What’s Cookin’: Kress IGA, the New Downtown Supermarket

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As Seattlest reported last month, Kress IGA was expected to open in June, and that day has arrived. Downtown Seattle now has a supermarket!

We attended the ribbon-cutting earlier this week, and are pleased to report that the store offers lots of services and goodies. Most impressive was seeing the produce section immediately at the landing of the escalator or staircase descent from 3rd Ave; a display of asparagus at under a dollar per pound offered promise of good deals. We like that the store will stock baked goods, chocolate, cheese, flowers, pasta and more from local providers. One of our favorite finds: delicious breads and pastries from Boulangerie Nantaise.

We’re quite curious to see the public reaction to the store, and anticipate there will be lots of fine-tuning of what’s stocked. Given the upscale development in the area (e.g., The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences), we have a feeling the demand will be for higher quality products, particularly in the prepared food section. We heard consistent comments that the lo mein, lasagna, and lots of other items left a lot to be desired. The good news: Boar’s Head meats for sandwiches, and the opportunity to meet the market demands.

Daily, 7 a.m - 10 p.m. // Kress IGA Supermarket // 1423 Third Avenue

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By Jay in Food on June 18, 2008 10:00 AM

Comments [rss]

amelia26

Visited the new downtown Kress IGA Saturday 7/12/08 for some groceries. What a cool store! Great food, friendly staff and a really nice experience. I love the beautiful produce that greets you as you enter the store. It is almost like a painting ~ beautiful produce and fruit displayed like a European market. The manager (Jeremy S.) is fun and very friendly. A very nice addition to the downtown area.

Troy Morris

My cupboards are getting dry, I think I may christen this sucker this weekend too.

ruffhauser

As a downtown resident, I say "Bravo".

I hope it's worth the hype. I'll hope to breeze through on Saturday and check it out.

ballardian

I tried to go during my lunch hour and it was closed. Someone from the store came out and said there was a problem with the escalator and it would be about an hour before the store opened. At least 20 people kept waiting outside. I know it is exciting to have a grocery store downtown but not exciting enough to wait outside for an hour.