A new specialty grocery store, Wildwood Market, has recently opened in downtown Saratoga. Owned by freshman Anna and junior Charlie Dutro’s father, Frank Dutro, the store has become a trendy hangout place for students.
The main attractions to this market are the low-priced smoothies, milkshakes and slushies. Even though the smoothies are cheap, the food has the same standard price that is expected from most higher quality grocery stores.
According to its website, Wildwood Market is trying to recreate the feel of a downtown Saratoga market from the ‘60s, which includes having fewer processed foods.
The entrance of the store has a large round table for students to sit and chat. Along with the milkshake machine, there is also a soda fountain and a small TV. Students say the customer service is great, and they feel welcome to stay and socialize.
An aisle in the middle contains general snack food such as Pop chips and Doritos on the left side while the right has various dips and groceries. In addition, the back of the store has a fridge and some fresh fruit in multiple baskets.
All of these elements provide a place that is becoming a new destination for the students.
Sophomore Matthew Zung is one of Wildwood Market’s new customers.
“The vanilla milkshakes are the best ones I've ever had,” Zung said. “The price of $3.90 is perfect for students. You can’t get a better deal than that.”
The market owns its own custom milkshake machine, which it claims is the secret to their delicious beverages. A pre-filled cup is put into the machine and mixed around to make it milky and creamy with the options of less creamy, regular, and more creamy. Another big selling point is the large patio just outside the shop.
“The smoothies are cool and delicious,” sophomore Zhan Ng said. “The market is a fantastic spot to hangout after school and it has a variety of delicious treats.
Overall, the student consensus is that Wildwood Market is a positive addition to a downtown that many find is lacking in stores, and is welcomed by Saratoga students.
“The awesome flavor is definitely worth the number of calories it contains. It’s just a great place to go,” Ng said.
