Compare Foods Supermarket in Waterbury, Connecticut, stands as a notable example of a neighborhood grocery store with a unique history and community focus. Located at 1954 Baldwin St, this market, part of the Associated Supermarket Group, has been serving the Waterbury area since 2016. Before becoming a Compare Foods market, this location was a Bravo Supermarkets from 2006 to 2016, showcasing the evolution of food markets in this area. While the exact history of the building before Bravo remains unclear, records indicate a machine shop operated at this address back in 1968, marking a significant transformation of the site over the decades.
Geographically, this Compare Foods market plays a crucial role in its section of Waterbury. Positioned south of Interstate 84, it currently stands as the only full-service supermarket in this part of the city. This location is particularly significant when considering the supermarket landscape of Waterbury, with the next closest full supermarket being a Big Y further south and a Save-A-Lot located two miles north. The map of western Connecticut emphasizes the store’s localized importance within Waterbury and the surrounding region.
Inside, the 10,000 square foot Compare Foods offers a complete supermarket experience despite its relatively compact size. The layout is designed for efficient shopping, with the deli situated at the front right of the store. The first aisle is dedicated to fresh produce and packaged meats, leading to a service butcher counter located at the back of this aisle. Dairy products line the back wall of the store, and frozen foods are found in the last aisle on the left side. During a visit on a humid July day, condensation was noticeable on the refrigerated cases, a common occurrence in supermarkets during warmer months.
One notable feature of the store’s design is the service butcher area, which is set back further than usual from the back wall. This creates an unusual space configuration, likely with the meat room situated behind the dairy and beer coolers visible to the left of the butcher section. The store’s decor suggests a possible continuity from its Bravo Supermarkets days, as the style aligns with Bravo’s branding from around 2006, when that iteration of the store likely opened.
Despite its age, the Compare Food Market in Waterbury maintains a clean and well-kept environment. The grocery aisles are stocked with essential items and a significant selection of Latin American food products, a common characteristic of Compare Foods stores reflecting their diverse customer base. Interestingly, this location features a mix of private label brands, including Avenue A, typical of Associated Supermarket Group members, alongside Krasdale products, which are more commonly associated with CTown and Bravo supermarkets. This blend suggests a strategic approach to product sourcing, possibly to fill gaps in supply or offer a wider variety to shoppers.
The combination of Avenue A and Krasdale brands is somewhat unusual, as stores typically align with one primary supplier for private label goods. However, it demonstrates the flexibility of this Compare Foods location in catering to its customers. While it’s less common to see this exact brand combination, it’s more frequently observed that stores might carry Avenue A (supplied to ASG by C&S) alongside Best Yet, another C&S brand.
In conclusion, Compare Foods in Waterbury is a vital and well-maintained neighborhood supermarket. It effectively fills a critical grocery need for the community south of I-84, providing a full range of supermarket offerings in a convenient and accessible location. The store’s history, evolving from a Bravo Supermarkets, and its current brand and product mix reflect the dynamic nature of the food market industry and its adaptation to local needs. It serves as a testament to the enduring role of community supermarkets in providing essential services.
Make sure to return next Monday for a tour of the Save-A-Lot also in Waterbury, continuing our exploration of food markets in the region.
