The deli department at the new Foodland farms.Was it worth the wait? You bet. We actually said good-bye to Foodland Aina Haina for good last year when they closed for what we thought was just a much-needed face-lift on a store that has been around since 1950. What many did not know, was that upon its return, it would re-open as a Foodland Farms carrying the staples everyone counts on, along with more gourmet, exotic, natural, local and organic items than ever before. Plus, the new store will have full-service bakery, deli, meat and seafood departments.

Foodland, Foodland Farms, and Sack ‘N Save are all part of Foodland Super Market, Ltd., which was established in 1948. The Market City location was its first store with Aina Haina being its third. The corporation operates 31 stores statewide and has just over 2,500 employees. The only other Foodland Farms in the state is successfully operating on the Big Island in Mauna Lani.

 Keoni Chang is just one of the entire Foodland team who is working hard to ensure that the Foodland Farms experience is a memorable one. According Chang, at the newly opened store, “You will still be able to count on finding your basic staples at Foodland prices.”

Conventional items such as daily dairy products, cookies, chips, soda, and cereals are readily available, as well as many other items you have come to find at Foodland. The big difference will be in the specific departments. For example, the new Foodland Farms (unlike the old Foodland) now has a bakery and expanded meats and deli section. The bakery features daily fresh-baked breads, muffins, croissants, and a huge selection of artisan breads – not to mention a mouthwatering selection of gourmet desserts. You will also find fresh lemonade, iced teas (including one mojito flavored), and rich hot chocolate.

The eats and seafood department carries the largest selection of poke on the island. Both local and mainland items are available. The local items are offered daily and the mainland items are found and shipped in seasonally to ensure freshness – such as Alaskan King Crab Legs.

Foodland Farms upgraded its beef one step above the traditional USDA standard to “Premium Natural USDA Prime Angus Beef.” Stuffed meats, apple smoked bacon that can be cut to specification, and other chef prepared items can be purchased to take home, ready to eat. The deli department will continue to carry the wonderful Boar’s Head line along with new deli meats and marinated salads. A signature meatloaf, seared ahi, and a rotisserie line of foods will grace the deli, specializing in a Hawaiian Cajun seasoning and complimented by a gelato bar.

Sampling will be daily and ongoing along with demonstrations and other monthly events. The Produce department now holds a larger selection of locally grown and organic products. Like the meat department, when in season, mainland items will be brought in.

The Floral department will also have fresh, local, daily cuts, custom arrangements and seasonal bouquets. R. Fields has always been Foodland’s number one source for wines and ales. Foodland Farms dedicates an entire section to an expanded selection of wonderful items at Foodland prices.

“It is possible,” says Chef Chang, “to walk out with a fine bottle of wine, prepared gourmet meal and dessert for a fraction of what it would cost in a restaurant.” You can find a $20 bottle of wine for only $9 - $12. All you have to do is light the candles. In the liquor section, you can find exciting and unique items like blended red wines from around the world, wild tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and locally made butter and cheeses. “I highly recommend everyone try the balsamic and vinegar tasting station,” encourages Chang. Chang also states that the selection that they offer comes from strong vendor and farm support within the community. He believes that the new Foodland Farms will offer a high-quality shopping experience at supermarket pricing.

The grand opening was February 17th, with regular store hours from 5:00AM – 11:00PM, seven days a week. There were free product give-aways throughout the day, wine and cheese tastings, sampling, demos and more. The first 100 customers through the door will receive a free gift during opening week. Be sure to pick up the flyer that lists all the events happening through March, especially on Saturdays between 10:00AM – 2:00PM. “Aloha Aina Haina” will continue to give participating schools up to $10,000 each through March 31, 2010 when shoppers provide their favorite school’s code or name at checkout.

Sheryl Toda, Director of Corporate Communications, is proud to say that a lot of time has been invested in employee training. “We expect Foodland Farms to offer outstanding, knowledgeable customer service, and we are committed to making every customer experience a positive one.” Although there are no plans for another Foodland Farms at this time, Foodland broke ground last month in Kapolei to build the largest store in Hawaii. Expected to open in spring of 2011, this Foodland will be the anchor for the Kapolei Village Center.