Definitely helps to be a regular.
Also helps not to be a regular PIA.
I go to the grovery store at 7am in the morning to avoid a long deli line
yes, vegetarian larry goes to the deli line to by cheese
Yes vegetarians (some) eat cheese
No larry is not a regualar PIA (aside from popular belief)
Being a regular, these guys take care of me. They know what I usually want. They like me compared to the other complaining customers, and at least where i go, the salads are all new and placed at this time.
I have to plan my trip for when the frreshly baked rolls and bread come out of the oven ( which is about this time).
The produce people are putting out all the fresh produce, and I dont feel rushed or bullied by a crowed behind me reaching over my shoulder for the fresher tomato or whatever ( since no one is there but me)
And finally, Im the first one on line to check out using the same guy week after week. This is the guy who knows every vegetable and fruit code. And for the few codes he doesnt know, he is smart and knows the right person to ask or looks them up quickly, so im not online all day long. Ideally its best if i go during the week on my days off, but usually its sunday mornings. Speaking of which, its about 6:30 now, I need to get ready to get some freshly baked bread.
Bottom line, being a regular and friendly with the people who work in your local market goes a long way. They deal with many difficult people and they find it a pleasure when they see a familiar face of someone that treats them nicely. And in my case, often go out of the way to keep u a happy regular customer by providing you with the best. Im actually known to them as " the feta cheese guy" since i buy a block every sunday morning ( they can set their watches to it). So much so, that they wished me a Happy Greek Easter, thinking I was Greek by the amount of feta cheese i bought. I didnt have the heart to tell them i wasnt.