Metro Foodland

I appreciate having a clean, fresh grocery store on my way back and forth from work and home. Metro Foodland definitely is this store. Although I frequent Aldi’s and Sav-A-Lot’s for many items, sometimes I just need a traditional grocery store to pick up a more unique or name brand item. The selection in this store is pretty good and the meats and luncheon meats always look and smell fresh. The produce area also is clean and well arranged. This store also has pleasant customer service and ample parking. Overall, it is definitely a high quality grocery store; much better than many others I have frequented. It is also in an extremely accessible location which is definitely important for me!

This review is not simply based on the selection, freshness, and the other criteria that go into reviewing grocery stores (though it scores highly in all of those categories). This review is political, because spending money is political whether we are conscious of it or not. And when we rate things, we either encourage or discourage others to spend or not spend money at a given establishment, which is to say, to engage in a political act.
Having established the context of my review, I urge everyone, especially Detroiters, to make an effort – even if it isn’t the most convenient option for you – to spend your money at this particular grocery store. (N.B. I am not a financial stakeholder, I am simply moved to write this because I believe in this store and the man who runs it. I’ll tell you why).
Metro FoodLand has been a staple in the Grandmont/​Rosedale community for the last 27 years. It has weathered many storms that forced or induced other store owners to leave the city and the people they once served there for «greener pastures,» easier sales, and convenience. The store’s owner, James Hook, has stayed though, because he believes in the store, which has always been family owned and operated, and he believes in the importance of providing safe, fresh, and affordable produce and supplies to his community. His grocery store also happens to be the only remaining Black-​owned and operated grocery store in the city of Detroit which is, of course, predominately Black. If this isn’t shocking to you, it should be.
When you listen to politicians give their stump speeches, they often blow the horns of small businesses and job creators. James Hook is an incredibly upstanding, respectable, and generous man who runs a small business (Metro FoodLand) and employs people in his community. Nevertheless, it has recently become clear that the city of Detroit has made an agreement involving millions of public, taxpayer dollars (tax credits and breaks), to bring in a new Meijer store, which, though cheaper, has no incentive to keep the money circulating in the community, or employing local residents. And guess where that Meijer is going? You guessed it – right next to Mr. Hook’s 27-​year-​old, independent grocery store. Times are already tough for Mr. Hook, but he hasn’t given up, and a growing coalition is dedicated to making sure he survives this storm.
The result is the Metro FoodLand Loyalty Appreciation Campaign 27. Mr. Hook has been dedicated to Detroit and his community for the last 27 years. As a sign of appreciation, we (a collection of organizations and individuals based in the City and involved in the politics and creation of food) urge you make an Appreciation Pledge to shop at Metro Foodland 27 times this year, spend at least $ 27 and bring in 27 new customers to make the pledge!
Today is a special day in the initiative, as it marks the 27^th day of its own launching. On day 1, I spent $ 43 at Mr. Hook’s store and I intend to go back soon, even though I live on the opposite side of town. And to all of the yuppies and foodies out there, worried about selection, let it be known that my purchase included organic teas and juices, fresh produce, and some Kashi cereal. That’s right – he’s got your stuff too. So please do come out and support this business and understand that, though it can be difficult to feel or remember at times, we are all connected, and when one individual suffers injustice, we all suffer, sooner or later.
To be in a special prize drawing (TODAY, February 9^th), register your Metro Foodland Grocery receipts and sign the pledge from 9am –11 am & 5pm-​7pm at these 2 locations:
Metro Foodland 18 551 Grand River
Northwest Activity Center 18 100 Meyers @ Curtis
For more information, contact Lila Cabbil,
or 313.861−8467

I must say, considering today (Thanksgiving Eve 2009) was my first visit to this store, I was not especially impressed or disappointed with Metro Foodland. However, I did have a pretty decent experience in here, and I would consider returning to this store. Only next time, I will return on a less stressful day.
I was actually heading for a different grocery store, but I was traveling east on Schoolcraft, and found myself behind a car turning left on Artesian. So, I decided to follow suit and turn left at Artesian, as well. Then, I realized I was in Rosedale Park, and Metro Foodland was nearby. So, I made the right on Fenkell, the left into Grandland Shopping Center, and parked alongside the store. Thus, I am at my first point: this store could use more parking spaces, especially considering Fish Express (see my review for them) sits on the outlot of the center and other businesses in the plaza must compete for a very limited number of spaces. However, I did find a space, though tight, rather close to the entrance.
Speaking of the entrance, it was about the most spacious part of the store! Most of the aisles are rather narrow inside, and it was difficult for me to pass other pople in the aisles while carrying my shopping basket (and I’m a rather thin man). At every turn, it seemed I was running into other shoppers, and with many blind corners in the store, it is a wonder I didn’t literally bump into people. Also, unlike most grocery stores, you walk in by the bread and dairy, and the produce and deli are on the opposite side of the store (the opposite arrangement of most grocery stores). This also seemed to make the store a bit more confusing.
Now, I will say this as far as the merchandise goes: the store is well-​stocked, and there seems to be quite a variety of merchandise. However, for many items, the pricing leaves something to be desired. But, there are quite a few good deals to be had in there, as well. This would not be a bad place to stop if you are in the area, in a hurry and need to gather a few items.

With not that many options in the city for grocery shopping this independently owned and operated grocery store stands as a beacon of light, keeping hope alive. Could you imagine what the citizens that live in the city have to face every time they make a decision on where to buy groceries for their families. Do I drive to Southfield or Gross Pointe?
I would prefer a 10 minute drive over a 30 minute drive and Metro Foodland offers that. This is a great neighborhood grocery store. The prices are slightly higher but in the city they have to be. The store is always stocked and carries healthier alternatives like Soy milk and organic eats.
They do keep a steady crowd but these are repeat customers. Shop here and you’ll be repeating too!