I am replacing my post earlier today on GP history thanks to Max, who pointed out that Rikkus just posted on it recently : > Thanks for the heads-up, Max.

In its place, I want to address something related to Mollika’s Entertaining in the City post about the lack of grocery stores in Detroit, and that there are few options if you work 9 – 5. I have heard this from a number of other Detroiters and wanted to offer a tip.

While I agree that we need more competition here, for some reason I feel like city-dwellers in the near east and near west area often overlook the Farmer Jack at 11250 East Jefferson.

I’m not sure if it’s because I live on the near east side and have driven past it many times on my way to Pewabic and others just don’t know the store is there, but it is the grocery store I frequent most often and a viable alternative to pricier small stores in this area. (Plus, it’s open from 7 am to 10pm). I go there about every other week or every two weeks.

It is a huge store – the largest flagship store of its kind in Michigan – and relatively new (5 years old, maybe?). It is in a plaza with other retailers like Payless Shoe Source and Athlete’s Foot. For me, it is the best option within 5 miles and since I don’t drive often, the five-mile round trip is well worth it. From the RenCen, it is 4.4 miles east on Jefferson.