The Chronicle published a piece on Bi-Rite’s business and expansions yesterday, which is probably why no one noticed. I know the Creamery took over a neighboring space for an expansion, and we can all agree that having to wait a little less for some Brown Sugar is a wonderful thing, but being labeled as a “mini-empire” at Dolores Park makes our neighborhood organics aisle sound a little too much like a strip mall. That said, the Chronicle does shed some light on some interesting facts on the Bi-Rite shops that I didn’t know, like it makes $4k per square foot (vs. $200-$300 at traditional supermarkets) and they have beehives on the roof.
(link)
I’m glad bi-rite is successful. Makes sense, they got good stuff.
BTW, $4k per square foot is indeed impressive, that’s around what Apple stores get.
The ultimate proof that people will pay way too much to shop at a “cool” place.
Actually “cool” has nothing to do with it. Bi-Rite has great quality and a surprising selection for their size. Sure it is more expensive that Safeway, but the food is better and it is more convenient.
It is bizarre how people feel the need to diss those who spend more on certain things. I shop at Bi-Rite but never at the place that sell $200 jeans. I am sure there are those who do the opposite.
So get over the fact that people make different decisions than you do. It doesn’t mean they are pretentious or shallow. It is all part of the diversity of the Mission. Enjoy and get off your soap box — we are all tired to tedious haters.
Why do you care so much about what I think?
it’s the ultimate place to shop when you first cook dinner for someone you just started dating. Or for some wine and crap for a dinner party. Other than that, yea…it’s a bit too pricey. But I can’t hate. They have great produce, a good selection of reasonably priced wines, and their employees seem genuinely happy.
there’s a couple of neighbor-haters in the comments, but they are fools. Things change, life isn’t perfect, it’s not all about you, DEAL WITH IT.
Bi-Rite single-handedly improved 18th St, Sam is to be praised, not whined at….
It’s ok, you can have your yuppie grocery store. Sorry we hurt your feelings.
18th St has filled with my tears….
Hey, if you can afford it, why not buy good food. Its not like you don’t have a choice—you can always go to Foods Co.
Rinse and repeat your way into a new s-class.
Awwww, Jim is upset that not everybody agrees with him; so he needs to toss out a few more insults to prove (at least to himself) that he is superior to everyone else. I hope you feel better now Jim.
C.R.E.A.M. -ery
I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side
Staying alive was no jive
At second hands, moms bounced on old men
So then we moved to Shaolin land
A young youth, yo rockin the gold tooth, ‘Lo goose
Only way, I begin to gee off was drug loot
And let’s start it like this son, rollin with this one
And that one, pullin out gats for fun
But it was just a dream for the teen, who was a fiend
Started smokin woolies at sixteen
And running up in gates, and doing hits for high stakes
Making my way on fire escapes
No question I would speed, for cracks and weed
The combination made my eyes bleed
No question I would flow off, and try to get the dough all
Sticking up white boys in ball courts
My life got no better, same damn ‘Lo sweater
Times is ruff and tuff like leather
Figured out I went the wrong route
So I got with a sick ass click and went all out
Catchin keys from across seas
Rollin in MPV’s, every week we made forty G’s
Yo nigga respect mine, or anger the tech nine
Ch-chick-POW! Move from the gate now
Bi-Rite is to SF as Dean & Deluca is to NYC. Been there, done that.
They charge 20x what a normal grocery store charges. Is it any wonder they make 20x the profit?
Don’t hate the game, hate the playah.
actually, it’s not that pricey if you know what to get. specialty beer is normal price, and their sashimi grade fish is actually cheaper than nijiya.