El Boletón

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 5/17/2013

THE FINAL “CURTAIN” FOR THIS YEARS MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS . .

… came down with a “bang”. PUEBLO lowered their special price for Pernil Trasero from $1.19 lb. to $0.85 lb. RALPH’S came out of the weeds with Pernil Delantero at 79 lb. attempting to “stick it to” ECONO with their lowered price from 88 lb. to 85 lb. The BIGGEST JOKE came from WALMIGO with a special price on Friday … Pernil Delantero 85 lb. Why is it a joke? WALMIGO had been running a TV commercial indicating that they would no longer participate in the “SPECIALS GAME”. This is kind of dumb because WALMIGO honors everyone’s specials and their declaration about not running specials lasted for 48 hours. Is it any wonder why a lot of people are speculating that the WALMIGO “Scheme Team” has a problem of not knowing what each hand is doing. Maybe the BUBBAS in Bentonville don’t know what the Bo Bo ‘s in “PuertoRicoville” are doing.

IT WAS PUEBLO & SUPERMAX ON WEDNESDAY WITH SHOPPERS

SUPERMAX does U.S. Choice Chuck & California steaks on the cover page at $1.97 lb. However, Chuck T Bones and Stew Beef on the interior page of the Shopper do not carry the U.S. Choice seal. How can you have Chuck & California steaks labeled as U.S. Choice and have Chuck T Bones and Stew beef labeled as U.S.? That’s a (DUH) for whoever “goofed” the ad copy. SUPERMAX also advertises boneless Country style Costillas and Masitas at $2.37 lb., which might be an attempt to liquidate an inventory of fresh Pernil Trasero. Those two cuts compete with the cover page special of Chuletas Corte De Centro Sin Hueso. PUEBLO does their Signature steak special N.Y. Strip Loin steaks at $2.99 lb. They merchandise Pernil Delantero (Costillas De Cerdo Country Style) at $1.19 lb. and Masitas De Cerdo Sin Hueso at $1.49 lb. PUEBLO shows signs of MEATABILITY by correctly identifying the veal shoulder chops at $2.69 lb.

ECONO IS INTO U.S. CHOICE CHUCK STEAKS ON THURSDAY …

… at $1.98 lb. with U.S. Choice California steaks at $2.98 lb. which gives SUPERMAX bragging rights on how to price Chucks with their U.S. Choice  California steaks at $1.97 lb. It’s not very often that ECONO gets a kick in the butt from a competitor but SUPERMAX beat them up BIG TIME. Apparently ECONO liquidated all of their Pernil since there are no pernil cuts on special. It looks like SELECTOS, Mr. SPECIAL and RALPH’s got stuck with an inventory of Pernil Trasero (SELECTOS) and Pernil Delantero  (MR. SPECIAL / RALPH’S) since they continue to advertise last weeks fresh pork specials. Did some supermarkets “over dose” on their purchases of fresh Pernil Delantero/Trasero?  SELECTOS has a HOT special price ($0.89 lb.) Chuletas Corte De Punta and are into U.S. Choice beef cuts from the round. But they are tempting “fate” by advertising Prev. Cong. Caderas De Pollo on the cover page of their Shopper. The local Agriculture Department might begin to enforce the Regulation about the use of Previously Frozen Poultry products. The UGLY HEAD of local chicken interests that are no longer in business is beginning to surface once again. Watch out for costly multas and aggressive government action. PLAZA LOIZA does a half of a smoked pork loin at $1.98 lb. How many people are going to buy a half of a smoked pork loin? And Ferdysac has a secret that will be revealed when PLAZA LOIZA opens their newly acquired El Norte store.

Paul Knapp … Tel 787 640 2694 . . EM knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

La Voz de MIDA Article by Paul Knapp (English version)

FOOD SAFETY AWARENESS

Elevating an awareness of food safety in perishable food categories in supermarkets and cash & carry’s is a challenging issue and is often overlooked in the extremely competitive market place environment. THE FOOD SAFETY CHAIN is maintained by regulatory agencies from the points of origin, processing and transport. However, when the products of the three primary perishable categories (meat, produce, dairy) arrive in Puerto Rico, the FOOD SAFETY CHAIN has a potential of being neutralized because of ineffective, inconsistent sanitation and food handling procedures, which are the priorities toward preventing consumer illnesses and revenue losses. Reports of food borne illnesses in Puerto Rico are virtually non existent, which may be attributed to the fact that, “we don’t know what we don’t know of incidents of illnesses that should have been reported but haven’t been”. There is also a potential desire of many food outlets to increase revenue and profits, leading to a reduction of quality controls that ensure safe foods, relying on “lip service” and “cosmetics” to circumvent their responsibilities.

Government Intervention  … In almost all regulatory agencies the creation and enforcement of required safe food handling practices are based on common sense and a knowledge of food processing procedures. However, in 1997, the Puerto Rico Department of Health mandated that all meat grinding machines used to produce ground meat, be removed from fresh meat coolers where temperature levels are maintained at a consistent temperature between 33 and 38 degrees, 24/7 and placed in meat processing areas, where temperature levels often average between 60 and 70 degrees, which is one of the reasons that many supermarkets install ”Fly Traps” on meat processing walls. Flys are a source of contamination. Why this illogical and questionable regulation has remained in effect for the past 16 years demonstrates the role of nefarious government bureaucracy and biological misconceptions.

Dairy Category … The primary Food Safety mechanisms and controls of dairy products are correct temperature levels and a consistent checking of expiration dates indicated as USE BY or SELL BY that are imprinted on dairy packages. All master egg cartons that contain 30 dozen eggs have KEEP REFRIGERATED in large letters imprinted on all sides of the master cartons. There is a tendency in some food outlets to store the egg cartons in non refrigerated areas which leads to a more rapid deterioration of egg quality resulting in a decrease in shelf life and the potential for a food borne illness.

