More regular updates can be found on Bluesky and the Message Board.
Kroger, Galax VA
From Galax VA, an early 1970s Kroger superstore prototype (like this one) which has been through a minimal renovation, where the lower section of its original arched canopy wasn’t removed when the center was given a new facade. The interior is the standard early 1990s red, white, and pink package that was applied to so many of these superstores, usually as their first remodeling ever.
Safeway, Federal Way WA
A 1972 Safeway prototype in Federal Way WA, courtesy of Tim Babcock. Several of these were apparently built in the area, but this is the only one with an intact exterior. It’s rumored to be closing soon.
Kwik-Chek/Winn-Dixie, Columbus GA
Thanks to Carlton Swift for this shot of a former Kwik-Chek/Winn-Dixie (and before that, King’s Market, with which I’m not familiar) in Columbus GA. It’s of perhaps my favorite vintage, the early 1950s, and it looks like it retained its original round pole sign dating back to the Kwik-Chek days.
This building was scheduled for demolition on Friday of this past week. Too bad. I’d like to have seen it in happier times.
Don’s Market, Southern California, 1972
The lovely Southern California store pictured above is where the Boyle family, of Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, shopped. This overhead shot was from 1972; I think it was taken from the third floor of a building across the street. I’m not sure of the exact location (the Boyles lived on Elm Street at the time) but I imagine it’s been torn down by now anyway.
Unless, of course, Jons took it over and simply replaced the “D” with a “J”, similar to what they’ve done with so many former Vons locations around Los Angeles.
Safeway, Somewhere in Virginia, Early 1950s
Two photos, grabbed long ago from some Virginia Tech website (I think) that show amazing early 1950s interiors from an Safeway store somewhere in Virginia. Actually, I’m betting the store itself dates from the 1940s. This pair really excites me.
Spencer’s, Morro Bay CA
Spencer’s in Morro Bay, California, snapped by Mark while he was visiting his parents this weekend. I can’t help thinking this used to be something else. Whatever it was, it looks pretty cool.
Lum’s and Publix
So how sexy is this postcard view of an old-style Publix next door to a Lum’s?
Mmmm. Ollieburger…
Opus Shops at Vons
After all these years, we finally know that Opus shops at Vons, thus placing Bloom County somewhere in Southern California. I’d always assumed it was in the midwest, but what do I know?
Safeway, 7th Avenue, San Francisco (1959-2007)
One of my favorite Safeway locations in San Francisco apparently closed last night. The small-scale Marina-type store on Seventh Avenue is to be torn down and replaced with a new “lifestyle” format store with rooftop parking.
This location opened in 1959, and was probably less than 12,000 square feet. The prototype was designed for smaller lots in residential areas and smaller towns that couldn’t support a full-sized store. It always amazed me how much stuff they managed to pack into the place, and how many customers it managed to accommodate.
It’s been rumored to be closing for several years, and the time has apparently come just shy of its fiftieth birthday. I’ll miss this one.
This is a video capture from a 1974 episode of “The Streets of San Francisco” featuring the location with its signs camouflaged:
A 1999 night shot of the exterior:
Interior photos, circa 2004:
Lowes to Compare
This isn’t really history-related, but my closest local Lowes Foods is closing and will be replaced by a Compare Foods branch soon. I’m a big fan of Lowes in general, but this was a rather creepy and uninviting location, and I think the new tenant may be a big improvement. It’s a pretty good deal for MDI as well; since they own Lowes and supply Compare, they get to keep making money off the location without actually having to operate it.
Anyhow, I just thought I’d throw in that bit of local color and flavor to give you a glimpse into the place yer humble host lives nowadays.