Pacemaker Foods Countryside Market — Local services in Poplar Grove Township

This was the first time me & my kids went to this location, simply because we used to go to the location in Belvidere until it closed. Back then, it was only maybe a once a month stop, because they did not have good prices on a lot of things (although they did have some unique items that you could not get at any other grocery store in the Rockford area), along with the fact that you had to do your due diligence when looking at expiration/best buy dates (with a lot of stuff in the discount section because of it). In any case, I was somewhat surprised to find that this store was really no different than the one we used to shop at: Decently stocked, clean, & expensive (we did not buy anything fresh, only pre-packaged items). But hardly anyone was in the place, plus there was maybe 3 visible employees in the whole store (and they weren't very enthusiastic when engaging with them). I have a feeling that the people at Candlewick across the street doesn't do much business there, and that it is a "last resort" type of place anyone probably goes to. I shop regularly at 4 stores in the Rockford area, but unfortunately, it will not be more than a once a year thing for this place (if they are still around...

Update- officially done with this store. I have accepted their astronomical prices, I have accepted they sell EXTREMELY expired food. But to drive 30 minutes planning to buy over 50 pounds of sale meat, find none on shelf at 8am and then ask cashier if anyone in department at moment, she says yes, there are 2 here but you need to come back later....even after I told her its a 1 hour round trip and there were 2 people there she just couldn't bother to ask! Yep, I'm done.

Wow. Needed milk, foil turkey pan, Powerade 8 pack and potatoes. Got potatoes home and 5# bag weighted 3.7#, never got milk as expired in 2 days and foil pans were $9.09!!!!!! Powerade was $2.00 more than ANY store. Shortening almost $10?!?!?!!? Went to Dollar General down street and my pan was $3.50, milk expired 10 days later and they now have produce. Never going back....

2022 update- I’m still grateful to have this store for the convenience; however, it has changed. The deli prices are through the roof! Along with everything else there. Unfortunately, we no longer shop there as often as we used to.

We just love having this small grocery store so close to home. Yes, you may pay a little more for some items, but there are some caveats. Get the gas card. You can rack up discounts quickly. Also, the meat here is stellar. Not only is the quality near many butcher shops, but you can catch some great sales. You can also find very good bargains on Boars Head deli products. Also in the deli, be sure to check out the fresh made tamales when they have them. They’re out...