Pros
Good first job, pleasant work environment, co-workers are great. Hourly workers have a lot of options when it comes to scheduling and job duties.
Cons
The pay is average at best. Actually below average when you consider the amount of hours expected. Lip service is paid to work-life balance, but the reality is very different. Management lacks professionalism from store level all the way through the corporate ranks. Education is disregarded in favor of Hy-Vee experience. There is a perception that if you were a good Hy-Vee store manager you can perform any job in the company which has led to some disastrous results. I have seen it really go downhill just in my few years with the company. In a lot of cases people are pushed into management positions before they're ready and it shows in their performance and the way they treat their employees. When things go right managers are the geniuses, and when things go wrong, managers look for people under them to blame. You get ahead by kissing up. If you can talk a good game and are willing to throw anyone under the bus to get ahead, this is the company for you.