Maybe not a good time for this point.

My school health teacher as a kid used a stuffed animal called mr frog, so we learned “frog got sick cuz he ate one, frog got sick sick sick upside down sick”

>However, I’d challenge the fact that there are at least 10-12 neighborhoods at this point in time with several demographics (college students, young professionals, people who live on their own) that would greatly benefit from a small one stop shop and there’s simply nothing other than a junk store or a dollar general

Oof reminds me of college.

To that point, I'd like to propose 2 additional factors:

1. Universities being real estate moguls that drive up property prices and crowd out low-margin grocery businesses.

2. Universities monopolizing the food industry with "dining halls"... to the point that many students are required to buy food from the university as a condition of their enrollment.

I'd also say that students are too overworked to cook for themselves, but that's probably highly degree-dependent.

I think Wegman’s knows what they are doing. They faced plenty of hurdles around Buffalo many years ago when they had to deal with Tops who had a long established homefield advantage and plenty of deep connections to local developers who controlled much of the available land.

Over time profits outweighed loyalty and Wegman’s is very established there and I’d say it has supplanted Tops entirely in the WNY market.

I feel like people imagine many of these conspiracies without appreciating how challenging it is for a grocery story to expand its footprint and supply chain.

I also wouldn’t compare a typical Wegmann’s to a regular Giant Eagle, but instead a Market District.

When they were developing Mr Yuk, they wanted to use something like a skull and crossbones but kids saw it and though "cool pirates" so they went with stink face instead

🦊 well, fox it then

That’s besides the point, I’d also say Wegmans product selection specifically in fresh foods is significantly better quality. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter because they aren’t even allowed to enter Pittsburgh market to then price compare in the first place

Leaving it!

According to my spouse, yes. This is why I have a UPS for my fish tanks!!!! Happy fish 🐠🐠🐠

That poor fox

You make great points. I think the battle of rents, price of food, wages, and aging owners really play a part. Especially the Bloomfield and Shadyside cases like the ones I mentioned above. Sadly I think we’ve all just accepted Dollar General’s invading our communities. Everything has its place, but unfortunately, the most nutritious product you’re able to get from these places may be Kraft Mac n’ Cheese.

That being said, these places are thriving in places less dense and more impoverished than Pittsburgh and that’s what really makes me scratch my head. Especially within the last 20 years with how much support for self sufficient business districts have been regenerated and walking/biking within neighborhoods have come back around.

Wegman’s isn’t cheaper

I’m all virtual!!! So less opportunities there. I appreciate your suggestion though!!!

Check out jenworleyphotography on Instagram or https://jenworley.com

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You're getting downvoted but there are studies that said the stickers can attract kids interest. The poison control number is good but... better to keep things locked up.

They originated in Pittsburgh but they were definitely used all around the country.

Love the Co-op. Wish we could encourage more of these in other neighborhoods

These were ubiquitous in the 70's and 80's. I remember seeing them in a liquor cabinet.

Also, inquire with your school as they may have opportunities to get free professional headshots throughout the school year. At Duquesne I was able to get one done during the career fair. I still ended up using my own 'amateur' one though as I didn't like my face in the professional one, lol

Sure, that’s a great option! I am typically not very good at pictures was the only reason I was asking, but I appreciate that and will def consider it!!

I think you’re spot on with what has shaped this phenomenon especially in the price conscientious middle class of Pittsburgh and probably the development of the grocery business in general, specifically as suburbs grew and these little places couldn’t keep pricing with the larger stores. However, I’d challenge the fact that there are at least 10-12 neighborhoods at this point in time with several demographics (college students, young professionals, people who live on their own) that would greatly benefit from a small one stop shop and there’s simply nothing other than a junk store or a dollar general. I’d also venture to bet you’d have people who would support them even if it is a marginal markup for product if it means they don’t have to take the time and resources to drive to the bigger stores.

Ultimately, it’s a head scratcher to see bodegas succeed in places like Buffalo, Cleveland, and other cities with comparable and even less density than Pittsburgh. Is it as simple as we were trained and forced into hop in our cars/hop on the buses to get groceries? To your point, I think we have been unfortunately. But if that were the case, you’d think you would’ve seen the same in those cities as well.

I guess my question is how can we as a city encourage and support these places like East End co-op but also the original main stays in hopes we see more people drop the junk food novelty shops and bring in produce, eggs, and things to help our neighborhoods, specifically the dense ones, become self-sufficient again.

I don't mean this in a condescending way at all, but seriously, there's absolutely no need to pay for professional headshots in this day and age. Use decent lighting and a blank wall and have a friend take pictures on your phone. If you don't want a plain background, head downtown and take some standing in front of buildings (I think having the PPG buildings in the background always looks great).

Hail to thee, and the prophet brothers Gene and Deen Ween.

I got some stickers at the Heinz History Center gift shop in the past. They also had some merch for sale. I bought a Mr. Yuk magnet. This was years ago, so might want to call first if you want to check there.