Owner Gary Cha was kind enough to give me a sneak preview of the new store - the only organic grocer east of the Anacostia River, and the first (of I hope at least a few) Yes! Organics on this side of town.
This market is noticeably larger than both the Capitol Hill and Brookland locations (although apparently similar to Georgia Ave store), and is much more spacious than I expected. Although not the same size as a Whole Foods, this store carries many of the same products and is remarkably comparable!
The first thing you encounter upon walking in is the produce: heaping bushels of peaches, heirloom tomatoes, kiwis, and avocados. It's shockingly awesome to see the colors and the freshness light up the displays.
Because Yes! Organic is committed to only serving fresh produce, it was the last to arrive and will not be completely stocked until just hours before tomorrow's grand opening.
You won't find Skippy on these shelves - the peanut butters are natural, and the bread comes in more colors than white. And check out the cheese selection!
I'm a huge fan of Naked brand juice, so this got me pretty stoked. They also have President Obama's favorite Honest Teas well stocked.
Like most grocery stores, this one carries more than just food - things like toiletries, paper goods, soaps and lotions. And yes, even great quality pet foods.
The refrigerated and freezer aisles are located towards the back of the store, and seriously people, this store has it all: soy milks (and almond, rice, cow, etc) galore, Ciao Bella sorbets and gelatos (and shelf upon shelf of other dairy treats), and tons of yogurt.
Tofurkey.
One of the coolest features of this market is the bulk foods section: flax seed, dried beans, dried fruit, lentils, rice, and even candy. I found owner-in-training Jodie making sure that each of the machines was properly working.
One of the key items missing east of the river is good quality snack food. There are a countless number of places to grab a bag of cheetos and a bottle of blue juice, but this adds something new: whole grains, gluten free options, and stuff that tastes good but is a few steps healthier.
Located at the foot of Pennsylvania Avenue's rise into Wards 7 & 8, the Fairlawn Yes! Organic Market will be a very welcome addition to the greater neighborhood. Grand Opening and ribbon cutting is scheduled for tomorrow, August 31, from 2:30-5:30PM. The store will have its first full day on Wednesday, September 1st.
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10 comments:
I loved your write-up... one small correction - the ribbon cutting is from 2:30-5:30pm. The time was changed about 2 weeks ago.
Is there underground parking in this building?
There is normally underground parking at the building however not for this event since the street (Prout Street) is shut down for this event. There will be no way to access the garage.
Thanks for the sneak peak before tomorrow's opening! I'm so psyched about this, but totally bummed that there won't be any garage parking tomorrow.
Can't wait! Healthy lunch here I come.
Love the photos (particularly the bananas), David!
This is awesome, my new place to shop!!!
Awesome! Thanks for the peek!
Now, if we can only get the word out so people will support it. I will spread the news at the local workout spots!
I am so excited that I don't have to get in my car to buy organic groceries!
http://anacostiayogi.blogspot.com/
while i live in virginia, i teach in an area near the yes organic market. i am so happy that my families will now have healthier choices closer to home. I also plan on patronizing this yes! to supplement snacks for my kiddos during the school day!
..but as a long-term resident of Anacostia, I can't even afford to shop there. It's quite expensive, much more than Giant.
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