Safeway’s Big Social Debut

The new Safeway store on Wisconsin Avenue had a gala debut May 5, as Georgetowners and others were treated to a champagne, food-filled (of course) party that got lots of positive buzz and publicity. Neighbors, politicos and Safeway execs mingled throughout D.C.’s largest grocery store, which is open 24 hours a day. “I was first in the store in the 1950s. I think it’s a great place,” said Washington Post Company CEO Don Graham, who grew up on nearby R Street. “This is the Social Safeway,” said Kate Michael of the Web site K Street Kate. “You may well see people shopping in the future in cocktails dresses.” Katherine Tallmadge, who writes a nutrition column for the Georgetowner, observed of the new store, “The nutritional options are amazing, the produce section is gorgeous and the selections of wines really surprise me. Mary Beth Albright summed up the evening: “It is the best time I have ever had in a grocery store!” – Robert Devaney and Elle Fergusson