There are so many grocery stores in Fresno that it is easy to get stuck in a rut and only go to the…read morebig box chain stores. But if you're looking for variety and are interested in some amazing deals, you have to check out Freshco. There are two locations in Fresno--one on Shields and Brawley, and the other near First and Olive. I went to the Shields location today for the first time.
I arrived around 8am, an hour after the store opened. The parking lot was half full, and the shopping carts were still locked up. I didn't ask anyone to free one for me, and opted for a basket instead. What brought me in after all these years? A Facebook ad for a two day sale that involved chicken legs for $0.79/lb. That, and I love trying new places.
The store is showing it's age a bit and had a bit of a smell similar to the old RN Market location on Cedar and Herndon (across the street from where it has relocated). That was the only negative that I could find. Besides that, this store is pretty amazing.
When I check out new grocery stores, I look to see what inventory they carry, and how much they charge in comparison to other locations. Even with high gas prices, I'll absolutely make a round trip to visit several stores to get the best prices for the items on my list. This place had some amazing deals in produce, meat and dairy. Cotija and queso fresco was decently priced. Lunch meats were mixed. Produce was mostly on the low end of prices, and the department was nicely maintained. Aisles were crowded, but could fit a cart (if you have one), and everything had easily found prices. If you're buying anything in the middle of the store (shelf stable groceries), you may find the prices a bit high if you are buying items not on sale.
If you're looking for ingredients for Mexican, Indian, Middle-Eastern, or Asian cooking--this place probably has it, and more. There was an entire end cap devoted to ghee, and a full aisle of cooking supplies. The pre-packaged meat section was minimal--with several packs of very large chicken legs, carne asada and various sausages. I picked up two packs of chicken legs for less than $4. Amazing! While there weren't many options of pre-packaged meats, there was a large butcher counter with an employee standing there waiting to help folks.
I picked up some Three Ladies spring roll wrappers, some canary beans, dry lentils, giant radishes, and a few more things I didn't need but couldn't resist.
Staff was very nice and helpful. The store was pretty empty when I arrived, but it quickly filled up. I suspect it gets pretty busy during peak grocery shopping hours.
Please note that this place appears to advertise mostly on social media. There are some amazing deals. It is my understanding that this is a place that many restaurants go to pick up bulk items (they had 60 large AA eggs for about $3 today-first come first served, with a limit per customer). Watch the ads and check this place out..it is a great find that I wish I discovered years ago.
