And the Winner is: Shop Rite

The results of Patch’s Readers’ Choice poll are in, and the winner of “favorite grocery store in New Milford” is Shop Rite.

Shop Rite garnered 51 percent of the vote and a total of 10 points (see rules attached). 

Even though Shop Rite earned the highest ratings, it also earned some of the harshest criticisms. Many readers commented on Shop Rite's poor maintenance conditions and narrow aisles. Others expressed concerns that Shop Rite is the commercial anchor of the United Water Company development, property that they feel should not be developed due to flooding.

However, when Donna Colucci was organizing her for residents affected by Hurricane Irene, it was the manager of Shop Rite who said to her, "What do you need?" and provided food for 100 people. 

Other readers commented that they leave New Milford to do their food shopping in "cleaner stores" than Shop Rite. Coming in second at 26 percent of the vote and total of 8 points was Stop and Shop in Teaneck. Other readers said that they shop in the Shop Rite stores in Westwood, Emerson and Paramus. Others shop at Stop and Shop in Dumont, and Kings in Cresskill and Hillsdale. 

Next week Patch will be looking for the Readers’ Choice for bar/restaurant with "Best Beer List." Poll begins Monday at 9 a.m.