A reader writes:  “I just wanted to give you and the PoP readers a heads up on something that could really affect everyone’s quality of life. From what I’ve been hearing, it’s possible that workers at the Safeway and Giant could go on strike next week.  The supermarkets seem to be demanding major concessions, especially on wages, that the union doesn’t want to give in to.  Which seems pretty understandable–the workers at these stores should be making decent wages.  I think it’s important to support the workers and not cross the picket line, but it’s also going to be hard to get groceries easily (I live right next to the Safeway).  What do you think?”

I was brought up to follow two rules very strictly.  First, never name names and second, never cross picket lines.  So thanks to the new Target (doesn’t it have a grocery section?), it’s really not that inconvenient to not cross the picket lines either.  So I don’t know enough about this possible strike but I generally give the benefit of the doubt to the strikers.  But that’s just me.  So what do you guys think?  Would you cross a picket line?


Surely you’ve heard of it. Located at 11th and N. I thought all groceries stores had to be Giant, Whole Foods or Safeway? I wonder how long independent supermarkets will last…or will they go the way of the independent book store? Does it even matter?


I often see folks walking down 13th Street, often quite a number of blocks from the Tivoli Giant. And I always wonder, how far they are walking with groceries. I spotted these two folks near Fairmont but they had a manageable one bag each. I’ve seen folks loaded down with multiple bags on each hand. I have to be honest, as mentioned before, I’ve been considering selling my car. But one of the reasons I haven’t is because I don’t know how I’d go grocery shopping. So how far is too far to shlep grocery bags from the store?


From Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s weekly email:

“On Tuesday, February 5, Councilmember Muriel Bowser will host a meeting at 7 PM at the Israel CME Church at 557 Randolph Street NW , to update the community on the status of a number of development projects in the Petworth neighborhood. Representatives from Safeway will be there to present and discuss their plans for construction of a new store at their Petworth location. Other updates will include the Park Place project above the Petworth Metro Station, the Residences at 3910 Georgia Avenue and others. There will be representatives available from all the development teams and DC government agencies. For more information please call Brandon Todd at 202-724-8052.”


Has anyone checked out this international supermarket on upper 14th St.? (Damn, I forget the cross street.) I didn’t have a chance to check it out yet but I bet you could find some sweet delicacies there. So tell me, am I wrong?


Thanks to Suzanne for the heads up from the Columbia Heights Listserv:

“I am pleased to announce that Yes! Organic grocery will occupy one of the six retail spaces on the first floor of the Union Row building, located at 14th and V St, NW.

The Union Row project is part of the overall rejuvenation of the U Street Corridor. Yes! Organic will offer residents natural foods as part of a unique shopping experience. Please visit my website for more information.

The 5,000 square foot Yes! Organic grocery is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. This will be the fifth location for the DC-based grocer. More retailers will be announced soon, including a restaurant, a dry cleaner, and a large national chain store.

Bests,
Councilmember Jim Graham”