Was It Something I Said?

So, imagine my surprise that a couple of days after wondering about the future of Fresh and Easy in Loma Linda, we got an answer.

And the answer seems to be a resounding no.

Crews were out early Monday morning covering up the signs announcing the store's name. Every spot the company's logo was displayed was covered in a sheet of white.

It's a disappointment to be sure. And seemingly a missed opportunity for the company.

After all, Loma Linda is home to a population that would have embraced that store and its values. And that end of town is sorely lacking in general grocery stores. Now they'll have to continue to make the trip over the bridge to Stater Bros. or Clark's, or down the road to Redlands and Walmart, which recently expanded its grocery section.

Besides the residents, it will be a blow to the city, which was looking forward to the extra tax income a new store would bring. When contacted by a fellow Patcher, a city staffer sounded surprised when asked about the building's change of appearance.

The change on the outside may not mean the end of Fresh and Easy coming to Loma Linda. A quick check of the company's website still shows the location with a "Coming Soon" tag on it, instead of being eliminated from the map entirely.

We all know the economy is horrible. And opening a new store is never a sure thing, no matter how right the location might be. But why, then, did they go through the expense of constructing the building when they did? It's not like the economy was any better a couple of years ago.

In the meantime, any one who wants to shop at one of their stores better be ready to drive. The nearest locations to Loma Linda include north San Bernardino (in the Del Rosa neighborhood), Yucaipa and Calimesa.

Well, one thing's for sure. They're not taunting us any more.