Today's post is mostly for mood, atmosphere, and visual appeal. That is what you get when you enter Bestway on Walker Avenue. The above photo was taken at the exit door, looking over to the produce section at the right of the store. Pumpkins line the front half of the store and, as you can see, there are many varieties. Just behind the photographer is the well, famous, seemingly-endless wall of beer and unique sodas.
In 1980, Greensboro had six Bestway stores and was second only to Charlotte with respect to population in the state. The Walker Avenue Bestway is in a building that was constructed in 1947 as an old A&P grocery store. In the 1980s, grocery shopping habits of Greensboro were changing. Raleigh overtook us as the second most populous city.
In 1982, the Lawndale Avenue Bi-Rite became the first Fresh Market. In 1985, Bestway field for bankruptcy. By the late 1980s, Harris Teeter was rising in prominence. With openings, closings, and swaps of grocery store companies, Greensboro followed national trends of consumers wanting bigger stores (a la Harris Teeter) and upscale stores (a la Fresh Market). Today, smaller, local stores with a neighborhood feel with a bit of quirkiness and "must have" seasonal foods are popular. The Lindley Park Bestway is, indeed, a neighborhood institution. Bestway has also opened a second location in Spartan Village on UNCG's campus. Before we know it, Greensboro could be back to having half a dozen or so Bestway stores. In the meantime, stop in for a small batch soda and a greenish-blue, white, or bumpy pumpkin.
*Reference and great article on Greensboro groceriteria, here.
A suitable shot for fall!
Posted by: William Kendall | Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10:58 AM