The Circle Food Market — Attraction in New Orleans

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern about the incredibly negative experience I encountered while shopping at Circle Market on Christmas Eve, specifically at the location on 1522 St Bernard Ave in New Orleans.

Upon entering the store, I was approached by a lady outside who requested assistance in purchasing alcohol. Despite her appearing somewhat unstable, I decided to extend my help as it was Christmas Eve and I deeply believe in the Bantu philosophy of compassion and kindness towards others. However, what followed within the store was both appalling and distressing.

As soon as I entered the store and approached the employees for assistance, I was subjected to unwarranted aggression and hostility. An elderly man suddenly commenced screaming at me without any apparent reason, to my utter surprise. To compound the situation, two other employees joined in, displaying an attitude towards me as though I had committed a wrongdoing.

This unwarranted confrontation took an alarming turn when I felt threatened by not just one, but three employees. Adhering to my instincts, I took a picture in an attempt to document the incident. Unfortunately, this action only served to further escalate the situation, and it quickly spiraled out of control. I want to emphasize that I possess video evidence to substantiate my claims, if required.

It is incredibly disheartening to assert that the actions and behavior exhibited by the employees on that day, and more significantly, their hostile demeanor towards me, suggest a deep-seated racial bias. These distressing events have left me with grave doubts about the integrity of Circle Market and its employees. The fact that I encountered such unwarranted aggression and hostility on Christmas Eve, a time when empathy and goodwill should prevail, speaks volumes about the management's disregard for customer well-being and the principles of equality.

I strongly believe that individuals who harbor racial biases and display such hostility should not be entrusted with the responsibility of handling and serving food to customers. It is evident that the priorities of the owners of Circle Market lie elsewhere, and they have failed to cultivate an environment of respect and inclusivity within their establishment.

Therefore, I humbly request that immediate action be taken to address this distressing incident and ensure that Circle Market upholds its responsibility to treat all customers with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. Moreover, I implore you to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and take appropriate disciplinary measures against the employees involved. It is crucial that Circle Market demonstrates its commitment to eradicating discrimination and fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.

I hope that my complaint is taken seriously and that this incident serves as an opportunity for Circle Market to rectify its practices and foster a culture of respect and fairness. As a concerned customer who has been a patron of Circle Market in the past, I sincerely hope that steps are undertaken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that my concerns will be addressed promptly and thoroughly. I look forward to a resolution to this unfortunate incident and to being able to return to Circle Market in the future with confidence in its commitment to equality and customer...

On May 18th, 2024 which was yesterday..

My family and I came to Circle Food Store to purchase a few groceries. My nephew wanted some chips at that moment while we were shopping, he was hungry he hadn’t ate because it was his high school graduation day so he went and purchased his chips and were eating them while we were shopping.

As we get to checkout, I don’t even understand why this man came and got in the way of the young lady who was checking everyone out. He kind of like barged his way in as if she was moving too slow and started scanning our groceries all fast as if we were impressed.

Now mind you, as we are in line getting checked out, my niece opened a box of Mike and Ike’s before purchasing them and she put them on the register to be purchased and the guy checking us out rung them up and gave them back. We paid for everything and the guy cashier who’s caucasian with dark colored hair and a ponytail, proceeded to ask my nephew “you didn’t pay for that” pointing at his chips and the short hispanic female cashier laughed as if it was funny and told him that he had already paid for it even though my nephew was visibly embarrassed waving his receipt so the guy cashier got upset at the female cashier and started mouthing off and told her “why didn’t you tell me you always get me in trouble”. Sounds like he does this very often.

My nephew had money pinned to his shirt you don’t think he would’ve paid a that dollar and some change for those chips?? He had over $300 pinned on him and I know he saw that money on him. I had a on my work uniform and I obviously work for the federal government would I really sit there and let him eat something that he stole in front the employees? Sometimes you just have to use the sense the good Lord gave you and make things make sense. This experience was very degrading and my family and I have been patronizing circle food store since the beginning of time when they use to sell school uniforms out of there!! but as of today, this was our final day ever spending another dollar in there. Please teach your employees how to handle situations like this. He made a very poor assumption and the fact that the girl knew he paid for it and laughed and didn’t say anything??...

⭐ 1 Star — Never Again!

I’m officially done with Circle Wholes Food in New Orleans. I’ve been shopping there for months, spending real money — not EBT, not spare change — real cash. I buy out the shelf every time I come in for my favorite Better Made popcorn. You’d think they’d value loyal customers like that, but apparently not.

I placed an Uber Eats order, and they sent me the wrong popcorn. My receipt clearly says “Keep receipt for refund,” so I brought it back. Instead of helping, the staff acted rude and unprofessional, like I was the problem. Even one of the cashiers said he knows me and sees me all the time spending money there, but it didn’t matter.

The manager tried to argue, then said, “It’s my store, I make the decisions.” Fine — and my decision is to never spend another dime there. For a store that barely makes real money, you’d think they’d appreciate paying customers. I spend hundreds a week — just on popcorn. I don’t have time to argue with people who's 40yrs+ Up still asking, “Paper or plastic?” Pathetic.

If you shop at Circle Wholes Food in New Orleans, check everything carefully. Their meats and dairy often smell sour, and I’ve caught expired items on the shelves more than once. That’s exactly why the store has that awful stench in the air — it’s not just old popcorn.

It’s disappointing because I used to shop here regularly, but now I can’t trust the food. Pay attention to expiration dates if you go, and don’t assume...