I’m just throwing this out there, like into the internet ether in the sincere hope that it makes a difference. For some reason Walgreen’s have become the new Starbucks. They’re on every corner. Do we need them? Hell if I know. But if you’ve ever visited the HEB on Congress and Oltorf you know that it’s insanely overcrowded, parking is a nightmare, and checking out makes a visit to Wal-Mart seem inviting. Other than that, it rocks.
I know land is hard to come by, there’s always someone somewhere who likes everything old and hates everything new. But seriously, this place simply doesn’t have the capacity to handle the demand. So let’s mow under one of those new Walgreen’s and throw up another grocery store. Surely you’d rather do that than have me fall into the clutches of Wal-Mart.
October 24, 2006 at 10:17 am
I miss The Heebs. Not the one in South Austin, but the one near Hyde Park. We’ve got a nice local grocery within walking distance of our house, which we like (comparable to Austin’s Fresh Plus). But it’s more expensive, the aisles are only wide enough for one cart, and worst of all, they only take cash. What is that? Inevitably I find myself in the check-out line with more groceries than I can pay for.
It seems to be a local phenomenon- Madison’s rebellion against the credit card. Several of our favorite restaurants are the same way. Even the huge grocery store, Woodman’s, doesn’t take credit. Debit cards, but not credit. I feel like I’m back in some third world country, where you have to carry gobs of cash around because that’s the only show in town.
And don’t get me started on the salsa selection here…
October 24, 2006 at 10:44 am
Cash only drives me crazy. Who carries cash? My beloved In-n-out has always been one of the worst offenders, accepting cash only and then stashing one of those ATM’s with huge service fees in the corner. There was a Lowe’s theater in Tucson that did the same thing. And god help you if you need cash on 6th street. 4.50 in service charges to make a withdrawl from an ATM covered in grafiti. Can’t I just pay for things with my retinas yet?
October 24, 2006 at 12:38 pm
I’m with you on the need for a S. Austin grocery store – and the hate for cash-only establishments. Cash is bulky and rattles too much and is easily stolen and is no bueno. Madison – get out of the 8th century!
October 24, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Please don’t open a grocery store where I have to pay with my retinas. I hear mine aren’t all that great, and I hate the idea of getting through the checkout line just to find out that my retinas don’t feel like registering right this minute.