Steve Montgomery

Supermarkets on Tap

March 1, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Both Wegmans and Whole Foods have recently opened pubs inside stores in Pennsylvania, serving beer, wine and drinks. What do you think of the idea of pubs in supermarkets? Does it take a Wegmans or Whole Foods to pull it off or is this something most grocers could handle?      [more...]

Interesting to note that both of these stores are in PA--a state which has very unusual regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. While the brief discussion didn't mention it, the articles did point out that by opening the cafe/pub, both chains got the right to sell beer for takeout--something that they could not do before. I suspect that is the real reason behind the offer.