Regent Market Co-Op — Attraction in Madison

Having had good memories of their deli sandwiches from 5 or 6 years back, I stopped in on Saturday afternoon, May 10th, around 3 p.m. There was one worker in the deli, engrossed in whatever was playing through his earbuds. He appeared otherwise idle. No problem with that. When I asked if I could buy a sandwich, the only response was "No". (Please keep in mind that I'm a painfully courteous customer). When I asked when would be a good time to come back to get a sandwich, the answer was "Anytime but now". I asked why not now? The answer was "because of the large amounts of people coming into the store". I was the only customer in the store. Finally, I was at least able to get the deli man to grudgingly give me a selection list for available sandwich ingredients. On the way out, I stopped briefly at the main checkout counter. There was a clerk standing idly behind the counter, staring into space. This seemed odd, as there's almost always work to do in a grocery. When I asked if the manager was present, the response was "Are you the manager?" Ignoring this bizarre response, I was able to learn that the manager might be in the following Tuesday. Perhaps I have missed out on learning of some changes at the Regent Market. I'll be curious to learn why I was treated like that. I miss...

I didn’t realize how close I was living to a small local co-op, and was super excited to check this out. While I enjoyed the shopping experience, I was rather bummed that they don’t accept EBT. A bit frustrating for a grocer to support things like Porchlight and food pantries, while not enabling ALL people to patronize their store (i.e., by accepting EBT).

I honestly had no idea it wasn’t obligatory for a grocer to accept EBT - seems very inequitable that this isn’t the case. The program which enables me to spend EBT at the farmer’s market is wonderful, but I think I ought to be able to buy local the rest of the year as well.

I’m a student, and won’t be relying on EBT much longer, but I still think that it is important that ALL people (no matter financial ability) have the opportunity to buy from a variety of grocers. Of course, local producers can benefit from an expanded market as well. I don’t see much of a downside.

I want to reiterate that this was a really lovely grocery store, and I wish small stores like this one were more common in the U.S. Makes for a much better experience than, say, making your way through the hellscape that...

Small neighborhood co-op -- EXCELLENT fresh bratwurst!! We don't live near this area but we'd driven past a number of times and seen the signs and finally stopped in to buy a sampling of the brats and they are superb! Will be back soon for more. Not being members, we were once charged a 10% surcharge on purchases, but on a return visit, I was informed that membership in Willy's Street Co-op counted, so I'll be sure to tell them on future trips that we are Willy's members. (Too bad my initial experience didn't involve such a helpful staffer.) Still, a worthy place deserving of support. Limited selection, but quality. Parking...