Shoppers in Ann Arbor fill carts with vegetarian food!

April 6, 2011 – Hiller’s hosted a Veggie Food Fair at its Ann Arbor location on April 2nd, where shoppers could munch on vegetarian items from more than 20 vendors. While shoppers crossed off items on their grocery lists, they also enjoyed Middle Eastern, Ethiopian and soul food cuisine. Locals and non-locals chatted with vendors about the food items — and many were surprised to find out all the food was 100-percent vegetarian.

Gloria Fitzpatrick of Dexter has been a shopper at Hiller’s for many years. She drives approximately 15 miles to shop at the Ann Arbor Hiller’s and does not mind the distance.

“I didn’t realize everything was vegetarian,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve only tried the Heinz baked beans and the edamame salad, but it’s been great so far. Hiller’s is great; it’s my favorite store.”

Fitzpatrick is not a vegetarian and was surprised by how much she enjoyed the food. Both non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike enjoyed the sprawl while they shopped. Paul Buckowski, a vegetarian from Ann Arbor, thinks he may have found a new place to shop.

“I really enjoyed the Ethiopian food and I loved the soul food,” said Buckowski. “I had no idea Hiller’s had such a great vegetarian selection.”

Hiller’s hosts many vegetarian events to promote the ease and tastefulness of a vegetarian lifestyle. With products ranging from Asian to American, Hillers’ offers a variety of vegetarian products from around the globe.

“We offer a full variety of vegetarian food, from Quorn chicken nuggets, made from mushrooms, to diet (vegan) cheese,” said Justin Hiller, vice president of Hiller’s.

Shoppers who missed the event need not fret. Hiller’s is hosting its next Veggie Food Fair on May 14 at the Northville location. Customers can shop while they sample vendors’ vegetarian meals.

“I’m so glad they are sampling,” said Sharon Darga of Ann Arbor. “I’m not a vegetarian, but after this, I could be.”