Good buys at Smart & Final

....was asked to move this from the Calif board, as S&F has locations in several western states and Mexico.(CA<AZ<NV<WA<OR<ID<MEXICO)

They started as restaurant supply stores, and have sucessfully reached out to the regular retail grocery market as well. Smaller than most warehouse stores, but set up that way, they offer a hybrid experience. They offer case and restaurant-sized packaging along with dairy, meats, breads, wines, and limited produce, plus staple foodstuffs. Restaurant tools and cleaning supplies, and a line of party paper goods and packaging round out their offerings.

Before Costco and TJ's 'came to town', S&F was the place to get a price break if you bought in quantity.

I've not visited them much lately, because of the above mentioned stores coming to my area, but now that the glow is staring to wear off TJ's, I've been pleasantly surprised at the great meat prices and with the breadth of the dairy offerings.

Do you shop at S&F? What are your favorite 'finds'?

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/cgi/post.cgi...