Meat Category … All meat products delivered to supermarkets and cash & carry’s in Puerto Rico are U.S.D.A. Inspected. Meat and poultry have been the most notorious causes of food borne illnesses, deaths and recalls despite the protocols of the FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service ), Microbes, E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria have become common knowledge terms associated with food contamination. Currently, there is a level of consumer awareness of potential meat contamination which has resulted in a lack of confidence in the Meat Food Safety Chain. There are more than a few practices and procedures in Puerto Rico supermarkets that challenge food safety standards. Meat departments with service counters are often exposed to a store environment and temperature levels due to the lack of a barrier over meat service counters.  This not only exposes the meat processing area to potential contamination, but increases the cost of energy to maintain a minimal level of refrigerated air in the processing areas which in most cases is inadequate. And then there is the traditional, archaic and costly practice of buying carcass beef on the hook (Carne en el Gancho), often delivered without any coverings (shrouds/plastic) on delivery vehicles that are often not sanitary and with temperature levels above 45 degrees. When meat carcasses are loaded on trucks at U.S.D.A. Inspected plants the role of the U.S.D.A. is no longer in effect. Hanging beef not only has a potential of contaminating all other meat products, but the shrink factor (merma) is significant as well as the labor cost of processing hanging beef which has become a lost art resulting in more than excessive shrink with muscle meat remaining on bones that end up in trash.

Focus On Produce … Fresh fruits and vegetables are probably the mostunregulated of the three perishable food categories. They are also becoming a very serious food safety concern due to the lack of regulations and unsanitary processing and handling at store levels. All produce racks containing non packaged fruits and vegetables are exposed to store environments, temperature levels and the “pawing” of customers during the selection process. How many pieces of fruit (apples, oranges, mangoes, grapes, and other soft and pliable varieties of fruit) are touched each and every day by customers with potentially bacterial or virus contaminated hands? Remember fruits are eaten raw, not cooked, so the potential for contamination is extreme. Root vegetables are a favorite Puerto Rico food which are openly displayed often with surface segments of dirt particles which might easily be contaminated with E coli if the vegetables were harvested in an area of cattle production or fertilized with cow manure. Many produce processing areas are not maintained at adequate refrigeration levels and the processing stations are not maintained at the levels of meat processing areas. There is more than a dangerous potential for food borne illness in produce departments with the processing of damaged and over ripe fruits that are processed into fruit cups and displayed in plastic containers at “Fruit Bars”. Cantaloupes for example are non acidic and readily support the growth of pathogens once they are sliced open. Unprecedented Listeria outbreaks have recently plagued the produce industry. Processing damaged or over ripe fruits into convenient consumer sized containers is a practice that should be avoided. There are new and more sanitary Fruit Bar products available, many of which are processed under the most extreme food safety standards.

It’ Time To Get With It … Effective, consistent sanitation and food handling are the priorities toward improving FOOD SAFETY standards ensuring the biological integrity of the FOOD SAFETY CHAIN.

Paul Knapp

Pablog Meatabilty

EM … knapppita@gmail.com / Blog … http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 5/10/2013

D I S C O M B O B  U  L  A T I O N

PERNIL  TRASERO  FRESCO SUPER PLAZA $0.79  SUPERMAX $0.89  PUEBLO $1.19  SELECTOS $1.39

Has there ever been such a large variation of a special price for a primary meat special?SUPER/MAX did 89 lb. last week as a cover page special valid for two weeks. SUPER PLAZA has their 79 lb. Pernil Trasero valid for four days. PUEBLO “wisely” advertised their $1.19 lb. Pernil Trasero on an interior page of their Shopper but SELECTOS fully aware of the 89 lb.  SUPER/MAX special price elected to advertise their Pernil Trasero as a cover page special in their Shopper at $1.39 lb. which doesn’t enhance their price image especially since their main competitor ECONO did an original special price for Pernil Delantero at 88 lb. and lowered the price to 85 lb. for Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as lowering the prices on Coca Cola from 75 to 68, ECONO Rice from 98 to 78 and throwing in another Badda Boom … Papas Para Cocinar 5 X $5.00. These specials along with a full page of “Spirits” from V Suarez, PR Supplies and B. Fernandez were published in EL NUEVO DIA in addition to the regular ECONO Shopper. ECONO is obviously going for the WALMIGO Jugular since WALMIGO will no longer “play” the specials games. (DUH). ECONO plans these specials well in advance and plan they do … better than anyone else. That’s why they are NUMERO UNO and remain in that position until wannabe competitors wake up and attempt to plan in advance without relying on special deals from local suppliers. WALMIGOS “SORRY ASSED” eight page NO SPECIALS Shopper prices Pavos at $1.38 lb. (ECONO 88 lb.) WALMIGO Coca Cola 89 cents (ECONO Coca Cola 68 cents). Guess who is “gonna” win the $$$ of consumers? And then we have MR. SPECIAL and PLAZA LOIZA with fresh Pernil Delantero at 85 lb. and did ya’ll see the 49 lb. Pernil Delantero Fresco from FAM COOP? It’s valid with a purchase of $100.00. They are a 34 chain of stores (In Case You Didn’t Know).  It would be interesting to learn what their average sales per customer is and how that influences the sale of Pernil. SOOOOO who did it best for Mama? ECONO once again is the winner followed by SUPER/MAX. SUPER PLAZA will “appropriate” all of the business from WALMIGO in Guayama with their 79 Pernil Trasero.

WILLIE NELSON CELEBRATED HIS 80^TH BIRTHDAY ON APRIL 30

To honor this Country Music Legend and to commemorate the event, we searched the archives for some little known song titles and lyrics for your enjoyment. How about . . “POUR ME ANOTHER TEQUILA SHEILA & TAKE OFF THAT RED SATIN DRESS” or “DROP KICK ME JESUS THROUGH THE GOAL POSTS OF LIFE” and “ I LEFT AT 2 WITH A 10 AND WOKE UP AT 10 WITH A 2” … more … “MARIE LAVAUX LIVED IN THE SWAMP IN A HOLLOW LOG WITH A ONE EYED SNAKE AND A THREE LEGGED DOG”. And last but not least, “IF DRINKIN’ DON’T KILL ME (HER MEMORY WILL)” Country music is about “cheaten”, “drinken”, it’s both sad and glad but it tells it like it is.

