Grocery cartOne of our favorite games around here is hypothesizing possible tenants for vacant mixed-use developments. In Lake Highlands, that’s Town Center.

Mind you, we are not merely guessing, but talking to developers (who refer us to publicists who politely give us zero information), studying the commercial real estate atmosphere, exploring historical practices, following tips from knowledgable sources  …

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OK, so we’re guessing. Whatever.

In some sort of manic episode fueled by a need to identify the mystery grocer Lincoln Property Company plans to put in its Gaston-Garland development, our columnist Jeff Siegel came up with, and emailed to his co-staffers, a list of 50 major independent supermarkets in the country, followed by a list of 75 chains.

So, we now have a list of what very likely includes the Lake Highlands Town Center anchor. (It’s like a ‘Law and Order’ detective’s search of the New York City DPS database for drivers of a white Impala with 8 and 3 in the license plate — it returns hundreds of names, but, hey, now they have something to work with, and they’ll get their guy within the hour).

After the jump, you can read the lists in entirety. But first, my preferred grocers, and why I like having them around.

1. Aldi

Because I can be in-and-out with essentials in 15 minutes. Quicker if I get one of those checkers who wants to race, scanning items at such dizzying speed that I break a sweat trying to match pace as I transfer groceries from my cart to the belt.

2. Kroger

Because you can buy Tofurky and Diet Coke together.

3. Tom Thumb

Because the staff gives you a standing ovation for a $1 donation to St. Judes.

4. Natural Grocers

A chance to test dexterity and creativity when I forget to bring my own bag.

5. Wal Mart

It is apparently totally acceptable to shop in your pajamas there.

(Don’t forget to make your own guess about when a Lake Highlands Town Center will be announced, and win a prize if you’re right.)

Independent grocers:

Chains:

Wal-Mart Stores Company News
Kroger Company News
Costco Wholesale Corp. 2013
Target Corp. 2013
Safeway Company News
Supervalu Company News
Loblaw Cos. 2013
Publix Super Markets 2013
Ahold USA Company News
7-Eleven 2013
C&S Wholesale Grocers 2013
Delhaize America Company News
H-E-B 2013
Sobeys 2013
Dollar General Corp. 2013
Meijer Inc. 2013
Wakefern Food Corp. 2013
Metro Inc. 2013
Whole Foods Market 2013
BJ’s Wholesale Club 2013
Trader Joe’s Co. 2013
Bi-Lo Holdings 2013
Giant Eagle 2013
Family Dollar Stores 2013
Aldi 2013
Hy-Vee Food Stores 2013
Associated Wholesale Grocers 2013
Wegmans Food Markets 2013
A&P 2013
WinCo Foods 2013
United Natural Foods Inc. 2013
Nash Finch Co. 2013
Harris Teeter Supermarkets 2013
Save Mart Supermarkets 2013
Albertsons LLC 2013
Demoulas Market Basket 2013
Roundy’s Supermarkets 2013
Price Chopper Supermarkets 2013
Stater Bros. Markets 2013
Unified Grocers 2013
Ingles Markets 2013
Overwaitea Food Group 2013
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores 2013
Grocers Supply Co. 2013
Houchens Industries 2013
Tops Friendly Markets 2013
Weis Markets 2013
Spartan Stores 2013
Schnuck Markets 2013
Alex Lee Inc. 2013
Associated Wholesalers Inc. 2013
K-VA-T Food Stores 2013
Associated Food Stores 2013
Brookshire Grocery Co. 2013
Central Grocers 2013
Smart & Final 2013
Sprouts Farmers Market 2013
Bozzuto’s 2013
99 Cents Only Stores 2013
Affiliated Foods Midwest 2013
Bashas’ 2013
Big Y Foods 2013
Saker ShopRite 2013
United Supermarkets 2013
Affiliated Foods 2013
Superior Grocers 2013
Village Super Market 2013
Piggly Wiggly Midwest 2013
Woodman’s Markets 2013
Brookshire Brothers 2013
The Fresh Market 2013
Grocery Outlet 2013
Coborn’s 2013
Inserra Supermarkets 2013
Marsh Supermarkets 2013