Tesco USA Coming in November '07 "Fresh and Easy"
 

Though not exactly Dining, I thought I'd share this, as I'm sure there are enough of us out there that might like to know about it.

Tesco has been working on opening a segment in USA called Fresh and Easy. The units will be a unique convenience store with what sounds like some great ideas on being new and different.

Plans are to open the first six units on November 8, 2007 in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The location in Los Angeles is in a neighborhood called Glassell Park, just NW of Downtown Los Angeles. I haven't driven over to see the progress, but it looks like a great concept.

Details in the following links:

Fresh and Easy Grand Opening Press Info

Fresh and Easy Wikipedia Info (more background than company website offers)

Fresh and Easy Home Page

Sounds somewhat like Famima (or as they want you to spell it, Famima!!). I'll have to see if we get one in Pasadena (where we have two Famima!!s.)

The Economist had a really interesting article about this concept and how it might do in the United States.

To me, seems like a bit of a poor choice of name "Fresh and Easy"
Maybe it's just me though.

Thanks for posting, Robt760. I've been following Tesco's progress in the U.S. in the Financial Times.

I'm not sure why Tesco seems to think this is such a unique idea, but more power to them if they are able to compete against the local and regional "fresh and healthy" chains in convenience store-sized spaces. ^

The real question is: are they going to have a reward card and give airline miles as they do with BA in the UK?

Exactly-or better yet will we be able to get BA miles via the loyalty card?

Indeed, thanks for the tip. Entire text is on here http://economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9358986

It will be interesting to see how they do. Given the various descriptions of the store format, I wouldn't mind having one nearby, but for now that will only happen if they are wildly successful.

yes,
 

Great minds do think alike!

The stores have now opened. Anyone venture into one and take a look yet? I live in Seattle and don't expect one anytime soon but I am ok with that because I have 7 grocery stores within walking distance, one downstairs from me and a Trader Joe's across the street and two gas stations kitty corner from the apt.

Yes, there's a location within about 10 miles from where I live here in Los Angeles. It's the only location near Central LA and is in Glasell Park (South East of Glendale & NE or Downtown LA) Don't expect anything like you might find in a Tesco shop; the only items I've seen that are English are scones, British Style Uncured Bacon (quite stellar), biscuits/shortbread, and tea. Aside from those items, you'll find produce, meat/seafood, deli/cheese items that are pre-weighed and pre-packaged for convenience. There is a fair selection to RTE meal entrees and sandwiches, unique fresh bakery items, and a mix of common brand name staple/grocery items mixed with F&E Branded items that are competitively priced.

They've posted a You Tube clip, have a look:

Fresh & Easy Sneak Peek

I've gotten nothing but positive reviews on "Fresh & Easy" from my brother who lives in the L.A. region so far. He's overall pleased with the offerings and prices.

San Diego finally got a couple Fresh and Easy stores. You can tell it's UK-based by all the Indian fresh lunches/dinners available. It's like a cross between a Trader Joe's and a Rite Aid (with half the items their own private label and the other half stuff like Pringles, Chef Boyardee, etc)

There was parking for mothers with children and for hybrids. All registers are self checkout. I grabbed a few fresh lunches and a frozen pizza. All natural ingredients. All were great, especially the Thai green chicken curry. I'll go back for sure.

I don't think Trader Joe's has too much to worry about yet, as I don't really see people "getting" the concept of a no-frills store, but who knows...

I visited the one in Tempe, AZ. Personally, I didn't care for the Circle K feel/look of the store and did not buy anything there. I didn't truly look at the pricing, but for me, I'll stick with Trader Joes.

i'm a fan
 

I think their produce and prepared foods are better plus they give out tons of coupons ... funny, the locale in El Segundo also has a Trader Joe's across the parking lot ...