I live right across the street from this place and I have to say, I've never seen the parking lot this full. This picture must be photoshopped. I live in constant amazement how this place stays in business. Right in the middle of the Christmas rush I ventured in because I had heard they sold cocomotion machines. I've never seen it so busy! At least two lanes were open and I saw a smattering of people with carts as I walked up and down the isles. I think there was someone in line in front of me at the register, too...a serious Allen's christmas rush!The sign is the same, the parking lot is the same, the two splotches of red painted shingles are the same, the cash registers and squeaky conveyer belts have to be the same. It has been around my whole life. Infact, here is the Allen's time line for my life:
Ages 5-15 (estimate): I accompany my mother every 4-6 months to do her "month's shopping" at Allens (or the old Macey's that used to be in Lindon by the Purple turtle, or food4less in provo). Month's shopping was just that, shopping for a whole month's worth of groceries. Generally two carts piled high with stuff. You would love to be behind us in line. When it was my month to go with mom that meant I got to chose the "sugared" cereal my family would eat that month.
Ages 16-25: I forget that Allen's exists. Actually, I probably just assume that it's gone out of business by now. It's at least 2 miles away...in the wrong direction.
Age 26: I move to 12th west and about 16th north in Orem and Allen's becomes the park and ride for my family trips out to highland to see the cousins. 12th west is too far out of the way for my family to come pick me up, so I drive to Allen's; park; and then ride with them the rest of the way.
Age 27: Our dog, Mustache' (moo-stosh-uh), in a haze of senility, wanders from home (200 N, 400 E) and is found at Allen's (2000 N and state) smelling of sewer and having a mysterious ear injury that would plague her the rest of her life and haunt my dreams the rest of mine.
Age 28: I move across the street from Allen's and every few months afterward notice it as I drive home and think, oh yeah...Allen's!
Age 29 (saturday): Having left my car in several pieces the night before at my mom's, I figure I'll have to walk to Albertson's to do my shopping. But then I remember...Allen's! It's right across the street! So, I borrow my roommate's gloves and bundle up for my 20 yard walk to Allen's. As I walk I remember that my mom mentioned to me just the day before that she figures Allen's is able to stay in business so long because they now own the building they are in. No house (er...store?) payment! I imagine that helps. Let me just say: You never know what you will find at Allen's. That's what's so great about the place! I love to just go roam the isles and discover. In the soda isle, this product, Couronne, caught my eye and my curiousity got the better of me...I had to buy it. Mainly, I thought it looked alcoholic...or at least like cleaning solution. Turns out, it wasn't either, but just the sweetest, creamiest soda you'll ever taste. Really...it's too sweet and creamy. It's sick. Actually, I think it smells and tastes exactly like circus peanuts.
I go to check out and the total bill is $18.03, so I give the guy a 20 dollar bill and watch him very kindly type that he received $20.03. I decide then and there: this place must stay in business.
6 comments:
Thank you for the lifetime rundown of Allen's. I'm really sad I never saw this store when I was there, but that drink sounds like something I'd actually really like.
Very nice. I have a few issues, though. What about Storehouse market? You totally left it out. That's the place I remember going for the month's shopping. Second of all, "aisle," not "isle." The soda isle sounds exotic. Does soda grow there, or surround the island?
Sorry about that, but I thought it was clever as I wrote it. Looking back, it looks a little biting. But I do want to try that fruit champagne.
I love Allen's with all my heart. Before I had a wife that did all the grocery shopping (Robyn is amazing) I had two options:
Option 1. Shop at Macey's around 2 in the morning. It is great, you can do your shopping and no one bothers you.
Option 2. Shop at Allen's in the afternoon on Saturday during the rush. It is great, you can do your shopping and no one bothers you. The prices are slightly higher but I gladly pay a premium to have the store to myself.
being in the soda isle at Allen's is exotic..thanks for recognizing that, jojo. I'm disappointed that you didn't comment on Mustache's ear maggots and how you were the one that had to treat them. Apparently you're not as bitter about it as I remember.
I was never bitter. I liked the dog enough to do what had to be done.
Word Verification: mablab. heh.
Ah, a perfect commentary on the store just across the street.
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