Central Market — Local services in Alamo Heights

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I was greeted today by a fruit fly infestation in the fruit and vegetable section - literally covering an entire melon in one area and alight upon pretty much everything I looked at except the garlic. Headed over to the seafood counter where the partner refused to sell me littleneck clams...not that it was wrong of him - not a single one of them had a closed shell - they were all dead. Mussels weren't in much better shape. Kept moving along to the meat counter and picked out a couple of prime NY strips and a ribeye but had to explain to the butcher several times I wanted prime and not choice - he didn't seem to understand the difference. (Got them home and they were probably USDA Select - miles away from Prime.) Stopped by the cheese case and picked out one of my favorites - only wanted a little bit so I selected one of the ones sliced and packaged by the staff (only to get it home and find a hair under the plastic wrap.) Got to the main part of the store and noticed a significant amount of empty shelf space - COVID has been officially over for 2 months, so they can't use that excuse anymore. Went to find a salad and found a plethora of strawberry something or another, but not a single cobb, chef or any other traditional prepared salad... Finally, when I got to the express checkout, I was clued into what was going on. Instead of the previous 8 express checkouts, there were only 4 (and no checkers staffing them) along with 4 new self checkouts. I bailed and headed over to the regular checkout lines and asked the partner there if there had been a management change at the store recently. She said there had not been and inquired if there was a problem. I explained the things I had noticed and, as expected, received a flippant and dismissive excuse for each and every issue I brought up. "It's hot, so the flies come in" and "people were complaining about wait times, so they installed the self checkouts". EYEROLL This is supposed to be a HIGH END GROCERY STORE...I guess I should say -was- a high end grocery store. I generally spend several hundred dollars when I visit. It's clear that Central Market is no longer what it used to be and Charles is taking profit by cutting corners at the flagship. Can't wait to see what the lip service is from the social media partners along with the offer to call a 1-800 number where not a single staffer is empowered to do ANYTHING. HEB is going down the tubes. Don't believe me? Call the corporate office and try to connect with anyone so that you can offer feedback. You will either get transferred to an extension that rings twice and then goes to a busy signal or you'll get transferred to the 1-800 customer service. Absolutely abhorrent across the board. Guess I'll go check out Whole Foods. ...

Central Market is the best place !

There is an amazing fruits and vegetables section, including ample selection of mushrooms, to include a display of mushroom growth chamber. The arrangement of the items is impressive, coliflower, broccoli, in perfect towers; tomatoes of all sizes and types, common and uncommon fruits and vegetables. Mission Figs perfect to eat. Section of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Coffee beans and Teas, ample selection. Seafood section is an epicurean dream, including a section for Sushi grade Tuna and Salmon. The meat section is beautifully displayed and quite diverse, with staff that can tailor to your specifications and needs. The cheese section is a dream. Cheeses from all over the world. The bread section is superb, the have pastries, cookies, cakes, as well as rosemary bread, sourdough, and others. Great selection of yogurt and related items. There is a section where Tortillas are being made and packed fresh. Ample wine and beer section. There is an ample section for ready to eat salads, cold cuts. Sandwiches made to order. There is two sections where you can sit and enjoy your food, whether it is a salad, sandwich, dessert, ice cream, Coffee, others. There is a pharmacy. There is a very good floor section, where they can make an arrangement for you, or you can pick a few or a bunch of flowers. Even checking out is a very nice experience, there is excellent staff bagging items. All in All, Central Market is an enjoyable place to visit. If you must go and get a few or a lot of special items, or choice items... Central Market is the...

I was in the store this morning around 9:45am to purchase some items and went passed the Deli counter and saw a tin of Foie Gras and Salmon Caviar from Petrossian of New York. I told the gentleman behind the counter that I would like to purchase the two items. He then proceeded to tell me that he would have to escort me to the checkout with the two items. I do not think that I looked like a common thief with my gold Rolex and Prada loafers. Total Price $90 for the two. You can buy a prime rib in the meat market for that amount and you do not need to be escorted to the checkout. Nonetheless, I finished my shopping and went back to the Deli counter. The Gentleman was finishing an order for another customer while continually talking to another employee across the deli case. He finished with the customer order but continued with his conversation with the employee. I waited and waited. Then a female employee walked in the area never thinking to look and to see if there were any customers waiting. She continued toward the two talking employees. Conversations continued with customer waiting. NOTE: I was standing in front Deli case where I the product was located; clearly visible. I got so frustrated and left, went to checkout (unescorted) and paid for my other purchases. I could have ordered these items online from Petrossian as I have done before. But I thought I would give Central Market the chance. No more because of the humiliation and...