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Draeger’s Market, which has operated as a gourmet food market in downtown Menlo Park since 1955, will undergo an “extensive remodel” to expand many departments’ offerings and improve energy efficiency, according to Richard Draeger, one of the owners.
The remodel will be the most comprehensive at the store since 1990 and is expected to last between seven and eight weeks. During that time, he said, food products will be rearranged as new refrigeration fixtures are added and departments are expanded.
“It’ll be a little bit of a treasure hunt,” he said, asking shoppers for patience.
With the changes, the store will increase energy efficiency, highlight local products, increase the amount of space dedicated to fresh food and offer faster grab-and-go meal options, Draeger said.
“We’re bringing a lot of ideas and things that we believe our customers have been wanting for a long time,” he said. “I think by the time we get to the middle of March, people will be happy.”
Within hours following this story’s publication online, Draeger informed The Almanac that in contrast to previous plans to relocate the upstairs coffee bar downstairs to the bakery section, the store’s owners have instead decided to leave it in its current place, with a remodel.
“Due to the outpouring of customer feedback (and the democratic process), we will instead be remodeling the coffee bar area and leaving it open,” he said in an email. “It was very apparent that this is a popular space for many in the Menlo Park community.”
He added that the store’s produce department will be improved, its salad bar expanded, and new displays prepared for produce, fresh sauces and juices.
In addition, the sushi department will be expanded, as well as the deli. A hot bar with fresh entrees and more grab-and-go meal options will be added. The bakery will get a new display with more grab-and-go desserts and “small portion sweet treats.”
Finally, he added, a new beverage display will offer beers from craft brewers and microbreweries.
“If there’s a general theme through this remodel, it’s in order to add fresh food and craft products,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the change of plans for the upstairs cafe area.
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Nice! How about widening the sidewalk on the north side of the building so one push a shopping basket down it and not have to walk in the street.
The coffee bar is the sanest placeto get good service and a quiet cup of coffee. Hooray it stays!
There is an upstairs coffee shop? Who new? Maybe the 5 people I have ever seen up there…
Come on Draeger’s. Do it right.
The Coffee Bar and tables used to be a really great restaurant for brunch. I understand that they do have great knick-knacks, pots and pans, and celebration cards, but wouldn’t it be nice to convert it into a restaurant with an area for live music – like jazz? Also, why is there always a person begging for money in the front of the store?