Graul's Market Annapolis — Local services in Annapolis

An okay grocery store that I would only go to if I absolutely had to.

The prices are anywhere from steep to outrageous. I have seen items that can be bought else where for about 3-5 dollars being sold for 7. It is very pricey.

I usually handle the shopping but one night my wife shopped here she really enjoyed herself. The customer service is good, she likes the "Mom and Pop" feel. However she was enjoying herself and wasn't keeping track of the prices due to the items being the usual stuff we get. When she checked out she couldn't believe the total. She called me on the way home and was so upset I had to talk her out of taking everything back.

That was the last time we shopped at Graul's for a regular sized grocery trip.

My wife and I have gotten food from the deli for dinner before and it has been hit or miss. One time it was great, the next time the chicken was dry and the potatoes in the potato salad were under cooked, everything had something wrong with it.

That was the last time we got dinner on the go from Graul's.

Yesterday the wife and I needed some fruit and the most convenient place was this Graul's. I paid 4 dollars for two pears. Also some apples that were "local" that ended up being about 4 dollars for a few small ones that turned out to be pretty sour and flavorless. Also I wouldn't exactly consider Pennsylvania local to be honest but that's just me. Especially when right down the road there is a produce stand offering delicious apples for cheaper from local farms in Maryland.

The total wasn't much but too much for what we bought especially since the quality is lacking.

So that will be the last time we go to...

You couldn't pay me to go back to this particular store. I don't like being screwed. Here's what happened. I wanted some nice 8 oz fillet mignons but what was on the counter were only about 5-6 ounces. I asked the butcher if some large pieces could be cut and he said sure. I got the $26+ package back to our boat and a couple of days later, after opening a nice bottle of wine for the treat I opened the package. Under the label, and bad side down, I found scrap meat cut from the large end of the tenderloin, untrimmed of a large ugly piece of gristle. It was the kind of cut I would never accept at a restaurant. Disgusted and unable to return across the Bay to return it immediately (we live on a boat), I put the scraps back in the package, label and bad sides showing, froze the mess and waited until I could get back, today. I made a call to the store asking about their return policy, explained what the problem was and was told cheerfully to return it for a refund. Fine, I drove back across the bridge. Then a thin and pinch faced manager asked what I was there for. I handed him the package and explained. He took a look at it and told me it wasn't gristle, he said it was "flavoring". I told him it was no such thing, he asked for the name of the person I'd talked to (of course I had no reason to know) and proceeded to give me more hassle. This "manager" wouldn't back his product, this "manager" (owner???) wouldn't stand behind his employee and I left the package in his hands, damned him, and walked after promising never to return. I have written this with as much restraint as I'm capable...

I like to roast turkey beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, so I called my local grocery chain and asked if they had any frozen turkeys; they didn't. I called a few other chains close to where I live (on Kent Island) and no one had turkeys. I even called a very large chain in Annapolis, and they, too, didn't have any turkeys. I used to live in Annapolis and Graul's was my go-to grocery, so I called Graul's on Taylor Avenue . I was immediately connected to the meat department and a live person greeted me (yes, a real person! I was not placed on hold only to get lost in the cosmos of the automated telephone system, like other grocery stores!). The staff member told me "yes, they have frozen turkeys". He was very friendly and helpful and proceeded to tell me the cost per pound, the brands they had available and asked me what size turkey I wanted and when I was planning to pickup. When I arrived about an hour later, he greeted me and wrapped my turkey in an extra plastic bag (and while I was there he and another staff member even gave me some cooking tips!). Honestly, it was just the most pleasant grocery shopping experience! Next time I am just calling Graul's first and saving my time! love Graul's and it will continue to be my...