A new grocery store has opened just minutes away from the trendiest university in the state of Florida. You’re probably thinking, “Why would I go somewhere unfamiliar when ‘Frat Publix’ and Trader Joe’s are my go-to?” It’s clear that this grocer needs to bring something new to the table to compete with well-known and college-friendly area staples. Luckily (pun intended) Lucky’s Market has proven itself to be a unique and efficient way to shop while saving a few bucks along the way. And, oh yeah, did we mention you can get buzzed while you shop?
Here are 10 reasons why shopping locally at Lucky’s is just about the coolest, tastiest, and cost effective thing you can do right now.
1. Fresh Squeezed Juice
Love pulp? Hate pulp? Don’t care? The folks at Lucky’s will fresh squeeze your juice however you like. Their in-house juice bar holds vasts amounts of fresh ingredients to try like bananas, strawberries and oranges. Although drinking from a carton of Tropicana is refreshing, there’s nothing quite like freshly bottled juice to make you feel like you’re in a throwback Leave It to Beaver episode.
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
2. Local Vendors
Lucky’s prides themselves on their ability to offer many local food and drink choices. Since it’s a market that focuses heavily on the community, it’s no wonder that the products that fly off the shelves first are Gainesville favorites such as Margot’s Impeccable Pickles and Swamp Head Brewery’s very own Stumpknocker Pale Ale. Providing local favorites not only caters to the Gainesville customer, but it cuts out the middle man, making groceries more affordable.
3. Sip While You Shop
Probably the most unique aspect of Lucky’s is their “Sip While You Shop” experience. If you truly hate shopping, enhance your experience with some booze. All the troubles of shopping will disappear. Lucky’s “Sip While You Shop” method can make shopping a new social outing; call up your friends or significant other and convince them to join you by bribing them with $2 pints of local craft beer, wine and coffee. Grocery shopping will quickly become the greatest part of your week.
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
4. Made-to-Order, Custom Sushi Rolls
This ain’t no ready-made, fridge-smelling-up cylinder of seaweed. Instead, the chefs of Lucky’s Market delicately create each roll right before your eyes. The best part about it being made in front of you? You can choose whichever ingredients sound the best to you. This makes it much easier to avoid surrendering to a pack of sushi that has that one thing you truly despise but must eat because there are no other options in the case.
5. Peanut Butter
The dried peanut craze is not lost on the people of Lucky’s Market, who have created a section just for customers who fancy making their own butter. Grab an empty jar and start filling with options like almond and chocolate.
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
6. All Natural Household/Cosmetic Products
Whether it’s hypoallergenic soaps or trade-free essential oils, Lucky’s carries an array of eco-friendly cosmetics and toiletries. Even if you are not looking to buy beauty products, since all the delicious eatery items most likely will distract you, you can still test out the smells of soaps, oils, and candles as you are shopping. Lucky’s homemade products are sold weekly and brand favorites are always in stock so don’t worry about missing out on these awesome products.
7. Salad Bar
For a college kid to intentionally purchase a salad, it must be sold at the highest level of freshness. Lucky’s provides its customers with an array of different lettuce options such as kale, spinach and romaine, as well as dozens of toppings from fruits and vegetables to nuts that allow you to create a salad of your own liking. For those of us who have less interest in going through the salad making process, the salad bar also has prepared salad and pasta salad options for you to enjoy. The possibilities to fuel your New Year’s health kick are endless.
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
8. Made From Scratch
Don’t care for food that’s been sitting out? Neither do we. Whether it be the juice bar, cheese bar, salad bar, butcher counter, bakery, fresh dairy section, pizza bar, sushi bar or meat and seafood section, everything that comes from Lucky’s kitchen is made from scratch daily. Since many of us do not have time to create our own fresh meals, Lucky’s provides a better alternative than frozen microwave meals with its homemade options. Customers will always be able to find fresh products from knowledgeable employees who are truly passionate about fresh-tasting food.
9. Salt Water Taffy and Candy Bar
Nostalgic about the good old days when your mom would let you pick out candy while grocery shopping? Lucky’s has an entire section dedicated to barrels full of salt water taffy. In case you’ve forgotten the stickiness of this memory, it might be wise to pick up a toothbrush before you check out.
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
10. Community Outreach
Local vendors aren’t the only sector that Lucky’s cares about. Their participation in the community extends to local elementary schools and wellness centers, as well. It is well worth your time to shop at Lucky’s not only to stock your own cabinets with delectable goods, but to help give back to our community. Really, is there anything this store doesn’t do?
Address: 1459 NW 23 Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm