Bi-Rite is the Wu-Tang Clan of the Mission?

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)

(photo by le)

16 Responses to “Bi-Rite is the Wu-Tang Clan of the Mission?”

  1. anon says:

    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.

  2. jimbeam says:

    The ultimate proof that people will pay way too much to shop at a “cool” place.

    • SFDoggy says:

      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.

  3. M.A.C. says:

    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.

  4. chalkman says:

    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….

  5. 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

  6. fifi says:

    Bi-Rite is to SF as Dean & Deluca is to NYC. Been there, done that.

  7. MrEricSir says:

    They charge 20x what a normal grocery store charges. Is it any wonder they make 20x the profit?

  8. jayel says:

    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.