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01/30/12
Boutique Market for both the Gourmet and Local Shopper
by Fred V
I wanted to express my appreciation for having such a first rate and well run grocery/supermarket such as Oliver's to frequent for most of my daily needs.
First, Oliver's Cotati is kind of a mix of hippie-ish health food store and modern grocery that is both relaxed and well presented. It is not an especially large market compared to the number of Whole Foods, Dragers and Andronicos that I've shopped at when living in other parts of the Bay Area. Oliver's does not at first appear to be as upscale as these other markets I've mentioned, but I do not think that is the niche that they are going for. Just the same, Oliver's imparts a boutique feel with all the wonderful specialty items they offer. Also, the produce department, meat department, wine department, vitamin department, bakery and gift center are certainly impressive enough.
I love the fact Oliver's is MY local market, not a big chain or an upscale brand to flaunt. Their organic produce and organic products in general are prevalent and I will almost always choose an organic product if it is available. I actually count the products that are Not organic at the checkout line to see how well I'm doing in my desire to be all organic.
It is also very nice that Oliver's highlights items grown and/or produced in Sonoma County! I think it is very important that cities and communities keep jobs, transportation of goods and the "energy" of their locales close to home. It is this very spirit of Oliver's that raises a mere local business to a member of the community to enthusiastically support.
I often shop at Oliver's twice a day for my fresh groceries, not only because I find most everything I need there but because I am so comfortable there... Oliver's is my kind of market.
Thank You to all the employees of Oliver's Cotati that make it that way!
04/13/08
Yo Quiero Taco Bell
by bghead
See hilarious review of Oliver's Market deli at:
weblog. xanga. com / BGheadX
Looked like a really tasy place to eat (and no trans fats) but the trick is GETTING your food so you can EAT it. Good luck.
11/07/07
worst wine tasting format anywhere!
by whineguy
If you shop at Oliver's market in Cotati, stay away from the Friday afternoon wine tasting parties! They hold the tastings in a sardine size area of about 4 x 8'. If you enjoy elbow to elbow company, and someone shouting loudly since they have had too much to drink, you will love their format. Renne, the Manager thinks it's just fine and needs no adjustment. She told me!
This is what it looks like from a distance. The 4 x 8' area is fenced in. Eventually it becomes crowded with people, cheek to jowl, swilling wine. And guess what? The pour staff do not ask people to step away and let others taste! They keep filling glasses while the locals enjoy their private party! I guess it would impolite to do this?
And why should people step away and let others taste? Hey...the pour staff keep filling my glass when I hold it out! Party harty!!
I emailed Oliver's suggesting the following:
If the object of the tastings is to provide a private party for people who as one reviewer stated (rocky marie), Olivers wine tastings: "always good for a cheap buzz"...then success has been acheived.
But if the purpose behind the tasting format is to allow the greatest number of customers to taste wine...and hopefully purchase it...the format is a disaster.
I will never shop at Oliver's again.
- Pros: none
- Cons: Friday afternoon wine tasting format is a disaster
10/25/07
Large Variety of Organic Items, Fun Beer & Wine Tastings, Open Late
by rockymarie
Cool Store with lots of organic produce, coffee, dairy, frozen items & supplements. Open late - till 11 every night, I think. Beer & wine tastings are fun, educational, friendly & always good for a cheap buzz.
Laminated cards with employee ratings of various products around the store are helpful - I often like Sue's picks. Friendly staff. Most seem to like working there. I like patronizing businesses who value employees & treat employees well!
