Smart & Final

Gera and Gabe just reminded me why i avoid this place, why I continue to renew my membership and put up with the craziness at Costco-​Davis. It could’ve been when Gabe told the couple behind me to go to Gera’s line even though, I was next, or maybe it was when Gabe handed her his debit card and employee discount card and she couldn’t figure out to enter it, so he, stepped away from his register to enter it for her. Maybe it was her buying alcohol and Gera not asking for ID even though she clearly looked under age, and sounded like a… nevermind, it could’ve also been the fact that Gera took 15min to ring up their 6 or so items 2bottles of hard liquor and bags of hot cheetos, and an extra 3−4min waiting for someone to void his transaction when he charged them for a hundred bags! should i even include my transaction, my one item, paper plates, did Gera thank me for my patience, ask me if i found everything i needed, if i would like a bag, nope, just a «here ‘ya go» when he handed me my receipt. Then again i was already starting this rant while i was in line, and i think he had a feeling… that he sucked at his job, that he and Gabe took unprofessionalism to a whole new level, and this weird chick in his line was probably going to hop online and rant about it

Their sign says they accept EBT but they do not. The manager was very short with me and could not figure out why their machines were not working properly. She repeatedly told me that I had no money on my card even after I called the number to verify my balance ($ 148.70). She never apologized for the technical issues and did not bother to offer any solutions. She kept blaming me for their register’s inability to process my payment. I went to Mi Pueble down the street. My EBT card worked just fine at that store. Don’t waste your time here. The staff is incompetent and unfriendly.

A good store to get your groceries, is cheaper then other. Most of the employee are helpful with any question you have. I went today and ask to the cashier (Joselyn) for a specific item she don’t even ask, directly say no, We don’t.charms for the food and give my receipt and turn around not even thanks… I decided to get back inside and ask Jorge about the item and he kindly went to the back to get it for me… Manager store, let me tell you I don’t like the service Joselyn give me today. She even was eating gum while working (soo inappropriate), no greeting at all.

First time here, thought the store was clean and well-​maintained. Selection overall is fantastic, especially the produce department, and there were lots of employees working hard all over the store– every one was friendly & helpful. This is a crazy-​busy area in a low-​income neighborhood and I think this store is doing its best to serve the community. I was really satisfied with what I paid vs my usual Trader Joe’s tab, and although I had to wait a while for a cart (people sneak off with ‘em so during peak times they’re scarce) it was worth it and I’ll be back.

I love this Smart and Final location, every week they run specials on all kinds of items and more often than not; you are able to get your main grocery staples for a fraction of Safeway’s cost. This store is great if you have a large family, a party/​event to cater, or if you just want to stock up for the month in bulk. Many of the items in this store are sold in larger quantities than you may be used to, but bigger packs always save you $$$, or if you prefer smaller, they usually offer identical goods in single sizes. I would have given this place 5 stars, but their only downfall is that they hire ghetto A** people, it’s annoying when you have to wait in line and listen to hood babble, News Flash: nobody cares who Tyrell is F****** or how the sideshow went.

Been going to this smart&final for years
Now it’s bigger since they made it smart&final extra so now the parking lot is always packed.

This place needs to care about how many people come in on a Friday night! This is like the 100^th Friday I’ve been here and the lines have been backed up down the isles with only 2 or 3 checkers open. Seriously?! A Friday night? I’ve worked in numerous grocery stores and this is in unexpectable! A manager should at least come open up. This is why I Instacart… never again.

my first time shopping here was a week and a half ago, excellent selection of fresh fruit, great prices. I really love how friendly their staff is. I am definitely going to be shopping here on a more regular basis. Between this store and Foodsco, I may not need to go all the way to Grocery Outlet (although, they are another favorite of mine)

I usually try to call and ask if this store has what I need before going to the store to save time. Every time I call, I spend at least 5 minuets on hold, get transferred to at least one different employee and then I’m told they sorta have what I want, but not quite. Then I go to the store, can’t find the item or the person who told me it was in stock, and waste a ton of my time. I don’t think I’m ever going to go to this Smart and Final or any other Smart and Final ever again.

Came here the other day to get some goodies for pops business which is located 4 blocks from here. It is not too easy to get into this parking lot and of course on this very busy International Blvd.
The location of this store is not one of the greatest to be honest with you. The entrance to this store is only going southbound and there is so much action going on that it makes it very dangerous for pedestrians. Any hoo, this store is pretty small but well stocked for the size of this the location. The store can always use more help and cashiers.

