I’m a big fan of grocery stores. When I was growing up in Meridian, my mom would take my brother and me shopping on a regular basis.
Now, when I visit my mother in Tennessee, I am always eager to go shop with her at the Kroger, Fresh Market, or Whole Foods.
Grocery stores have evolved over the years and now offer more than just a place to grab groceries.
The supermarket is now an experience.
These days, if you want to go to the grocery store, you can grab a slice of pizza, fix a hot plate, craft your own salad, and even find a nice place to sit down and eat.
Corner Market on Hardy Street has recently revamped and now offers many of the amenities that I have seen in larger markets. Kudos to the Roberts Company for hopefully starting a trend here in the ‘Burg.
In fact, I wish more stores would offer things like freshly prepared sushi, assortments of cheeses from across the globe, and a build your own salad bar.
Hattiesburg is getting there.
One thing that I miss is free samples.Every now and then when I shop, I see people offering them, but it seems like such a rarity nowadays – except at the Sam’s Club.
Maybe there is a certain day they’re offered, but I am definitely missing them.
I guess I should shop at Sam's more often.
When I go down to the coast or Louisiana, I make sure to go visit a Rouses Market. Before the beer laws changed in Mississippi, I would always stop at the Rouse's in Slidell on my way back home from New Orleans.
My mind was blown when I was walking through the liquor section of the store and was offered free samples of the new flavored Bailey's Liqueur.
That's when I fell in love with Rouse's.
Like most people, I wish we had more options here at home.
And different liquor laws.
Just think.
Shopping for groceries would be a whole lot more fun.
Massengale is a native of Meridian and a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi.
