Local Specialty Grocers To Turn To When Big Stores Are Crowded

Salt Lake City — In normal times, most of us rely on the convenience and cost competitiveness of big box grocers and bulk providers like Costco or Sam's Club. But as crowds wait in line to get into Costco—risking the consequences of less-than-ideal social isolating—and standard grocery chains are rationing, running low or empty on crucial items such as milk, eggs, and flour, finding a reliable alternative can become a stressful endeavor.

Luckily, Salt Lake City has committed, local, specialty grocers who can fill the gap. Moreover, these businesses often don't have the resources to weather the storm as confidently as big box food retailers might, so turning to them for food essentials helps keep their doors open and their place in our community secure.

Here, then, are a few tireless and dedicated local grocers that probably have more of what you need, and could use a lot of your support.

Caputo's Market and Deli

314 W 300 S, Salt Lake City

Typically a specialty food store for imported Italian goods, fancy cheeses, charcuteries, and chocolates, Caputo's Market and Deli is a cut above. But what we sometimes forget is that a lot of cured meats, hard cheeses, brined pickles, and tinned fish are the old world/old school pantry staples that pack a lot of flavor, have a long shelf or fridge life, and are rich with vital nutrients. Sure Caputo's can seem pricey, but the bang for your buck can be much bigger than you'd expect. They also have quality oils, vinegars, pasta, and so much more. Plus the Aquarius Fish Market next door makes a great one-two punch for local grocery.

Lee's Marketplace

255 N 400 W, Salt Lake City

New to the downtown and downtown-adjacent neighborhoods along the west end of Salt Lake is Utah-headquartered small town grocer, Lee's Marketplace. Typically a medium box grocery store in smaller or more suburban communities in northern Utah, Lee's has been expanding. With the Salt Lake store, it has shown that it can make quite the play for a more urbanized design that still offers all the basics of a standard grocery while still leaving plenty of space for a coffee shop, sushi counter, hot bar, prepared foods, diverse cheese and olives, and smaller portioned fresh foods for the singles and couples that occupy many of Salt Lake's new apartment buildings. They also do grocery pickup.

Hello!Bulk Market

355 N 500 W, Salt Lake City

Local food, healthy food, unpackaged bulk food, Hello! Yes, this little market that wants you to bring your own containers and bags and refill to your hearts delight is finding a way to do that in these pandemic times. Of course they are adapting in real time to the needs of their customers and the safety regulations of the state, as they recently posted on Facebook:"Yes, we have been filling for you and that is continuing until we start feeling more comfortable about this darn pandemic. We had our walk thru with the Dept. of Agriculture the other day and are feeling grateful to have passed with flying colors."

From coffee to laundry detergent, fresh produce and baked goods (try the mini Black & White cookies), you can definitely stock up on essentials and treats at Hello!Bulk Market, and Mother Earth will appreciate it.

Jade Market Rio Grande

353 W 200 S, Salt Lake City

Long a reliable corner market for the downtown crowd for lunch to snacks, cravings and grocery essentials, Jade Market Rio Grande is so much more "grande" than that. Though it is nice to have a reliable small shop to duck into for essentials that may be closer and easier than heading to a big store for, Jade also celebrates local gastronomy and alternative foods from locally brewed kombucha on tap (!!!) to salsas, dairy, and artisan pastries. This gloriously glorified convenience store also offers free delivery on orders over $25.

The Store

90 S Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City

It couldn't have a more generic name, literally, but the uniqueness of The Store is evident from looking at what they stock on their shelves. From frozen savory pies to feed the whole family, to Utah-specific souvenirs and a vast array of hot sauces and condiments, the essentials (eggs, milk, produce, and cheese) are scattered between a truly diverse and interesting array of curated products and curious discoveries. The Store is the perfect addition to The Gateway that serves both visitors and residents of the area with the various and sundry things they may need in the moment or for groceries the rest of the week. They prioritize local products and foods as well, offering a vast array of Utah-produced brands you may already know and love and plenty you'll be delighted to discover.

Anaya's Market

660 N 1200 W, Salt Lake City

This Latin American products grocery store has several locations in the valley, but only one in Salt Lake. And while, of course, it's a great place for getting specific latin brands or products that may be harder to find elsewhere, Anaya's Market is also the perfect spot for luscious produce like tomatillos, cactus pads, cilantro, avocados, tomatoes, and those bulbous green onions for grilling. Speaking of grilling, their carniceria is top notch, with a full array of fresh meats.

Supporting local businesses and buying local has been a popular refrain for small business and community advocates. But now, perhaps more than ever before, is shopping local as vital a practice for the health and wellness of our families as it is for businesses in our community.