THE BLAME GAME … WHY THINGS “DON’T” HAPPEN

It’s the economy . . It’s other people fault . . Can’t see the forest . . Can’t see the trees . . Denying ones limitations . . Avoiding priorities . . Wasting time . .  Self entitled (arrogant) . . Insecurity . . Decision making paranoia . .  Grassy Ass Peachy “P”

Paul Knapp . . Tel . . 787 640 2694 . . EM . . knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 5/3/2013

SUPER/MAX DOES BADDA BOOM …

… on Wednesday with a Shopper titled, “ Celebra Al Maximo Con Mami”, with a special price for fresh Pernil Trasero at 89 lb. Yoo Joo that’s Pernil Trasero, not Pernil Delantero. Some people wonder how SUPER/MAX can do such a low price, well below cost. Very easy … they merchandise the Trasero as halves at 99 lb. and fabricate Ham Steaks and Masitas at $1.67 lb. That’s not the whole deal. Twelve of the other meat specials except for the Filete De Res do not carry a potential for MERMA. On Thursday, SUPER/MAX solidifies and enhances its MARKET IMAGE publishing four full color page ads along with one half page color ad and a half page black and white ad all devoted to MAMA. PUEBLO also did a Shopper on Wednesday which was not Mami oriented, possibly waiting until next Wednesday to join the “fun and games” of pricing Pernil Delantero. AMIGO opted out of the loop on Wednesday.

ECONO 88 LB. / SELECTOS 95 LB.

That is not a significant price spread and it doesn’t come close to the Pernil special price of SUPER/MAX but ECONO & SELECTO did special prices for Pernil Delantero while PUEBLO, PLAZA LOIZA and AMIGO apparently had another strategy. PLAZA LOIZA does its usual “FISHY” Shopper with no Pernil but with a great cover page price point Colita de Langosta at $6.99 lb. with a text about Mama and Paellas. That’s another way of disconnecting the Shackles Of Tradition … but without Pernil it ain’t Mother’s Day. And does anyone have a clue to what the hell the four page WALMIGO ad is all about? It says something about new low prices and is valid from May 2 to May 6. Is WALMIGO on a path to “self destruction”? Their stores lack variety and merchandise and there is no support by way of a consistent marketing plan. Prior to WAL-MART’s purchase, AMIGO was one of the better supermarket companies in Puerto Rico. Now it’s a JOKE. The Pernil thing might not be over and since business is so slow this week, someone might go KAMIKAZE to generate sales and get customers in a buying mood for Mami. STAY TUNED.

USDA-FSIS REGULATION … 2013

The USDA-FSIS has published this year’s dollar amount limitations for retailers. Meat and meat food products can be sold to restaurants and other HRI establishments in the amount of $69,000.00. Poultry products can be sold to institutions at the level of $54,500.00. Sales above these limitations will require retail stores to apply for Federal Inspection Services.  The following link: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPED/rdad/FRPubs/2013-0013.pdf … contains WEB Sites and other sources of information.

BOAR’S HEAD & VIVAFRESH …

… have something in common … it’s called QUALITY. BOAR’S HEAD has just opened yet another “Real/Deal Deli” in the SUPER/MAX store in Ponce. SUPER/MAX is now the most prominent supermarket with a quality image in many of their stores. VIVAFRESH is not resting on its laurels after being awarded their prestigious trophy last week. Jose Mulero is on the go with constant upgrades in processing procedures that are above and beyond any other food perishable processing operation. Both BOAR’S HEAD and VIVAFRESH are all about “organoleptics”. Taste a BOAR’S HEAD Premium ham and enjoy the difference compared to the 35% “junk” that is a part of sandwich ham sold in most supermarkets. Taste the difference of VIVAFRESH compared to the salvaged damaged fruits that end up in many supermarket “fruit bars”. Hey … give Mami a real treat … buy some BOAR’S HEAD and VIVAFRESH products for the Mami’s who deserve the very best.

Paul Knapp . . Tel . . 787 640 2694 . . EM . . knapppita@gmail.com BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 4/20/2013

WEDNESDAY BELONGED TO PUEBLO …

… with the only Shopper in town with TO RICOS Chicken Breasts at $1.29 lb. (A Sensible Price) and Chuletas Corte De Punta at 99 lb. on the interior page of the Shopper. SUPER/MAX did their usual second week specials with one black & white page and AMIGO “Didn’t Do Nuttin”. PUEBLO also did a full color page on Thursday celebrating the Las Justas event in Ponce, with all kinds of liquid refreshments including Coca Cola at 92 cents.

THINGS HEAT UP ON THURSDAY …

… with ECONO and SELECTOS doing their  usual color Shoppers. ECONO does Chipichapi Churrascos at $ 2.48 lb. and “Veal Chucks” also at $ 2.48 lb. The true description of the “VEAL CHUCK” is Chuletas De Ternera ( Round or Blade Bone). VEAL CHUCKS shows a lack of MEATABILITY of  whoever “goofed” the ECONO Shopper. ECONO continues to be the leader in Produce specials which has apparently been over looked by many competitors. SELECTOS does Biftec Machacado de Res at $2.59 lb. but fails to indicate where the “Moochacados” originated which is another “goof”. Anybody ever hear of COOL, Country of Origin Labeling? SELECTOS has a strong price point on the cover page with fresh five pound bags of Tyson drums & thighs at 89 lb. MR. SPECIAL goes to a full page black & white ad with fresh tray pack drums & thighs at 89 lb. and Pepsi at 79 cu.  They are using the theme of “PRECIO REDUCIDO” which is something new and different. SUPER PLAZA also does a full black& white page with 10 pound ,Cong. Legs WBP at 75 lb. and a HOTTIE with 89 lb. Chuletas Corte De Punta.  AMIGO appears on Friday with a two column color ad getting ready for summer which is kind of premature because Spring has just begun and Summer is two months away. AMIGO is also on TV with some “stuff” which I caught at the tail end  on Saturday afternoon.

M E A T A B I L I T Y

In “Days Of Yore” (That means a long, long time ago) Meat Men were in charge and responsible for meat merchandising and operations. There were no Cel Phones, Computers, Fax’s or Autopistas. All of these guys came from the “ground up” earning a Degree” as a Journey Man Butcher and knowing the “ins and outs” of how to manage a successful retail meat department often with the responsibilities as buyers and merchandisers. If things went wrong they got their “bottoms” chewed out but if things were “by the book”, some one else got the credit.  They made decisions based on their expertise without committee meetings and they spent as much time at store level as they did in an office. That “ain’t” the way it is today and you can see it in the specials and often at store level. For example, no one would put Biftec Machacado or Churrascos on special without putting Carne Molida de Res on special because both of those cuts generate a large amount of trimmings. Today’s Wannabe Meat Heads don’t get it when it comes to processing meat and liquidating the entire cut in one form or another. And then we have the “retreads” who brag about how many companies that they have worked for but “left” and who exhibit a tendency to avoid making a decision without getting the opinions of those around them  which will cover their “You Know What’s” when things screw up. It was a better Meat World in “Days Of Yore”.

