Smart & Final

Grace Glory

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

**Review for Smart & Final, Store 391:** Cashier : Antonio De Jesus I recently had an extremely disappointing and discriminatory experience at this Smart & Final location on May 22, 2024, at approximately 1:19 p.m. The incident began when the cashier Antonio de Jesus scanned my items and presented my Smart & Final savings card. After inputting my payment details, the cashier incorrectly informed me that I could not use my EBT card and purchase alcohol simultaneously. This is not supported by California law and is a clear case of EBT discrimination. When I requested that the alcohol be voided from the transaction, the cashier claimed he couldn't do it. I then asked for the entire transaction to be voided and restarted, which he also refused. The cashier asked for two forms of ID, which I provided, but then he told a second person that the additional ID was unnecessary. I asked to speak with a manager or supervisor, as the cashier was preventing me from completing a standard transaction. The manager eventually assisted, and the transaction was completed as it should have been handled initially. However, another employee behind the cashier began screaming at me, repeatedly ordering me to "GET OUT" of the store and not to return. His hostile behavior caused other customers to turn against me, despite my calm demeanor and respectful conduct. This was completely uncalled for and demeaning. Additionally, I was shopping for vision-impaired individuals, one of whom was present during this incident. Due to the situation, she did not receive the necessary assistance, causing her undue stress and hardship. This behavior was not only unprofessional but also discriminatory towards African American customers and individuals with disabilities. I have observed this specific employee consistently exhibit hostile behavior towards these groups on multiple occasions. After the incident, I called the store to obtain the names of the involved parties. The individual who answered, whom I recognized as the employee who yelled at me, refused to provide any information, falsely claimed to be the manager, and refused to transfer me to a true manager. This incident not only reflects poorly on this store but also violates California state laws regarding discrimination and consumer rights. Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 51), discrimination based on disability and race is prohibited in all business establishments, including retail stores. Additionally, there are no restrictions preventing the purchase of eligible food items with an EBT card in the same transaction that includes alcohol, provided the alcohol is paid for separately. I urge the management to review the footage from the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against the involved employees. It is crucial that all customers, especially those from vulnerable populations, are treated with respect and dignity.

Sabrina M.

★★★★☆

3 years ago

This is the original Smart and Final Store. I love buying water here. I love buying big trays for cooking/baking without paying extravagant prices. They have bulk items at value prices. They are sort of like Costco without the membership. They have good produce. They have everything a regular grocery store has with a bit more variety and value. They are located between Gaden and Santa Barbara streets. Their parking lot is free, but it's a little tight if you have a big truck or a large utility vehicle. The staff is generally helpful. It's the original, and so it's an older store. The one in Five Points is brighter and newer. The one out by Costco is brand spanking new. I prefer the one off Garden Street.

Joe Valenzuela

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

it's the worst store ever. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and I never been so disrespected in all my life at 51yrs I walked in just now to purchase some cookies and a male employee puts his hands on me and orders me to leave the store for no reason so I told you don't know me his response was my girl does. really I don't still and because his girls says such you treat me like a crook really...

David Caro

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Store has good selection and prices but cashiers ruin the experience. All the cashiers except for Gavin have horrible attitudes, the short brown haired woman is the worst. The multiple times I have been there and she has rang me up it was the worst and most sour attitude I have experienced at a store. If the store management's goal was to make customers go elsewhere well you hired the best cashiers for the job.

Lisa Moeller

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

Great parking lot. Got some natural bug spray for a reasonable price. Watch for their deals, because you can get some great discounts. But I only shop for specific items I want that are on sale. Because there normal prices can exceed that of other local markets. I think the cleaning products section is good in variety and price most of the time.

Milton Lopez

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

The last times we have come ALL CASHIERS have been really rude. The lady always has a sour attitude. Today a guy threw a bill after saying the we would actually prefer to pay with card. When we wanted to return something a couple months back, a guy got super pissed at us because of this. Would not recommend if you want a pleasant shopping experience. Just go to Trader Joe’s, or Sprouts a couple blocks away. All the cashiers there are nice, the complete opposite of the cashiers at this Smart and Final. When I find out the names of these three cashiers I’ll update my review to include their names.

