Albertsons store adjusts to romaine shortage

BOISE, ID – In early December, with romaine unavailable in the wake of the E. coli outbreak, a new Albertsons location had to be creative with its abundant produce department space.

Alfonso Cano, director of produce and floral for Lucky Stores/Albertsons, said the new store on Broadway in downtown Boise filled the salad racks with fresh cranberries and asparagus, where there would normally be romaine.

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He said romaine supplies were tough to come by, but shoppers should not see empty racks. The store posted a message to consumers that romaine was temporarily unavailable.

This Albertsons location opened in late summer on the site of an older company store.

Cano said the emphasis is on the perimeter.

“This store is a game changer and the future of Albertsons,” he said.

He said the store’s strategy is to offer many fresh foods and consumer-friendly features such as a Starbucks, a full bar on the upper level and many prepared foods, like made-to-order sandwiches, sushi, pasta, pizza and buffet-style hot food.

He said it’s a favorite spot of people who work nearby, as well as students, especially from Boise State University, which surrounds the store.