PAUL KNAPP . . TEL 787 640 2694 . .EM . . knapppita@gmail.vom . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 4/4/2013

IT AIN’T OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER AND IT AIN’T OVER

Last week’s final segment in EL BOLETON (ADIOS CUCHO) was to announce the departure of Jose Rafael Carrion a 57 year veteran of the food industry in Puerto Rico which began in 1955 as a Bagger in a Pueblo store with a subsequent move to Grand Union where he “made his bones” in various management positions Operations / Buying / Merchandising Groceries . . Non Foods . . Dairy /Frozen. The experience with Grand Union was the foundation for Carrion’s career where elbow grease, not computers, and a 24/7 attention to duty was the culture of the Gringo based company. Carrion was a demanding manager but he was more demanding on himself than for the people he trained and guided. Carrion is moving to Florida which is only a change of residence since he will still be working with and for the Morovis Cowboy, Edwin Ortiz, returning every four weeks for a one week period to keep the three SELECTOS of the Cowboy in the condition that he left them on March 28 when Carrion’s wife Ramonita put him under house arrest, forbidding him to travel to Morovis, Manati and Orocovis. The relationship between the Cowboy and Carrion began seven years ago when Carrion was recommended by Horacio Lopez to contact SELECTOS to offer his expertise in operations and store merchandising. He struck a deal with the Cowboy to provide a three month period of operational and merchandising in the SELECTOS Morovis store and the rest is history. The Cowboy now owns three stores with plans to continue to grow building a dynasty of family operations. The chemistry between the Cowboy and Carrion was based on three factors that made it work. The Cowboy gave Carrion his confidence, support and friendship which resulted in the success of adding the SELECTOS stores in Manati and Orocovis. In addition to the monthly one week visit, every Tuesday there will be a live Internet Conference between the three stores, the Cowboy and Carrion to monitor operations and sales. And from a subliminal point of view, the Cowboy can continue on his quest to lower his golf handicap from??? to ??. The Cowboy loves Golf as much as he enjoys a few goblets of good red wine.  In addition to continuing his responsibilities as an Associate Editor of EL BOLETON, where he provided Chismes and inaccurate speculations, Carrion will now report news from the mainland related to industry trends. Stay Tuned.

PUEBLO DOES WHOLE TO RICOS CHICKENS …

… on Wednesday at 89 lb. with no restrictions on purchases. They also advertise a CAB Swiss Steak at $2.69 lb. If you are going to do a CAB cut of beef and don’t market a middle cut it would be better to identify the steak in Gringo terminology which is legitimately a CROSS RIB STEAK. PUEBLO supports the Wednesday Shopper with a TV commercial with their DREAM CAR and HOT specials. AMIGO was missing in the Wednesday action. SUPER/MAX is in color for seven days with fresh meat varieties which are a little “pricey”. SELECTOS does 10 lb. Legs WBP (Cong.) at 69 lb. with four $$$$ sale items on the cover page. ECONO advertises two brands of fresh drumsticks and thighs at 95 lb. And finally, after months of blah, blah, blah and speculation ECONO under the ownership of Jose Vega has taken over the former domicile of the PEREZ HERMANOS supermarket with a dazzling display of unity among Biggies in the government and members of the ECONO Junta and associates. The inaugural specials are too much with fresh Pernil Delantero and To Ricos whole chickens at 88 lb. as well as Chuletas Corte De Punta at 68 lb. and OK Cola at 28 cents cu. WOW.ECONO Cayey will be a major concern to RALPH’S and the WAL-MART Super Center as it brings the ECONO image and market position to the mountains.

Paul Knapp . . Tel . . 787 640 2694 . . EM .  . knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 3/28/2013

“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PUERTO RICO” …

… the cover page title of  the CARIBBEAN BUSINESS 40TH Anniversary Collector’s Edition (February 2013) is similar to The Bible in its form of a proselytization with the intentions of persuading business enterprises outside of Puerto Rico to Hey Look Us (Puerto Rico). Over. The photo illustrations are creatively dramatic and the many, many ads are magnanimous. Whoever created this master piece of business publicity and public relations should receive an award of some kind.  FIVE STARS to Casiano Communications, Inc. for publishing a work of art for the business community and WHO’S / WHO … both companies and endeavors.

“ WAL-MART SHOWS SIGNS OF SELF DESTRUCTING” …

… the title of a report published by MSN Money  (3/27/13). “Merchandise isn’t making it to Wal-Mart shelves and on top of that, long check-out lines are driving customers into the aisles of rivals such as Target and Kohl’s. According to the report, one Wal-Mart shopper could not find 12 basic items. Wal-Mart’s problems apparently are being caused for many reasons (Legal/Labor) but rolling back both customer service and product availability, “generally isn’t considered a recipe for retailing success”. Locally, WALMIGO is apparently suffering the same malady as the Gringo Wal-Mart’s. I stop at a Walmigo close to home base and it is frustrating not to find more than 50% of the basics that I want and need. And Yoo Joo, the service at the front end SUCKS. So what’s coming down with Mighty Wal-Mart? Could it be that the “greed” for market share and domination not only in Puerto Rico but in Gringolandia has finally caught up with the largest and currently most profitable food distribution company in the world? Oh … and don’t forget employee arrogance and a “who gives a damn” attitude.

A LOT OF RETAILERS ARE TALKING ABOUT …

… how PANAMEI (QUIRCH FOODS) seemed to dominate the Cuaresma market this year with full page supermarket ads. NUMAR was more into Shopper ads. PANAMEI is higher priced than other brands but according to seafood buyers and consumers, the quality and variety of PANAMEI is La Gran Diferencia. And where OH where did RALPPH’S buy Filete De Basa to sell at $1.19 lb.? Seems kind of a “fishy” low price.

