Festival Foods — Local services in Chippewa Falls

My husband and I visited the new Festival Foods today, as we are happy to have a major grocery store closer to home.

It’s a small detail, but we loved that there was no curb outside of the store, which makes access to vehicles and the store easier.

It was pretty busy for 9:30am on a Saturday and with that many people the aisles were definitely crowded. The aisles are not very wide so this doesn’t help with the feeling of crowding.

Our favorite parts of the store were the amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables and herbs!!! We also really love the deli, fresh meat and seafood, and the bakery. They have great selections, and items that are hard to come by at other local grocery stores.

The other areas, I could take or leave. For instance, the Asian grocery section seemed to be lacking even some basics like our favorite udon noodles that we can get almost anywhere. The store is definitely smaller than the Eau Claire stores, so you might not find something if you want a particular brand— there are limited options. I think the beer and wine selection is actually better at the Lake Wissota Family Fare.

Prices on dry goods (aisled goods) are pretty much in line with the other smaller stores in the area.

Overall, I’m glad to have another option for local groceries, and Festival will probably be our regular go-to for produce and fruit, when the farmers market is not in season, as well as fresh fish and deli items...

This store, in my opinion, is annoyingly familiar. There is one big improvement, a couple of downgrades, and then pretty much everything else is exactly like the other stores. The great new thing that they have, is hot Chinese food- I will come here like once a week, specifically for that. There's also a popcorn bar, which, yay... I guess? Unfortunately popcorn bars don't typically do well in grocery stores and I don't see this one being any different. The two biggest downgrades for me are the fact that there is no Caribou Coffee in the store, though it looks like there could be the makings of one outside. The second downgrad is that they have shrunk the size of the deli- typically it's large, and round, and there's just a lot to choose from, at this store it's over in the corner (they did replace the arra with a rounded bakery department, which is cool, but it doesnt really look like there are any more offerings than the Eau Clair stores.

All in all, for the fuss being made about the 'new exciting store' I was underwhelmed....

I'm not sure who you're competitive with but your prices are not. I was just in your store last week and noticed $1 and $2 higher prices on many items that are much cheaper elsewhere.

You're even higher than The Family Fraud Store but at least your store is newer and your employees are nice, at least most of them are.

I would love to shop at your store because it is closer to home but I can't afford your prices. And not all people that enjoy a sweet are overweight. Your prices on candy are out of the question. Even 3 other stores are less expensive than your store on most items. I wish I could give you a better report card but produce is my favorite item and your produce is awful and by the time I get even near the meat section, the stinky smell of fish hits me. Seafood shouldn't stink...