Que Que

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

I like this store. Stocked with what I need at reasonable prices. The employees work diligently and are respectful. From the crew stocking items to the great cashiers. The problem is management at this store location and the dishonest practices. The store has had issues with theft from transient individuals sadly. Management decided to implement verbal 'rules' (suggestion) that backpacks must be left with the cashier. My issue with this 'policy' is I have no assurance my things wont go missing when my backpack is in Smart & Final custody. Why do I need a backpack? I travel by bike, in my backpack I have reusable bags,bike locks,keys, wallet, and miscellaneous items, as sometimes my pants have no pockets. I tried to resolve this issue by email,writing to the corporate office, using the online Smart & Final Help desk and messaging system. No reply. No result. My complaint has been forwarded to this specific store, management refuses to reply. Sad that a customer must resort to making a public grievance. If I was truly suspected of theft, please ask to look in my backpack, I would even gladly provide ID. However what I will not do is leave my personal property in Smart & Final custody without assurances that responsibility is taken. The poor cashiers must tell customers no backpacks, due to management 'policy'. Some cashiers are reluctant to do so, and it causes strife,time wasted, with no discernible rules. They seem to be unenforceable, however I don't wish to cause ill will. Common sense needs to return to management at this location. Smart & Final web portal is poor. Chat help desk can't answer questions. Physical mail,email,communications are not returned. For all of the above smart & Final has lost this customer. To the great employees, to the great cashiers let this not be a reflection on you. Your management and corporate inaction is at fault. Earnestly, a guy trying to buy groceries.

Adan Aguilera

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

The best place and I live right by it

Gerardo Dias

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Tuesday October 22nd @ 7:00 PM The cashier Gavin was extremely rude and refused to honor a coupon that rewarded me a free loaf of bread after a $25 or more purchase! He would give dirty looks to my family and I from far away and eventually honored the coupon but with such an attitude. I really hope Smart & Final at E. Gutierrez is aware of the terrible experiences that guests have with some of their employees!

V. LUQ

★☆☆☆☆

11 months ago

Tues march 4. Noon-ish guy at the first register was rude and miserable as well as the lady that was doing something with his till seems like she was mad because I was waiting to buy something while she was bringing him change or something. For no reason. Bad apple spoils the bunch. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link what a shame because The young guy in the back freezer helping those inventory people out was really polite and helpful when I asked for his assistance even though he seemed busy he came around, out of his way. I hate to do this, but maybe those people should be in the back and let the real workers be the face of this store. Came here a few times after and may be my last even though i would have to go further to another store. What a shame.

Wally Gastineau

★☆☆☆☆

3 months ago

Ice needs to pay smart and final a visit, I will never shop there again

Robert White (Bob)

★★★★★

7 years ago

Stoped for some bbq supplies and saw this. I saw at least two overflowing baskets of food going to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara. Warms my heart to see folks being good neighbors and looking out for the community. Good work and thank you!!

MoonlitMuse

★★☆☆☆

7 months ago

The cashiers here are super unfriendly. They’re super grumpy and act like you are a bother to them. The store itself is fine and well stocked.

Gary Farrall

★☆☆☆☆

9 months ago

Almost every employee at this store including the store manager needs to be fired or retrained in the area of customer Service! Cashiers are rude, employees on the floor could care less about what you're looking for instead of saying " can I help you find anything?" They just ignore you! The list goes on and on. I know they will say on their "canned response" that they will 'review it with the management team". I'm going to take it a step further and follow up with the district manager and as far up the ladder 🪜 I can go, it's very clear that the manger and employees could care less about anything other than their paycheck that they don't deserve! Overall rating grade is a capital "F".

Sofia Morua

★☆☆☆☆

6 months ago

Fire antonio! Spent 20+ minutes in line and it wasn’t even busy. When it’s time to check out he fixes the groceries to his liking when they are already in the checkout table. Has happens multiple time with the same guy and I’m done with it.

Bobby Tarafdar

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

My company buying product from this store for last 20 years, and I never had a problem with anything or any one . But recently for last six mounts we have problems with the turkey product ! The price on the sticker is example $25.23 and when we go to cash register is higher ? It happened at least for my last twenty times of purchasing this product ! Most of the store they adjust the price , but in this location the cashier name “Lili” refused to fix the price and acting like store manager and call me thief . Even when she did it in front of the manager “Steve” few weeks ago , he stood there and did not say anything. The other cashier were witness to these unprofessional behavior several times by “Lili”

Drew Cuddy

★☆☆☆☆

a month ago

Truly the worst grocery experience, every time. This location is chronically understaffed by uninterested and incapable people. Urgency and a willingness to help does not exist in these 4 walls. The staff goofs around, glares, and let their coworkers suffer lines of 15+ customers accumulating on a single checkout. The lines here are consistently 20-30 minutes long. No. I would not shop here at all if it wasn’t for it being the only local supplier with a *semi* commercially oriented, selection of cleaning products, sodas, and ingredients for my business. The online resale registration is the one useful element for us. This location desperately needs a complete top down rebuild from the management to the clerks and is the worst shopping experience anywhere in the 805. Avoid shopping here for your mental health and, especially, if you have a busy schedule. Time and energy vampire masquerading as a grocery store.