NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

From in-store restaurants to speed dating in grocery aisles à la pineapples in people’s shopping carts, supermarkets have become much more than just a place to buy food.

Many grocery stores aim to become third places — spaces away from home or work where people can mingle for a while — and sometimes even the hottest club in town. In a world where consumers crave more convenience, what’s more convenient than having a happy hour and grabbing a carton of eggs in the same place?

Grocery Dive is taking a closer look at innovative strategies by grocers to go beyond just food retailing in my new column called “More than a Store.” In each installment, I will explore how different grocers cook up creative approaches to draw in consumers. 

In my inaugural column today, come along on my recent dining experience at the newly opened Japanese restaurant inside Wegmans’ Manhattan store. Wegmans has a strong reputation for being a leader in foodservice and ready-made meals, but can it rise to the occasion as a high-end restaurant? Is eating at a restaurant inside a grocery store weird? I tackle these questions and more. 

We’re excited to launch “More than a Store” and hope you find it informative and entertaining. If you have any ideas, you can reach out to me directly or contact us here.