SEMANA SANTA STRATEGIES

ECONO did a four page Shopper compared to others who did eight page Shoppers apparently rolling the dice that the lack of GRINGO LECHUGA at the end of the week and with stores closed Friday and Sunday, business more than likely would be soft. SUPER PLAZA continues to innovate with a half four page attachment at the base of their Shopper with specials valid for March 26, 27, 28 & 30 including Coca Cola 59 cents, Filete De Tilapia $1.39 lb. and 13 other specials for the holiday event. SELECTOS has a much improved Center Spread format but how do you cook Lechon De Mechar at La Playa? Semana Santa has been a very aggressive competitive week for the majority of supermarkets.

ADIOS CUCHO (Continued Next Edition)

PAUL KNAPP Tel . . 787 640 2694   EM . . knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 3/23/2013

CLARIFICACION

The remarks in last weeks EL BOLETON related to Cuaresma in Mayaguez specifically “chastising” MR. SPECIAL for not celebrating the seasonal event were based on the weekly three column black & white ad that MR. SPECIAL places in EL NUEVO DIA on Thursdays. I have been advised by Debbie Alonso, (Publicicidad, Ventas y Mercado Supermercados MR. SPECIAL) that MR. SPECIALS bi-weekly shopper (March 14 thru March 27 ,2013) has 14 Seafood specials highlighting a Panamei Seafood Festival. Check out the shopper at http://shop.pr/Shopper/Mr.Special/Edition/589/1-default, or visit a MR. Special store and pick up a shopper. For those who are not aware of the many innovations that were introduced by MR. SPECIAL in the 1980’s … they were the first to accept credit cards to pay for groceries, the first to install price scanners and self service check out stations. The MR. SPECIAL Shoppers in the 1980’s were classic works of art and hopefully are maintained in MR. SPECIAL archives for future generations of advertising wannabes. And never forget how they stood up to the 800 pound gorilla (Wal-Mart) with Sam Food Warehouse (Santos Alonso Maldonado). I was privileged to assist in presenting the Cookin Good line, first sold in MR. SPECIAL and conducting seminars with Santos Alonso present in several evenings in Mayaguez related to Cookin Good and great IBP Beef program that achieved record sales. MR.SPECIAL is a dynasty company with sons and daughter and other associated family members involved in conducting business and carrying on the company activities at a professional and profitable level.

CUARESMA IS “CELEBRATED” WITH MORE “GUSTO”…

… than at any other yearly seasonal event. Look at this week’s Shoppers. KING NEPTUNE (PLAZA LOIZA) let it all hang out with four color pages of Seafood. (Yoo Joo Wannabe Meat Heads save that Shopper for future references). PUEBLO continues to celebrate their 5th anniversary with their usual Shopper, the Dream Car Concurso … CAB Churrascos at $4.99 lb. supported by a full color page ad (Especiales Para Semana Santa). ECONO does Cuaresma BIG TIME but who in their right mind would advertise Chipichapi Churrascos as UTILITY (Garbage) Grade?  Really dumb. And are the CAB Churrascos really CAB and if they are why does the description of the product indicate that the Churrascos are Angus USA? Oh yeah, they stick the CAB pin point but who knows? SELECTOS has dramatically improved their center page Shopper format but let’s see if they catch up with ECONO in promoting produce items. The Churrascos in the SELECTOS Shopper are from Nicaragua not from Utility (Garbage) cattle. Out in Palauville they are doing it different… advertising specials in their Shopper for specific periods of time SOLO 6 Days with 88 lb. Chuletas CP at 88 lb. and Coca Cola at 68 cents.

LA GRAN DIFERENCIA … BRIX DE CACIAQE FOODS (VIVAFRESH)

Meat is my beat but when an opportunity arises to expand my horizons I readily accept the challenge to learn and increase my knowledge of another segment of the perishable food categories. My introduction to fruits is being mentored by Agro (Professor) Jose Mulero who manages the Cacique Foods production facility at Caribbean Produce. Fruits used in producing the VIVA/FRESH variety are tested for BRIX and for temperature levels before being received. The SSOP/HACCP Plan formulated by the Cacique team and Norma Santiago could be used as a text book for Produce Food Safety. I am not fond of fruits but do like various juices derived from fruits . . like oranges, pineapples, apples , grapefruit and cranberries which when “blended” with spirits like Vodka and Rum produce a pleasant high note experience.

Paul Knapp . . Tel  787 640 2694 . .EM  knapppita@gmail.com  …BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 3/15/2013

KING NEPTUNE MARQUEZ (PLAZA LOIZA) “CAPTIVATES” …

… the market on Sunday ( 03/10/13) with a First Class James glossy 20 page Shopper titled “Delicias Del Mar” with more than 69 Sea Food items accompanied by eight full color pages of wines and spirits with a touch of gourmet from Packers Provision. Once again as in years gone by KING NEPTUNE has done it better than anyone else. Runners up for the Cuaresma “Princes” were ECONO and the full page ad of sea food items from Papa Palau and his Cardinals at SUPER PLAZA. While most supermarkets dealt with the great sea food variety from Quirch and products from Northwestern Selecta, several HOT SHOTS from other supermarkets over looked the potential of products offered by Alan and Eric at Sea World which might have been one of the reasons that some supermarkets got into Cuaresma later than others. Ya’ll know who you are but I bet that the top guns of the companies don’t know how or why you missed the Sea World boat. It’s really a shame that some individuals consider themselves to be so important and obviously too damn lazy to attend events sponsored by suppliers. They miss opportunities that their competitors take advantage of. They dwell at the bottom of the “barrel of opportunities”.

“ANYWAYS” , AS WE ROUND THE BEND FOR SEMANA SANTA …

… how many wannabe’s have finalized their plans and purchases for Mother’s Day, May 12? They are already selling the Mother’s Day traditional lottery tickets. But we find ECONO doing a great job with 12 sea food items including Schooners Pre- Cooked??? . And ECONO is on to the trend promoting produce better than anyone else.(Takes The Heat Off High Protein Costs). PUEBLO and SUPER/MAX are right up there with Cuaresma specials and POR FIN … SELECTOS is into Cuaresma with sea food specials and a much more attractive center spread ad format.  And how about MR. SPECIAL? Do they celebrate Cuaresma in the West? The only sea food item in the sorry looking faded grey and white 2/3 page ad is Dorado entero … but  … YOO JOO they have Chuck steaks, whole chickens and 10 poumd Legs WBP which are great items for the beginning of the La Playa season but not for the middle of Cuaresma. Whoever “goofed” the cover page special in the SELECTOS Shopper of Caderas De Pollo Sin Hueso at $1.49 lb. failed to mention that the product on sale in the frozen state is in the original package. If stores thaw out the product to sell as PC in tray packs the merma will be significant. There is an apparent lack of MEATABILITY for the individuals who are not aware of the consequences that occur at store level with “errors in judgment” like this. And have you noticed??? PUEBLO is getting more aggressive with not only their Expensive Dream Car Contest but they are doing more and more on TV. Don’t over look the PUEBLO potential.

