Marc Lutz

It’s easy to come up with my favorite story of the year, because it’s fresh on my mind. See what I did there?

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets started making its way north after the chain first set up shop in SoCal a couple years ago. They began expanding into the Fresno area last year, only to stop, leaving people wondering what happened. The company cited the economy as a hindrance to its explosive expansion.

When I came to Fresno in May of this year, I had never heard of Fresh & Easy. It sounded like something printed on the side of a can of Pilsbury biscuits.

Turns out, the chain specializes in healthy, convenient foods, and they intentionally keep their store sizes right around the 10,000 square feet range.

Whether the stores would open in this area began to be in doubt. It was like a mini business soap opera. I couldn’t stop watching. Would they or wouldn’t they?

Finally, yes, they would. The first shop opened in Lemoore just this month, but as curious as I am to check out this trendy new grocery experience, I’m not willing to drive to Lemoore to do so.

But I will walk.

In fact, one of the shops will be opening right near where I live in the Bullard and 1^st area.

While picking up some necessary supplies at Rite Aid (read dry roasted peanuts and a potato masher), I noticed the familiar pale green and yellow colors that Fresh & Easy stores are known for adorning a neighboring shop.

I checked F&E’s Web site to confirm the location. Sure enough, my new neighbor will be opening soon.

I just hope I haven’t set my expectations too high only to be let down like I am with over-hyped movies.

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