Georgetown sprouts a new supermarket
Sprouts Farmers Market held their Georgetown grand opening November 22-24. Shoppers got 20 percent off their purchases and the first 100 customers on Friday and Saturday received a reusable tote filled with freebies.
Sprouts began as a fruit stand in San Diego, California, in 1943. The stand, opened by Henry Boney, eventually became Henry’s Farmers Market. In 2002, Henry’s son and grandson opened the first Sprouts Farmers Market in Arizona with a goal to make healthy food accessible and affordable.
“You don’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy,” was the mantra.
Sprouts offers an open layout rather than traditional isles in a space less than half the size of the H-E-B located around the corner on Williams Drive. Fresh produce is a main focus making up about a quarter of the business. A full service butcher, a fish market and a bakery are onsite.
Sprouts carries a mixture of national brands, store brands and specialty brands in most categories. The store also has its own private-label brand. There’s a large section of bulk item bins. Scoop out your own nuts, grains, granola, trail mix, flour, sugar and more. About one-third of the store stock is always on promotion.
The healthy grocer brings wholesome products including organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Efforts are made to offer products that are minimally processed and free of artificial flavors, food coloring, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients. The vitamins and body care department is impressive.
As part of Sprouts' commitment to “zero waste,” the chain participates in a food waste diversion program that provides food to those in need, feed for animals, and nutrients for agricultural soil.
The store, headquartered in Phoenix, is one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States. Sprouts operates in 23 states nationwide.
I enjoyed shopping at the new grocery store and it was fun to pick up items that differ from my usual list. I’m on the cutting edge with one of my purchases. Next Wave Seafood is the first company selling mussels in United States grocery stores. Sprouts non alcoholic ginger beer proved a refreshing choice and the short list of ingredients was much appreciated.
Rao’s Butternut Squash soup seemed like a cold weather selection. Rao's restaurant was opened in 1896 by an Italian immigrant in East Harlem. In the 1970s, it became a celebrity hotspot for stars like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. It’s all about the crust when it comes to Porta Brick Oven Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza. The brand promises an airy crispy crust.
The big question after grocery shopping is what to try first. Beecher’s Gluten Free World’s Best Mac & Cheese was a challenge I could not resist! Could “world’s best” coincide with gluten free? In 2003, Kurt Beecher Dammeier opened his first Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Seattle. The company has won many awards.
Was it the best? Close enough! The blend of cheeses makes it a nice adult mac & cheese choice. The frozen entree is easy to prepare in the microwave and has a good proportion of cheese to penne pasta. It just might become a regular on my shopping list!
Sprouts is located at 4610 Williams Drive. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.