This Small Grocery Chain Dominates in Prepared Foods for These 5 Reasons

As an East Coast transplant, I have been introduced to the pride and joy grocery chain, Wegmans. Ask any shopper, and they will persuade you that the store is a gift from the universe. I think the Wegmans is delightful and it has its charms, but I found myself comparing it to another favorite, Heinen's. This small grocery chain can be found in the greater Cleveland area and Illinois. I grew up having one down the street from me, and it was a treat shopping there. This chain is the crème de la crème of fine grocery stores.

With only 19 locations in the Cleveland area, Heinen's Grocery Store continues to make a huge impression on the nation. According to the Consumer Reports' highest-rated grocers by customer satisfaction, Heinen's ranks number three in the nation. That's a huge accomplishment for a regional chain. I mean c'mon, its flagship store is inside the historical (and beautiful) Cleveland Trust Building in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. That speaks for itself. One of the best things about this grocer is its emphasis on quality prepared foods. It is a one-stop shop for dining and shopping. Here's why!

Why Heinen's Has the Best Grocery Store Prepared Foods

The Bakery

Most supermarkets have a bakery department, but not like Heinen's. This department offers an array of goods including cakes, pastries, and artisan breads. Their special occasion cakes are top-tier. Getting your birthday cake from Heinen's was gloating rights. I don't care what fancy bakery you got your cake from, my birthday cake from Heinen's kicks it out of the water! It's simple, moist, and flavorful. Another specialty is the cheesecake. The cheesecake is absolutely divine. My mother used to bring a quarter of a cake home, and I would eat the entire thing in one sitting (do not judge me). Want to know how to bring a smile to my face? Bring me a cheesecake from Heinen's!

Beer On Draft

Yes, this grocery chain is part watering hole. Many locations have craft beers on tap for those who enjoy a good lager or IPA. They even offer local favorites like Market Garden Brewery.

The Hot Food

Heinen's has a great hot food section. It offers great selections with seasonal ingredients including crab cakes, pasta, and salmon burgers. The ultimate offering is the chicken. Heinen's has fried and rotisserie chicken and they are both worth it. I do not know if they hire chicken whisperers, but the store's chicken is restaurant quality—and oftentimes, better.

The Fish Counter

The fishmongers at Heinen's are top-tier as well. They are so helpful and would prepare any fish of your choosing to exactly how you want it. Cleveland has great native fish including walleye, perch, and bass. You can tell them how you want to cook it, and they make sure it is ready to cook without further preparation. Some locations will even fry the fish of your choosing! For the large religious populations in the area, this is great for the Lenten season.

The Salad Bar

A lot of supermarkets have salad bars, but Heinen's is in a separate lane. It is always fresh, well-kept, diverse, and just colorful. Trust me when I say their top-notch salad bar will make you a kid in a candy store. It is not cheap, but it is definitely worth every penny.