8 Things You Should Know Before Shopping At Harris Teeter

From Delish

North Carolinians know one thing to be true: You can sing the praises of Publix up and down and talk about Aldi like it's your firstborn, but Harris Teeter is the best grocery store there is. It was invented in The Tar Heel State, after all, and has kept loyal shoppers happy with the most legit prepared foods, free cookies, and a freakin' dragon mascot. Read this, and you'll see what all the fuss is about.

1. THEY'RE BASED IN THE SOUTHEAST.

Harris Teeter has more than 240 locations on the east coast, but you have to be in one of these lucky states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, or Maryland (plus D.C.!). The chain was started in North Carolina by two grocers, W.T. Harris and Willis Teeter. Kroger bought it in 2013, but the name and A+ Harris Teeter brand products stayed the same.

2. THE PREPARED FOOD SECTION RIVALS WHOLE FOODS'.

If you're in need of a quick meal and happen to be close to HT, you should absolutely head to their prepared food section. The sushi is way above average in terms of grocery store quality, the pizza is amazing, and the salad bar is huge.

3. THE WINE SELECTION IS MASSIVE.

Seriously, this is not your average half a shelf of cheap wine. Harris Teeter has an enormous selection of whites, reds, and bubbly at all different price points.

4. THE DISCOUNTS ARE AMAZING.

If you shop at HT, you need a VIC card. It gives you access to all the in-store discounts, and you can get deals of the week emailed to you. Students get an extra 5 percent off groceries while they're in school. If you join e-VIC (the discount card's online portal), you can be entered in a weekly gift card prize and bigger sweepstakes like free groceries for a year.

5. THEY SELL THE BEST SOFT DRINK EVER.

You haven't lived until you've tried Cheerwine. The unique soda is sort of similar to Dr. Pepper or Cherry Coke, but it's so much better than either that those comparisons just seem unfair. Unfortunately, the soda isn't sold nationwide, but you better believe good ol' HT sells it by the case. One sip and you'll be drinking the Kool-Aid - er, Cheerwine - too.

6. VETERANS GET VIP PARKING.

Harris Teeter honors those who've served in a super-visible way. Many store locations have reserved spots for vets in the front of parking lots.

7. THEIR MASCOT IS ADORABLE.

Harry the Happy Dragon has been the grocery store's mascot since 1992. He makes in-store appearances and occasionally visits local schools as part of Harris Teeter's Together in Education program.

8. YOU CAN SCORE FREE COOKIES.

Speaking of Harry, the dragon has a free cookie stand in most bakeries. You can pick up a regular or low-fat sugar cookie. Sure, maybe they're meant for kids, but no one's going to stop you from grabbing one. HT loves you that much.

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