“PRODUCEABILITY”

It is no secret that a lot of individuals involved in buying, selling and retailing meat products have a grand opinion of their expertise which is hallucinatory. But what about PRODUCE (Fruits/Vegetables)? How many involved in buying and selling fresh fruit know what the term BRIX means? Why is BRIX important in the preparation of fresh processed pineapples, Melons, Mangos and other fruit products? As a newly “ordained” novice and hired hand as a PITA for a major Produce company, I am learning about why CACIQUE (Viva Fresh) products are superior in quality and processing than any other company. It starts with BRIX.  More next time. That’s called a TEASER.

Paul Knapp . . Tel  787 640 2694 . . EM . . knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 3/7/2013

COWBOY DYNASTY

Edwin “Cowboy” Ortiz (SELECTOS Morovis & SELECTOS Manati) added another link to his growing chain of SELECTOS with the opening of a SELECTOS in Orocovis, which had previously been occupied by Grande. The Orocovis store as well as the Manati store are parts of the dynasty and succession of the family owned business. Daughter Liz Marie and husband Carlos are co-owners of the Manati store. The Orocovis store is co-owned by daughter Diana and husband Danny. Both couples are and will be actively involved in store management including operations and buying. Lines of succession within the food distribution industry in Puerto Rico are very common. Joe Quinones, SELECTOS Levittown and SELECTOS Palacio are under the supervision of sons Joey and Joel. Joe’s favorite daughter does the human resources tasks for the two stores. The Ariel Torres “Clan” with five SELECTOS … Añasco, San Sebastian, Mayaguez, Auguada and Isabela are managed by family members. The SELECTOS Hatillo store is also in line of succession with Manuel Rosas son taking an active role in the business. Rafa Soto’s son SELECTOS Arecibo and Utado can be found early each morning checking out all areas of the Arecibo store. Freddy Chinea and family actively operate the SELECTOS in Toa Alta. Another growing dynasty is the PLAZA LOIZA (King Neptune) Johnny Marquez and sons with seven stores. Tony Palau & sons and daughter-in-law Laury Cordero continue to participate in buying and operations under the watchful eye of “Pope” Tony. It may be a coincidence, but the “Cowboy” had worked for Petey Nunez II at Northwestern Selecta and followed their example of succession. NW Selecta is a third generation managed enterprise. And how about Caribbean Produce with (G3) Gualberto Rodriguez III and sister Monica following in the foot steps of Papa Tito who recently told me he had abdicated (without a ring). This multi level company is now managed by his successors. And one of the major corporations (QUIRCH FOODS) is a third generation company with sons Bill, Mauricio and Ignacio taking over the reins from my “buudy” Guille and growing the company to reach annual sales of $ 1 Billion.

GET IT DONE

Opening a supermarket within four weeks of acquiring the property isn’t something that many people are capable of doing. But let’s be realistic … individual owners within an Independent Chain of stores DO IT BETTER than a solely owned and operated chain of stores. The opening of the Orocovis store was the responsibility of Jose “Cucho” Carrion who created an enviable merchandising style in the Morovis Selectos store, continuing to the Manati store and improving the method of “selling” with a creative style of merchandising in Orocovis that had never been attempted before. Carrion was involved in all aspects of the store opening including hiring key personnel and dealing with construction improvements, planograms, “charming” suppliers for “offers” and doing what not many other food industry people can do on a 24/7 schedule that begins at  being on the road by 5:30 AM (YOO JOO) including Saturdays and Sundays. Carrion created a glossy in-store Shopper without any assistance with aggressive price points and an exciting ad format. The specials are valid in the Manati and Morovis stores as well. When the residents of Orocovis and adjoining communities see the 89 lb. To Ricos whole chickens, 69 cent Coca Cola and 99 cent eggs there will be a heavy flow of traffic to Barrio Gato. And by the by … the Del Pais beef is a product of the Cowboys “ranch” in Morovis … they too are part of the dynasty.

PAUL KNAPP  TEL  787 640 2694 . . EM knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

In Memory of one of the great “meat guys” of PR, Candido Alfonso Sr. 1945 - 2013

I would like to share a few lines with you all in the memory of my father Candido Alfonso. Dad was a great husband, father and all around awesome guy. He was a meat guy through and through for over 45 years, honest, fair and loyal businessman who leved the meat business and repeatedly told me over the years that meats was all he knew. From his years at Savoy Packing and later on our own family business Alba Imports to his last 20 years as broker for Smithfield Foods he was one of the most knowledgeable “pork guys” I knew. On his behalf I want to thank all his industry friends and supporters throughout his life. Dad, it is an honor to share your name and it will be a bigger honor to continue your legacy as a “meat guy”.

Candido Alfonso Jr.

