SALT LAKE CITY — Families in Utah are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. For people like Bambi Cutler, buying food for her family of 12 can be tough, especially with prices continuing to rise.
“It’s incredibly expensive. It’s so hard,” she said while shopping at Nickey’s Wholesale Food Warehouse.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices are still high. For example, from December 2024 to December 2025, uncooked beef steaks surged by 17.8%. Cutler mentioned that with prices hitting $14 to $17.99 a pound, buying large cuts of meat is becoming increasingly difficult, unless she shops at Nickey’s.
“I love to cook. That’s my way of showing love,” she added. “Nickey’s has the best people and the best deals.”
Paul Stoddard, the owner, is committed to keeping prices lower than those at typical grocery stores. “Chuck roast is $5.49 a pound here,” he shared. “I focus on providing good prices for large families on tight budgets.”
Stoddard entered the “scratch and dent” segment of the food industry nearly a decade ago, buying good food with damaged packaging. “If one can is dented, I’ll end up with five perfectly fine cans.”
His strong connections in food distribution allow him to offer significant savings on everything from meat to fresh produce. “We’re like a dehydrating and freeze-drying paradise for people!” he said.
Customers are pleased with the value. Cutler noted, “For the price of one cucumber at a grocery store, you can get four here.”
Nickey’s Warehouse also accepts EBT cards, a crucial lifeline for many, especially since research from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute indicates over 7,600 older adults in Salt Lake County rely on government assistance for groceries.
“If you’re on a budget, it’s worth stopping by,” Stoddard suggested.
Many customers come not just for the deals but also for the friendly atmosphere. “The best part is knowing most of our customers by name,” Stoddard added.
Nickey’s posts weekly sales on their Facebook page, offering special deals several times a week. The store is located at 2655 S. 1030 West.
In a world where grocery prices are on the rise, more communities are turning to local options like Nickey’s. It’s an interesting shift, as shopping locally can encourage better spending habits while fostering community ties. For anyone feeling the strain of high prices, discovering a local gem like Nickey’s could make all the difference.
