No matter your grocery store of preference or a new spot you’re exploring, Dallas has plenty of great options for shopping.
It’s no shock that there is fierce competition in the Dallas market, which boasts two dozen national, regional, and ethnic grocers. But some shops stand out above all others.
Berkley’s Market
Berkley’s Market is a stylish neighborhood restaurant featuring an excellent coffee bar, prepared foods, groceries, and beer & wine. It’s owned by entrepreneurs Zac Porter, Emily Ray-Porter, and Cullen Potts, all Oak Cliff residents with Uptown roots.
They don’t hesitate to be different than their neighbors and offer a wide selection of items, from toilet paper and gourmet crackers to fresh produce. Plus, they carry several Keto and gluten-free options like oat milk, cold-pressed juices, and meat alternatives.
Berkley’s Market took its name from the family’s first dog, a rescued Schnauzer mix. The owners decided to leave Austin-based Royal Blue Grocery and open Berkley’s Market in 2021 as an outlet for local customers and clients. Their efforts have paid off: two locations in Downtown Dallas at The Mercantile building and Arts District at Trammell Crow Center; they planned to open one on Knox Street in 2022.
Foxtrot Market
Foxtrot Market is a Chicago-based chain with two locations in Dallas. Established in 2013, they offer coffee, lunch, late-night food items, beer, and wine delivered within an hour.
TechCrunch reports that its strategy is to offer a bespoke retail experience coupled with cutting-edge e-commerce technology. Its stores showcase local and emerging brands and private-label products from national retailers.
Foxtrot stands out among many chains focusing on lower-margin versions of commodity items, investing instead in higher-end goods. For instance, it has invested in its line of alcoholic beverages and launched an Up & Comers program to discover local makers with potential for new product launches.
Private-label products have proven popular, and this success could inspire other specialty food stores to merge brands. This could be done through social media and leveraging an influencer network for each brand. This approach may appeal to younger consumers searching for inspiration on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Central Market
Central Market is a specialty grocery store that emphasizes fresh, local food. It’s owned by H-E-B, Texas’s largest privately held grocery chain.
The grocery store is renowned for its selection of high-quality produce and dairy and meat products. Still, it also carries an eclectic assortment of other items not often found at your neighborhood supermarket. For instance, it has a dedicated section for products that cannot be found elsewhere.
What sets Central Market apart is its dedication to customers’ experiences. Its employees, affectionately known as “Foodies,” are trained to help people explore all the market offers.
They achieve this by walking the store wearing smocks with buttons identifying them as “Foodies.” They provide one-on-one food education and assistance to shoppers, helping them locate products tailored to their individual needs and interests. It’s a refreshing change from traditional grocery store experiences, which tend to be more transactional than friendly.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market offers an expansive selection of natural, organic products for any DIY chef. Whether you’re searching for imported French butter or locally grown Texas produce, Whole Foods Market has something to satisfy everyone’s culinary needs.
Richardson also features a Snap Kitchen counter where customers can make tacos, pizzas, sushi, and other sandwiches. Other amenities include growler fills, an in-house cafe, and a wine bar offering 16 wines by the glass or bottle.
The chain is renowned for its impressive benefits package. Employees are eligible for an attractive 401K plan with company match and a 20% in-store discount. Furthermore, employees have one time per year to convert unused PTO hours into cash.
