Pioneer at 380 Lenox Avenue, New York, New York.

Well lit, decent selection, reasonably priced.

My problem with Pioneer began and ended with the deli department. The first time I tried to order some kind of cranberry chicken salad, the kid behind the counter said they were closed. It was only 9 PM, but whatever. As I am walking back I see he is waiting on another gentleman, so I figure there was a mistake and get back in line. Nope nope nope. Once it's my turn, "I told you we were closed." Fine, you don't want the money that keeps your store open and gives you a job, I'll complain to the manager and spend it somewhere else cause I'm a cranky old man.

Maybe two months later, I'm trying it again like a fool. This time it's apparently OK for me to ask for a half pound of cheddar cheese and some meatballs, but mid-conversation it becomes much more important to talk to a fellow employee about their sandwich. Then about their chips. Then about their bottled water. Two minutes later I wander away, wondering why it is so hard to give this place my money.

And the people at the register have an unrelenting air of sadness. Please say something nice to them if you see them.