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 3/1/2013

Pueblo vs WAL-MART

It was a David  vs  GOLIATH scenario on Wednesday as PUEBLO unveiled a very exciting and benevolent concurso with the Gran Premio of everyone’s Dream Car, a MERCEDES - BENZ GLK 350 2013  along with Flat Screen TV’s, Tabletas, and 125 Pueblo Gift cards … celebrating PUEBLO’S fifth anniversary . The announcement of the concurso also coincides with the Grand Opening of the newest and up to date WAL MART Super Center in Santurce which “could be” an indication that PUEBLO’S concurso was a well planned and well timed marketing strategy. PUEBLO has two stores … Miramar and Isla Verde that are well within the range of the new WAL-MART. The PUEBLO “move” is not typical of many Puerto Rican food retailers who have a mentality of “Let’s See What Happens”.   PUEBLO made it happen BIG TIME. There are two other major players within the range of WAL-MART … SUPER/MAX with stores in Old San Juan, De Diego, Isla Verde and Laguna Gardens. PLAZA LOIZA is also within the “Target Area”. SUPER/MAX’s “reaction” to the WAL-MART opening was advertising frozen Chuletas Corte De Punta at 85 lb. which isn’t exactly a way to hold on to customers. But PLAZA LOIZA did a great Shopper with a magnificent two page center spread with the traditional KING NEPTUNE Cuaresma sea food format which will make their customers think twice about heading to WAL-MART. So we have to “award” to WAL-MART for their newest extravaganza and to PUEBLO for their well planned and timed great concurso. Five more to PLAZA LOIZA but “sorry about that” NO/ZERO STARS for SUPER/MAX and their unimpressive end cuts

AD FORMATS

It is amazing how some supermarkets destroy their image by “piss-poor” unimaginative and/or non - creative ad formats. One of the best and we won’t mention the worst, is ECONO with a great second and third page color presentation of their meat and produce specials. PLAZA LOIZA does a great job with their Cuaresma presentation. SUPER/MAX is always colorful and PUEBLO does an easy to read “mini” sized Shopper that is used by many Gringo supermarkets. The ad format in Palauville (SUPER PLAZA) under the apparent “guidance” of “Laury Star Cordero” has also become a Five Star work of art. AMIGO does a pretty good job but they usually screw up their presentation with an obvious lack of MEATABILITY. If you are wondering about the worst … be advised that they are not profiled or mentioned in this segment but they are significant players in the market.

W O W

There is some “good stuff” going on this week with HOT specials from ECONO, PUEBLO SUPER PLAZA, PLAZA LOIZA and two SELECTOS (Independent) ads celebrating the new administration in the SELECTOS Adjuntas store and the anniversary of the SELECTOS stores in Aguadilla and Moca. There are still several supermarkets with little to offer for Cuaresma. And check out the ECONO and SUPER PLAZA strategies of going “heavy” in to produce specials while others avoid the produce potentials with enviable agility. It’s time for some supermarkets to get rid of the “dead wood” of their wannabe marketing and advertising individuals who lack the ability, work ethic and/or fortitude to compete with supermarkets like ECONO and PUEBLO.  Locally owned supermarket companies can no longer tolerate incompetence and lazy “status quo” individuals who avoid the suggestion of change with enviable agility. Remember WAL-MART continues to increase market share and “circle the wagons” (Cowboy Lingo).

PAUL KNAPP . . TEL  787 640 2694  EM . knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 2/24/2013

FEBRUARY 27, 2013 … . ? ? ? …

… will it be a day of IDLE SPECULATION ?? GREAT EXPECTATIONS ?? ANXIOUS ANTICIPATION ?? NEFARIOUS EJACULATION ?? JUBLIANT FACINATION ?? OR DESTRUCTFUL DEVASTATION ?? OK, you may be wondering what the hell is this all about. Listen Up … (Memorable Expression Of Joe (Coloso) Colon ) … The newest facility of the 8,000 pound Gorilla (WAL-MART) is opening what has to be the Taj Mahal of a retail/wholesale sales emporium in Santurce, reportedly at a cost of $50 million.  The multi-story edifice is at a prime intersection and many “Nay Sayers” are predictably dooming the project which is rather unintelligent. The Super Center in Carolina is a traffic menace but it draws thousands of customers. The Puerto Rico public is used to being abused and stressed by dumb and irresponsible government regulations and an acceptance of incompetence from various venues … so being of an ISLAND MENTALITY  … when anything new and different enters the landscape … the opening of the WAL-MART Super Center in Santurce should be overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how competitors between Old San Juan and Isla Verde react to the newest menace of WAL-MART. The demographics of the area are packed with thousands of condominium residents. A company like WAL-MART is not going to invest in a “PIE IN THE SKY” concept, when they know that there is FIRE DOWN BELOW.

RESPECTFUL REMEMBERANCE

Two weeks ago, Edwin “TATO” Perez the Caribbean Produce manager of Sales and Marketing was killed in a tragic traffic accident. At the entrance to the Pick-Up Sales Dock of Caribbean Produce there is a photo mural on the wall with photos of TATO in his many roles as a family man and as a professional produce person with more than 35 years of successful fulfillments. I knew who TATO was from “bumping” in to him at various supermarkets. He always had a ready smile and some wise guy comment about the difference between meat and produce. His loss was mourned by the Caribbean Produce Team Members.

GOING TO THE DOORS

Check out the WALMIGO on Pinero & Ave. San Patricios. All (ALL) Multi Deck refrigerated cases have been removed and replaced with “Reach In” Door Refrigerated Cases. WAL-MART is smart enough to know that the cost of electricity will continue to increase as long and the politically MAFIA controlled and UNIONIZED Gestapo continues to operate at the Status Quo nauseating level of mis-management.

ECONO CONTINUES TO BE “THE ONE”

The ECONO Shopper on Thursday was devastating. Imagine taking the emphasis away from high meat and sea food prices with some very dynamic produce specials and the ad center spread ECONO format is a work of organoleptic incentive. SELECTOS has some great cover page special prices but “crashes” in their poorly formatted center spread continuing to be in a Cuaresma mode of denial. WALMIGO does a one color page ad but no Shopper??? PUEBLO enlarges the photos of their meat specials which makes them more inviting. PLAZA LOIZA continues to grow with another store in Trujillo Alto. MR. SPECIAL does TV at 5:45 AM when no one (except me & my dog are awake). DUH.

“Scientists have discovered a food that diminishes a woman’s sex drive by 90%. It’s called a Wedding Cake.” Why do men die before their wives? They want to.

Paul Knapp . . TP 787 640 2694 . . EM knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 2/14/2013

THE “ HAVES & THE “HAVE NOTS”

This week’s specials celebrating the beginning of Cuaresma indicates a major weakness and ineptness of several supposedly major supermarket companies but there is also a great example of supermarket companies that are in tune with the market and what it means to be a major player. On Wednesday SUPER/MAX did a Shopper with seven sea food items as well as a special of fresh whole Gringo chickens at 99 lb. along with beef and pork products at special prices. PUEBLO did five sea food items and had a better special price of CAB Churrascos at $4.99lb. which was one $ below the SUPER/MAX special price for CAB Churrascos at $5.99 lb. And how about the new and more glamorous SUPER/MAX Shopper format? And then we have the Miercoles Mess … WALMIGO with two Sorry-Assed sea food specials that aren’t worth mentioning along with Beef Filet (Entero) at $4.95 lb. (Great Cuaresma Special DUH) and sliced Beef Filet at $5.98 lb. The photo of the sliced Beef Filet resembles a chunk of pastrami. Does anyone know the shelf life of sliced Beef Filet? Another reminder of the lack of MEATABILITY in WALMIGO.