This store is now being converted into a Smart and Final extra! From what I heard from someone who works there is that the S&F extra! stores still have products in bulk but they also incorporate smaller sized products into their stock.
Due to the change there’s construction going on so part of the parking lot is blocked as a catch all for debris so there’s less spaces than before. if you come during a busy time like the evening, you might have a problem finding a spot. Inside is still a work in progress but they’re getting there.
This place has changed a whole lot and for the better. I have lots of praise for it, in list form:
+ The meat, cheese, freezer foods and produce section all have new shelving and new fridge and freezer units. They’re so nice and CLEAN! Much better than the older units they had in before.
+ Bigger variety of produce than before. More bagged salads, more juices, more veggies. And a lot more single serve produce rather than prepackaged stuff.
+ Some of the items actually seems cheaper than before. Maybe I was hypnotized by new layout and shelving but there were things that seemed much cheaper than other shops. Marie Callenders frozen meals for $ 2.69, which is just 19¢ more than the sale price at Safeway. A bunch of cilantro for 49¢.
+ They finally have some health and beauty products in here. Not a huge selection but it’s much better than having none at all.
Before the remodel, I would have given Smart & Final 3 stars, it was solid and dependable. But seeing what they’ve done so far to the store it definitely deserves 4 stars. If you live in the area or hang here in Fruitvale, it’s definitely worth your time to check it out.

Smart & Final is an alternative to finding cheap eats and supplies without buying a lot of stuff. still, don’t expect to buy single person servings here.
buys: (dreyers ice cream, 2/​$ 6)
foodnotes:
–wide aisles
–large parking lot
–short lines sometimes.
–some meat items still need to buy 5 – 10 pounds.
–house brand is the cheapest here.

I like Smart & Final but I always end up getting more things than I need! But to think about it, I don’t mind getting things on sale/​discounted.
Unlike other discount places, I don’t find rotten/​spoiled goods here.
They have a few locations, and though not in the «best» of neighbourhoods, at least they’ve got parking and some have security patrolling the car park.
Their prices are not always the best, but cheaper than other places, so it is at times worth it to go out of my way to go here.
You do have the option of signing up for a Smart & Final Discount Card… not really sure what it’s for, but just another card to have…
Would I suggest you go there? YES! Why not try it out? It’s better than Costco in the sense that you end up buying more than you need (in terms of other things not on your grocery list), but at least it’s better to have variety rather than being stuck of buying like 2 cartons of the same thing as you would often do at Costco.
Now if only Smart & Final would sell the cafeteria hot dogs and pizza like Costco!

To fill up our brand new «dorm» sized fridge, we came here to stock up on beverages. Where are the carts? HMMM??? He had to go on a fantastic voyage to find one.
The Mister got himself some Vitamin Water, Crystal Geyser bottled water, Snapple, and Capri Suns. All I wanted was Capri Suns. :)
Prices are reasonable. I think the 24 pack of Vitamin Water was $ 12? Either way, not bad.
BUT MAN, there was this lady who was in front of us and she was seriously ON SOMETHING. I forgot what household item it was, but she had gotten two of them, decided that she didn’t want them anymore, then decide she wanted one of them, but wanted the other one that the cashier put away. IT’S THE SAME THING! She was trippin’ for sure!
We grew exhausted and frustrated. When it was our turn to pay, I told the cashier, «I don’t want any of these anymore» and he laughed. :)

this smart and final caters mainly to the latino community, they dont carry the same staples that I bought there just a few years ago. it is
convenient to where I live, but I have to go to the one downtown Oakland to get what I need. The one in hayward has a jack ass parking lot and its always crowded.

being that i dont live close to a costco this is a close second. its totally convenient and a refreshing change from all the mexican markets surrounding me! dont get me wrong i love the mexican markets! where else can you get a bad full of groceries for five bucks?!
its right off of high street so its not like you have to travel into fruitvale to get here. although i dont know if you would want to come here just to pick up some stuff @ smart & final… although the taco truck across the street (tacos el gordo 2) is always packed! i would write a review although im not so much a taco truck person so good luck with that!
it is a little tricky to come off of high street. its much easier to get in if your heading southwest on international blvd. plus they have a security guard there so i feel safe, although i sometimes think they are there so nobody takes off with their shopping karts! ive never really shopped at a smart & final before although i thought it was pretty big. they have fruits, veggies and cheese as well as a whole beer and drink section in the back. ive gotten everything from water to coffee beans, coffee grinder and the syrup to match. they even have wine and champagne… although the selection is less than desirable. that is unless your me and if theres alcohol in it… its all good with me!