Is Montana Next? WinCo’s Deli Changes Spark Speculation

Imagine this: You are shopping hungry at WinCo. You’ve already completed your shopping list and picked up some bulk trail mix. Now you’re standing in front of the deli counter, about to make a split-second decision about turkey or roast beef. It’s a ritual, right? But what if that ritual … shifts?

Here’s the deal: Something insane is happening to our neighbors over in Idaho. WinCo Will No Longer Offer Sliced Deli Meat at 13 Locations Yup, no more standing at the deli counter, observing the deli person slice your turkey to precisely the thickness you want. Instead, it’s all prepackaged stuff. Grab it, bag it, go.

Our sister Boise station 103.5 KISS FM reported deli slicers were disappearing from local WinCo locations.

Now, before you aim to panic-buy poundage of pastrami, let’s have chat. There is no word yet on whether this change will come to Montana. But let’s be real, what happens in Idaho doesn’t necessarily remain in Idaho. Is it coming for us, too? Maybe.

I just talked to the “deli meat slicer” at our local WinCo in Missoula, and their slicers are all good to go. Phew!

If this change arrives in Montana, we’ll adjust, I guess. We’re Montanans, if we can survive sub-zero winters and avoid tourists in Yellowstone, we can handle deli drama. But God, I will miss those deli counter talks. Until then, I will savor every fresh slice as long as possible.

What do you think? Packaged advantage or fresh-sliced forever? For now, I will be over in bulk candy, reflecting on my life choices.