ON THURSDAY THE HAVES SHINED . . .

King Neptune Marquez (PLAZA LOIZA) did the traditional celebration of Cuaresma with 32 sea food items along with a nice variety of beef and pork. And how about ECONO with 13 sea food items including Rabo De Langosta at $7.88 as well as Kikiriquirch Drums/Thighs (95 lb.) and Costillas De Cerdo at $1.58 lb. on the Shoppers cover page. RALPH’S comes out of the weeds on Thursday with six sea food specials. And then we encounter the HAVE NOTS. MR.SPECIAL celebrates the beginning of Cuaresma with Chuck Steaks (No Grade) at $2.09 lb. and fresh Pernil at 93 lb. Maybe they don’t know that it’s Cuaresma in the Mayaguez former Kingdom of the Best In The West.  And what’s the Que Pasa with SELECTOS? Two nothing sea food specials on a deteriorating center spread format with an over abundance of white space between the less than intriguing specials. ECONO really beat the hell out of SELECTOS this week which upset more than a few SELECTOS store owners. There are three supermarkets in the JUAN BOBO category this week … WALMIGO, MR. SPECIAL and SELECTOS. Let’s wait and see if they have the COjones to correct their more than obvious ERRORS IN JUDGMENT … which is a corporate way of describing DUH.

LAUNCH THE BACALAO BOATS NOW

There is a mistaken opinion of more than a few individuals at store level that Bacalao or Bacalao style salt fish doesn’t sell … so why display the dry salted fish in some type of boat in the area of the salt case or in the produce department where the root vegetables associated with Bacalao recipes are located. The Los Prados SELECTOS in Caguas has a mix of well to do customers as well as those less to do customers. The store has a great salt case but in front of the salt case there are two Bacalao Boats (Blue Plastic Row Boats) that attract a lot of attention and sell a lot of Bacalao. Take a trip to Los Prados and see how to add additional sales and profits.

CLASSICAL TRANSLATION FOR “BS”

“Put it on the ground … spread it all around  . . dig it with a hoe . . and watch it make the flowers  grow.”

Paul Knapp . . Tel . . 787  640 2694 . . EM  knapppita@gmail.com . . BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com

El Boleton by Paul Knapp 1/31/2013

P R I C E    P O I N T S

For the past several weeks, there has been a tendency by several supermarkets to price meat specials at the total unit cost instead of using the more “inspiring” price point per pound. Legs WBP have been advertised at $6.90 for a 10 pound unit. This week, SELECTOS advertises a 10 pound frozen Chicken Tenders at $1.99 lb., while another supermarket company advertises a similar product of 10 pounds at$19.99 Bolsa. And what’s the Que Pasa with ECONO, advertising a 40 pound bag of frozen Caderas de Pollo with no indication if the caderas are boneless/skinless??? at $51.98 Caja? ECONO also does a 10 pound caja of Rib Strips at $9.98. Are they perhaps catering to the element of food service like the Chinese Fast Food Outlets … and WHY NOT … if it increases sales? Price Point image is an important element of attracting customers. And then we have the game of CAT & MOUSE …  like masking a very HOT, COMPETITIVE special on an interior page of a Shopper rather than risk getting knocked off by a more aggressive competitor. Case in point … SELECTOS does Chuletas Corte De Punta at 89 lb. but PUEBLO does their Chuletas Corte De Punta on an interior page at 99 lb. Cover page price points should be a part of a planned strategy and not formulated by “Shooting From The Hip” or some emotional “whim”.

PUEBLO / AMIGO / SUPER:MAX …

…  published their usual color Shoppers on Wednesday with SUPER/MAX celebrating a 10 year anniversary. The most impressive event of the Shopper was the glossy paper that it was printed on because there isn’t too much to get “exercited” about … but … but on Thursday, SUPER/MAX does four full color pages with a total of 150 anniversary specials. Their Wednesday Shopper also offers six specials for Cuaresma. All of the specials are valid for two weeks. ECONO does a good variety of eight seafood specials and has a HOT price of $2.48 lb USDA Choice Biftec Machacado as well as Chicken Wings which is an indication that someone in ECONO is HIP to the Gringos & Chicken Wings for the SUPER BOWL. WALMIGO does 10 pounds of frozen Legs WBP at $6.90 Pqte. and Pechuga De Pollo Prev. Congelado … for DUH getting to indicate if the product is skinless or boneless. MEATABILITY is seriously lacking in WALMIGO. And then we have MR. SPECIAL doing Tremendo Touchdown De Especiales with 10 pound Riblets at a ?? price  ? ? point of $9.90 and ANGUS BEEF Churrascos at $3.49 lb. Very strong and appropriate theme but pretty week price point scores. PLAZA LOIZA has not opened their store in Ponce yet and their specials aren’t anything to rave about but stay tuned for the KING NEPTUNE MARQUEZ traditional and great seafood Cuaresma Shopper.

MISSING QUALITY, HEALTHY CATEGORY

Several weeks ago EL BOLETON listed 37 meat department categories. There is a potentially great category not necessarily in the meat department but in produce. Many supermarkets have Melon Bars with fruits that are salvaged from products that are no longer saleable in its natural form. Other companies prefer the VIVA/FRESH fruit products processed under one of the most stringent refrigerated and sanitary environments on the Island. The missing category is SALADS. How many supermarkets have SALAD BARS? Isn’t it “strange” that a Drug Store like WALGREENS has become a major retail food competitor? And YOO HOO they have some really great salads produced at the VIVA/FRESH facilities. Check out the WALGREENS at San Patricio Plaza and buy and try a salad if the days quota hasn’t sold out.

Paul Knapp … tel . . 787 640 2694 . . EM . . knapppita@gmail.com . .  BLOG . . http://boleton.tumblr.com