Jewel-Osco

Not as cheap as meijer across the road but their fried chicken deserves two thumbs up!!!

Great deli selection, prices are cheap, service is friendly, but check out is fast. If I need it, I come in and grab it and it’s problem free.

Oh boy, this Jewel really irritates me. Not only does it have what seems to me to be a very small produce department, but quite often, the produce I buy here goes off in two days or less. Most recently, I was shocked to find the pre-​peeled garlic I bought was completely brown and off though three weeks from its expiration date (not to mention I opened the garlic the same day I bought it).
Jewel’s prices are almost always higher than Meijer’s, located across the street. While it may only be a few cents difference, those cents add up. True, their prices are lower than those of Blue Goose or Fresh Market, as another reviewer notes, but you also get what you pay for. The meat at those places, particularly Fresh Market, is far more varied and often organic or sustainably sourced. And don’t get me started on the bakeries — Jewel’s sugar-​high cakes could not ever compare to the wonderful treats at Fresh Market.
But what really irks me about this Jewel in particular is that there is ALWAYS someone — be it the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, or some other local organization — soliciting money outside the store. Usually, these people/​organizations are actually positioned at both doors, so you can’t avoid them. I don’t mind contributing to a worthy organization every once in awhile, but I do not appreciate being hit up for money each and every time I go to the grocery store. It is so annoying and unwelcome that I have actually started shopping elsewhere to avoid being asked for a contribution when all I really want to do is pick up an onion for that night’s dinner!

I like this place because a) it’s decently priced and b) it’s convenient. Maybe I’m partial to this location over the one on the east side of town because I remember coming here as a kid. My dad never fails to mention how I’d stare longingly at the display case of sweets in the bakery department until they presented me with a chocolate chip cookie as a gift… uggh, embarrassing. Anyway, the main reason I LOVE this place is because of that bake shop. I placed an order for a cake and they had it ready for me in 15 minutes flat. I expecting a mediocre one with the same pastel balloons that everyone else decorates with but received something completely above and beyond. I shall call Jewel tomorrow to see who the kind lady who made my amazing cake was, as she deserves a medal for best cake decorator/​customer service rep at Jewel EVER! Check out the pic :)