Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meats of St. Cloud

The supermarket section is clean, fresh food and comparable prices to stores. Meat is fresh and affordable.
They also sell cooked hispanic food which is super delicious. And they pack so much food in the lunch special, it’s enough for two people.

I think we all rued the demise of Rife’s. After all, they were the only local meat and produce market where just about everyone knew the owners’ names. Those owners went on hiatus, and the landmark almost faded into oblivion until it was painted bright red in anticipatory return. When the indoor flea market didn’t manifest to share space with the deli and meat counters, one could smell the end. Seemingly overnight, the now vacant legend gave way to the newest member of the Thrifty chain. Entering with thoughts of that other Thrifty (on Osceola Pkwy and Michigan Ave in Kissimmee), I found this one clean, orderly, neat and very well stocked. All remnants of Rife’s were eradicated, and the bakery and deli counters added some nice spice. Interestingly, this international market manned by friendly Hispanic staff still sells Thumann’s cold cuts, and pastries include Italian and NYC staples. But what really sold me was the meat: beautiful marbled cuts along with «real» poultry, fish and seafood, alongside more exotic goat, rabbit and turtle. I haven’t salivated over hunks of uncut silver tip in years, and it tasted even better on my plate than my palate anticipated. While fruits and veggies are plentiful but also spoiling, and surely not the lowest-​priced around, this won’t deter me from returning … for now. I saw a robust decorated donut and some shimmering ceviche with my name on them, and hope to have a bigger tip for the butcher. I think he transferred over from that other Thrifty already, so this one’s pure green.