Eric H.
Yelp
This Mistuwa location seems to be emphasizing the convenience store angle: the snack, candy, beverage, and prepared foods sections are highlighted and allotted more space than produce, staples, seasoning, and other ingredients for cooking. For reference, I've habitually frequented the Edgewater, NJ location for groceries, and I have visited the Chicago, IL location once before.
"Everything is bigger in Texas" is untrue of this Mitsuwa location; it's actually on the smaller side. It hosts a small food court, a bookstore, and what seems to be a rotating selection of claw and gachapon machines. Parking here is a breeze; in comparison, the Edgewater location can be quite difficult, especially if arriving later in the day or during a special event.
There are two entrances. The food court, to the right of the main entrance, has its own entrance. To the left of the main entrance are 2-3 short checkout registers, and located near those is the prepared food section. Sushi and sashimi are available, as well as other assorted bento boxes of food. Around the corner is a dessert and beverage section.
The produce section is quite small and limited. Like other Mitsuwas, produce tends to come neatly wrapped in pre-portioned sizes. While I can confidently shop for produce at the Edgewater location, it would be difficult to do so at this location.
The Natto selection here is quite diverse; there are numerous choices. Similarly, a refrigerated wall for miso exists, where one can find more difficult to obtain types of miso.
The diversity of the sashimi selection is limited in comparison to Edgewater's selection, and their meat aisle is not as extensive. On the other hand, the alcohol and beverage aisle doesn't appear to have been whittled down.
If you are looking for seasoning sauces such as soy sauce, vinegar, and the like, this Mitsuwa has condensed the options down to a single, partial aisle. In comparison, the Edgewater location had a large swath of aisle dedicated to soy sauce, including descriptive signage for each category of soy sauce. When coming to the Plano location for the first time, I was disappointed in the options.
Similarly, the noodle selection was a bit disappointing. Ideally, you'd have a bajillion choices for soba, ramen and more; but here it's quite limiting.
The appliance section is teensy, relegated to an after thought near the registers. The Edgewater location has two aisles dedicated to rice cookers, electric girdles, tea makers, etc.
The prepped food section here is somewhat substantial. Prepared sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, desserts, and beverages take up the perimeter of the kitchen area near the registers. You'll frequently find shopper perusing and browsing for items here.
Checkout--the staff at the registers are friendly and efficient.
The food court here is never particularly crowded. While the Edgewater food court is roughly triple to quadruple the size in terms of seating, there will be long lines everywhere, and difficulty finding open seating. So a plus side of the Plano location is less foot traffic.
