by Elisa Baxt
In August 2014, ShopRite of Yardley opened on Big Oak Road, greatly enriching the Yardley food landscape! Now, one year later, the state-of-the-art supermarket continues to build an unparalleled customer experience.
Led by Owner and President Joseph Colalillo and under the supervision of Store Manager, Mike Jacob, ShopRite of Yardley is ever-growing, working with independent suppliers to find new and unique items for their customers. We're going on a culinary journey through some of ShopRite's most popular departments to explore how they're working to deliver excellence to the Yardley community:
Seafood
ShopRite of Yardley offers a new weekend seafood program, serving fish just as fresh as you can get it! The seafood flies directly to the store non-stop from Alaska or Hawaii. The selection is entirely dependant on what the fisherman bring home that week.
“We had incredible halibut last weekend but in two weeks it could be an entirely different variety of fish”, explained Colalillo. And for you lobster lovers, ShopRite of Yardley always has fresh lobsters available.
Produce
When it comes to produce, ShopRite of Yardley focuses on variety and freshness.
“Our company has been selling organic produce for 18 years already. Joe was one of the leaders in bringing in organically grown options based on the request of a neighbor at a dinner party years ago,” said Colalillo.
Also in stock seasonally is locally grown corn, nectarines, or even cauliflower. Their selection always includes tropical and citrus fruit as well as 8 to 10 different varieties of apples.
Meat
The company was founded by current owner Joe Colalillo's father, Joseph A. Colalillo, who actually began his career as a butcher; an immense amount of pride and skill goes into ShopRite of Yardley's Meat department. The store butcher can custom cut special orders. In addition, a variety of protiens are prepped for easy-cooking; check out their store-made kabobs or handmade bleu cheese burgers! All of the ground beef is made fresh, and a variety of store-made sausage is available.
“Sausage is very hot right now…you can do a lot with it and it’s a lot leaner than it used to be,” Colalillo told us. Certified Angus beef and organic beef are also available.
International Cheese
Now let’s talk dairy! ShopRite of Yardley has its very own “Cheese Lady” named Dawn Pope who works with suppliers to get in what’s new and seasonal. “We sent her to France to study, and she goes up to Vermont to make our own cheddar,” Colalillo revealed.
Fresh mozzarella is made right in the store several days eachw week. Dawn can make you a beautiful gift basket, or it you want to bring in your own tray, she’ll make you a stunning platter. To go with your cheese, Colalillo encourages you to try the ShopRite imported and specialty brand, which includes crackers, sauces, olive oil and salad dressing. “The brand is excellent,” she says, “Go for the ShopRite sspecialty and imported items.”
Dairy
If you’re more of a yogurt fan, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by ShopRite of Yardley's wide variety. Try Noosa’s Pumpkin Yoghurt and check out some of the other unique brands of fine yogurt that they now carry.
Bakery
And when it comes to cheese, the conversation typically leads to fresh bread, of which ShopRite of Yardley's bakery has a large fresh-baked variety. The bakery is also well-known for their specialty cakes, “Killer Brownies,” and donuts!
Frozen Food
The frozen food industry has really exploded over the past few years, and the ShopRite frozen food department reflects this trend by stocking a great variety of frozen items for special dietary needs. Check out their huge array of gluten free, vegetarian, single serve, and organic options. Don’t forget luxurios ice creams like Talanti Premium Gelato or specialty items like Yasso All Natural Greek Yogurt Bars.
ShopRite Kitchen
Beyond grocery items, ShopRite of Yardley also is well-known for their huge prepared foods department known as ShopRite Kitchen. Chefs Chris and Karen work diligently to study the latest food trends, and always offer healthy food options at the hot bar. The Deli recently introduced a few new varieties of deli meats and added a variety of store-made salads.
All of ShopRite of Yardley's departments take into consideration health-conscious or dietary restricted customers, and their on-staff registered dietician, Meghan Collins, RD provides free counseling, such as helping consumers educate themselves on understanding food labels. Look for her Dietician’s Selections and healthy recipe cards throughout the store. Free classes are also offered and special events are posted online and throughout the store.
Ultimately, though, ShopRite of Yardley's commitment extends beyond the food. As an active member of the community, led by Jeannie Collalilo who serves as the Director of Community Relations, they are involved in a variety of local events and organizations, including the upcoming Autumn Fest at Shady Brook Farm. Their stores are designed to meet the needs of the modern Bucks Countian, including a convenient ShopRite From Home option, offering all of their fresh foods delivered straight to locals' doorsteps.
Perhaps the most exciting news, though, is that ShopRite of Yardley continues to gain feedback from the community each and everyday in order to continue to enrich their products and services. They want to hear from you! Follow ShopRite of Yardley on Facebook to get all of the latest information and to interact with the store directly.
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