Smith’s Food & Drug Centers

This seemed like a nice enough grocery store. The store was clean and the staff was helpful although I didn’t find what I wanted — inexpensive bottled water in largish sizes without sippy cup tops and the latest edition of Albuquerque Monthly magazines. It seemed like a nice hometown-​style grocery store that you could get in and out of pretty quickly.

Seriously I’m excited about a grocery store! Smith’s recently remodeled this location and MAN is it awesome. There is a clear focus on organic and natural products and I love it. The lay out changed a bit and seemed hard to figure out at first, but a few more visits in I can’t seem to find things at other Smith’s locations.
The cheese and olive counter is huge! I think the cheese counter can compete with the like of WF at this point. They always have the trial sizes so you don’t have to commit to something you may not like. The olive bar has better coverage (for dust) that most bars. The folks behind the cheese counter are also very friendly.
There is an entire isle dedicated to organic/​natural foods so it’s easy to zip down and pick up what you need. The bread/​bakery section has also improved with the artisan breads you find at other Smith’s. They even have a «do it yourself» bread slicer for the nice loafs.
The only down side is that the parking lot can have pan handlers at times. The management is very responsive and knows it is an issue. I now see a security person posted at the door who is very friendly. I don’t usually have to go here at night so it doesn’t bother me that much, but it is something to be aware of.

I’ve written in to the corporate office to ask them to control trash in the parking lot,
cat food and bowls are all over the place since the ferrels are fed in the area, the entry floors are dirty, people come up to you begging for money, you are greeted by all this by the time you walk in the front door only to discover metal detectors cleverly hidden by a cardboard cover with «Welcome to Smith’s»

Why, oh why, is cleanliness such a challenge for some places?
This place isn’t the worst Smith’s that I’ve been to (Coors & Central) or the best (Golf Course & McMahon), but it’s good enough for a quick stop on the way home from work.
I really like the Simple Truth Organic store brand that Smith’s (Kroger) has introduced. Most options are very reasonably priced. I’d like a greater selection of organic fruits and vegetables at this location and the others. The only really strong place for organic produce is Whole Foods, in my opinion.
Some Smith’s delis have Boar’s Head brand meats and cheeses. This is not one of them.
My favorite is the sign next to the door that says «Welcome to your Albu uerqu Smith’s.» Classy…

kind of rundown in a 4^th street kind of way. however alot of remodeling is going on so we can only hope they get it right when they are done. Lots of sale items, inexpensive toilet paper and cheap liquor.
Just like most big chain grocery stores, however their bakery is top notch.
excellent donuts. as well as a very personable staff.