridian at a colossal 110,00SF. I'm not sure bigger will be better. read more