Clash of the Grocery Chains

I had a feeling it was going to come to this. Ever since the "Kroger - Coming Soon!" sign appeared on my most un-favorite road (Rayford). Ever since the possible HEB location at Rayford and Riley Fuzzel was discussed at the last HOA meeting (which has yet to be started, by the way...and neither has the Chic-fil-a or Starbucks promised either...).

Before I begin the comparison, let me defend my bias. I am from San Antonio. Almost born and raised (at least during the years where I was able to capably observe my grocery surroundings) a devoted HEB'er. It's practically treasonous to shop anywhere else in SA town. And almost impossible because HEB has pretty much taken over every corner and nook in that town. We spent family retreats at the HEB campgrounds. I took my lunch to school in HEB grocery bags. Lots of my friends WORKED at HEB. I lived within a 2 mile radius of probably 4 locations. Get the picture?

And of course this post was spurred by a frustrating experience at none other than...Kroger.

Kroger

1) If you spend enough, you get discounts on gas
2) They're exclusive - you have to have a "membership card" (note...I think cards are ridiculous)
3) Their meat section is not THAT great (EVEN at the new one...how hard is it to package some stew or chili meat for me people??)
4) They have free samples
5) They carry certain products that HEB has yet to pick up on (i.e. Pringles Stix, certain kinds of granola bars, and ice creams)
6) I would say they have a better wine selection...except for the overcrowded Woodlands HEB
7) They have approx 28 check out lines...so that explains why only 5 were open on a busy Sunday afternoon
8) Kroger-brand shredded cheese is NOT good...has waaay too much texture
9) Their grapes were $1.50 opposed to the $8.50 I mistakenly paid last time at HEB
10) They almost always have Starbucks. But they're always crowded. So that almost cancels out the benefit of having it.

HEB
1) They're my hometown hero!
2) I did a project on HEB in college. They have a solid family-run business background and do a lot for the community (disclaimer: I have no idea what Kroger may or may not do for the community...so don't judge)
3) Fantastic meat section
4) Lots o' samples. When I stop by after work, I can almost always count on ample displays of cookie and crescent roll samples
5) Usually have a sufficient number of check-out lines open
6) Carry 32-packs of Aquafina water for only $4.99 (unless you catch the $3.99 sale!)
7) They don't have crazy ladies playing the piano that make you want to shoot yourself while getting your groceries like it's previously mentioned competitor
8) They don't offer discounts at their gas stations (as far as I know)
9) HEB seems to be more popular with the Girl Scouts
10) Their fresh fruit and vegetable section is not a big open circle that becomes a free-for-all, with anxious shoppers ramming into each other

Clearly, HEB is the winner. Now I won't go to the extreme I did with Wal-Mart and completely swear off Kroger. Because for the time being, it is 6 minutes opposed to 12 minutes away from our house. But I still have my qualms. They're going to have to really do something magical for me to put a dent in my deep loyalty to those three precious letters that practically roll off your tongue.

We went a little crazy and saw BOTH Vantage Point and The Bank Job this weekend. While both were good, Vantage Point was super good. I would watch it again. And we went out to eat twice...in one weekend! Look at us! I think we went out to eat two times total last month. (Ok...maybe 3, but that's it) Like I said...wild and crazy. Maybe this month we can eat out 4 or 5 times! We'll see. Baby steps.