Ukrops owners throwing in towel??

[Caodhan]

I think Whole Foods is a great company and all, but you were talking about the whole regionalized thing. Why not support the Roanoke Valley Co-op in Grandin Village? I was impressed by their selection and prices. Of course it's a little more expensive than Kroger, but with a membership it quickly pays for itself.

Whole Foods is based out of Austin, Fresh Market out of my hometown here in Greensboro and Kroger out of Cincy. So why not support a local business instead of trying to lure these giants. Yes, you might gain some "cool points" with luring WF here, but at what price.

I was also impressed at the Roanoke Farmer's Market downtown. Help expand that, be unique!

In Carrboro, NC you already have an expanding Weaver Street Co-op (they have a store in Hillsborough) that offers high quality things and decent prices. Not the lowest prices in the world, but not way expensive either.

[540_804]

Originally Posted by Caodhan

I think Whole Foods is a great company and all, but you were talking about the whole regionalized thing. Why not support the Roanoke Valley Co-op in Grandin Village? I was impressed by their selection and prices. Of course it's a little more expensive than Kroger, but with a membership it quickly pays for itself.

Whole Foods is based out of Austin, Fresh Market out of my hometown here in Greensboro and Kroger out of Cincy. So why not support a local business instead of trying to lure these giants. Yes, you might gain some "cool points" with luring WF here, but at what price.

I was also impressed at the Roanoke Farmer's Market downtown. Help expand that, be unique!

In Carrboro, NC you already have an expanding Weaver Street Co-op (they have a store in Hillsborough) that offers high quality things and decent prices. Not the lowest prices in the world, but not way expensive either.

I think the big downside to both of those alternatives (the Co-Op and the Farmer's market) is that they aren't convenient to most Roanokers.

If I were closer to either they'd probably get used more. The one time I was in the Co-op in Grandin I was pretty impressed. I only went in because I was in the neighborhood (getting great pizza, movie and ice cream!). Then again, when I'm in Roanoke I get my vegetables from my neighbor who has a garden in his backyard. He gives us so much food....I almost feel guilty accepting it.

[Caodhan]

Maybe I'm getting the wrong impression of Roanoke, but the co-op seems like a pretty central location. Also, they have a dedicated parking lot with very draconian warnings if non-shoppers park there. But yeah, I guess that it wouldn't be convenient to someone living in Vinton, Blacksburg or even the Valley View area.

Also that gourmet grocer there near Fork in the Alley in south Roanoke seemed pretty cool. It was too late for me to peek in and check their prices.

But my perception of convenient might be different. It's either whatever is on the way home from my commute from UNCG or something that's within a 15 minute walk/bicycle ride or 10 minute drive. Pretty much draw a 5 mile radius and that's convenient.

Thanks for your input though. I'm considering moving there if I end up going to VT for grad school.

[Caodhan]

And Pop's is awesome! You guys have a good thing going there in Grandin and Old SW.

[Caodhan]

Mick or Mack also seemed cool, I saw it on my walking around. Seemed like a real blast from the past!

[roanoker 4]

Roanoke Farmers Market is expanding. I understand the market building will be under construction later this year for indoor produce, food stalls, flowers and restaurants with indoor/outdoor seating. I think its a great and innovative concept for the market area. The Grandin Cop has some interesting items but I avoid that area for all of those parking warning signs.
I think the City should think about expanding the trolley from downtown. Its definately a unique section of town. Roanokers hate chain stores, do you really think WF would work here?