Family Fare Supermarket — Local services in Bismarck

I used to give preference to Dan's Supermarket, but after the acquisition by SpartanNash it has lost itself. It really went downhill after the name change to Family Fare.

The prices increased after the name change. At first I blamed it on inflation. But then I realized what they really did and now I shop elsewhere when possible. Here's what happened:

Increased prices. Fake Price Drops. Look behind the tag, it's the same as the regular price. I've noticed they're removing some of the previous tags now. Take a photo of the price and compare next time. I couldn't believe it at first During checkout the regular (non-sale) price is used unless you use your Rewards card. It wasn't like this before the switch to Family Fare. Before if something was on sale, you got the sales price and that's it.

So what the price increases allowed them to do was put fake sales prices, make the sales price more difficult to get by requiring a rewards card, trick people into thinking the sales price was obtainable by just buying it (small print days "with rewards").

These tactics are to get you to pay more by tricking you into thinking you're paying less.

With that out of the way, here are some tips:

NEVER buy the manager's special seafood, such as salmon. We've gotten food poisoning on multiple occasions. Last time we threw it in the trash before cooking, it had a gooey film on it and smelled of bacteria. Disgusting. The navel oranges are often dry you're better off paying more for cara cara oranges. 3 for $5, what a deal /sarcasm The deli prices are almost as expensive as eating out now. Use the left entrance if you want a hand basket. They often don't redistribute them to the right entrance so you end up walking over there anyway The farthest self-checkout seems the most reliable. The other 2 carousel checkouts have issues with weight, scanning rewards card, and the printer. The belted self-checkouts scan items faster than the carousels. The self-checkouts scan way slower than the regular lanes. It's not always faster doing it yourself.

With all that being said, we are shopping more frequently at CashWise...

Family Fare offers a premium grocery shopping experience, though it comes with a price tag to match. For shoppers prioritizing freshness and a pleasant atmosphere, it’s a standout choice, but those on a strict budget will want to take note of the higher costs. The store's most commendable features are its fresh departments. The deli is truly excellent, boasting a wide array of high-quality meats, cheeses, and freshly prepared meals that make for a perfect lunch stop or an easy dinner solution. Steps away, the produce section is arguably the best in town. The fruits and vegetables are consistently fresh, vibrant, and well-stocked, offering a superior selection for those who value top-tier ingredients. Beyond the food, the shopping environment itself is a major plus. The store is impeccably clean and brightly lit throughout, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that makes navigating the aisles a pleasant task. However, this quality comes at a literal cost. Family Fare has the notable distinction of having the highest grocery prices in town. While the splurge may be justifiable for their stellar deli and produce offerings, the cost of everyday pantry staples can significantly inflate a grocery bill. This makes Family Fare a top-tier choice for specific items, but a potentially costly option for a full...

Where is truth in advertising? Where is standing behind your brand? Where is honesty? Certainly not with Dan’s Supermarket. Pepsi products are on ad from 8/3-8/9 at a rate of 4/$12. Digital ad ON THEIR WEBSITE updated daily and in thousands of print ads distributed IN STORE daily, as well as throughout the community. I purchase the required 4 items and it rings out at $13. Yes, it is only $1. But, how many thousands of customers are being fleeced by this misrepresentation? If I hadn’t pulled a calculator to decipher their irregular math discounts, I would have never caught the error.

I address the concern with Night Manager Tim and am informed that “there was an error in printing in the ad and there is a huge display explaining the mistake.” We walk to the display to see no signage, no advertised pricing, and he burrows through cases to find one small print sign encased in plastic to proudly hold it up and exclaim “see?” Yes Tim, I see. Hopefully all followers read this and will also “see” that they need to carefully inspect your receipts for inaccuracies in pricing. Perhaps we should also “see” about having Dan’s replaced with an...