Food Basics — Attraction in Toronto

1 star because half of the staff here are really nice, and another star because you can get frozen and dry goods at a decent price. The other half of the staff are either incredibly rude, or look/act like they have given up on life and don't want to be there. There are 2 women on check out that are so rude, that I purposely try to avoid their lines, I think one of them is actually a supervisor there which makes it worse. I've been shopping in the produce section, and been pushed out of the way by, who I later found out from a friendly checkout woman, was the produce manager. No excuse me, no sorry, just a shove out of the way. Another time I bought bread, noticed it had expired and tried to exchange it about half hour later for another loaf. I was told that I couldn't be a they thought I switched it on purpose. Meat selection is ground meat only, any decent cuts are nonexistent there, same with men's personal products. The lines are usually long, the store looks run down, and doesn't look dirty, but doesn't look clean. They often advertise that prices are looked down, but when you go back 2 weeks later, they are back to what they were originally, doesn't locked down mean they will stay the same, instead they should say sale. If you do buy something that has a sale price on it, but someone left the sticker on from the previous week and it's not really on sale, they give you a hard time when you say you don't want it.

In general, go if you live close and only need dry goods, canned goods, or frozen food. No frills and freshco are a few blocks away, friendly staff, and much better quality and selection on...

Oh wow, where to begin? I came here on April 29, 2024 around 4:35pm and was greeted by these two arrogant employees. The cashier (whom you can see their face in the photo) told my cashier not to sell me the 5 pieces of corn that was husked. I asked to speak with the manager, the other lady in the second photo (refused to provide her name or identify herself) said the manager left for the day and said “you can come back tomorrow to complain”. Other customers were visibly upset that this store may throw out food rather than to sell it or to feed the hungry. Shame on this store if this is indeed a policy they have.

Loblaws and other supermarkets do not engage in such rediculous “policy”. I don’t understand the reason(s) for this. Only a heavy handed fist and added attitude to paying customers. Zero customer service towards the customer explaining why and maybe an “ok, this is the reason(s), please don’t do that next time”.

These employees need to go back for training on how to be more friendly. Also wanted to add that the cashier gave me a cowly smirk when she took away the corn.

100% agree with others’ negative reviews about this location and their employees. So many who say the same thing means there is credibility and something should be done to...

"Food Basics" is not exactly the most exciting branding you'll ever come across in a grocery store name. (I believe this discount shop is Metro's answer to "No Frills", the Loblaws discount brand, which I can't stop calling "No Thrills". I know, Mr Funny.)

And its placement as unofficial member of the "world in a city block" high rise enclave of St James Town, means that it shares a little bit of that area's run-down vibe, at least externally.

But if you're someone who, like me, revels in Toronto's multiculturalism and loves to save a buck, you'll enjoy shopping here.

I find that its produce is invariably fresh and seasonal, which is most important to me, and there are always bargains if you keep your eyes open and quash your impulse buys.

The pricing can't compare with No Frills or that brand's "No Name" product line, however. In fact the meat department never seems to offer any substantial discount on products, though what I've tried has always been great quality.

Summary: If you're around the Parliament-Sherbourne-Wellesley cross streets and need a full-line grocery store, Food Basics is a good choice. If you want the very lowest prices, No Frills is the place...