Summer Street Grocers — Local services in Chelmsford

Update: I spoke with Frank, the owner, and he was very kind and apologetic about what happened. He even offered to send me a gift certificate, which I declined—I wasn’t looking for freebies, and I do appreciate the gesture.

I know this is a small business, and I don’t blame him personally. He can’t control everything his employees say or do. I genuinely like the food here, and because of his response, I’ll be coming back.

I can’t speak for my best friend, who is Black. This was her first time there—I had raved about the food and brought her along since she lives right down the street and had never been. I hope she’ll give it another chance too. —— I’ve always enjoyed shopping here, especially the prepared foods, and until now I’ve always been treated well. Unfortunately, my last visit left me with a very bad impression.

At checkout, the cashier asked me something I didn’t catch. When I hesitated, she followed up with, “Am I speaking English?” I explained that I’m hard of hearing, and she laughed and said, “I’m just kidding, totally kidding.”

I didn’t find that funny. In fact, it felt dismissive and insulting. I left wondering if it was also racially motivated since I’m Asian. Either way, it was unnecessary and unprofessional. What was said may have been meant as a joke, but it was thoughtless and left me feeling disrespected.

Sadly, that experience overshadowed everything I’ve liked about this store, and I don’t think I’ll...

• UPDATE* Been over three weeks since i wrote about getting violently ill after eating the chicken salad yet no one has reached out, no one has apologized, nothing... CRICKETS Check your dates people.

GOT VERY ILL... Recently stopped in while down visiting my mother and bought some cranberry chicken salad from which i got very sick. Had to be from the cranberry chicken salad. Literally had nothing for 6 hours before buying the chicken salad then within three hours of eating it I was violently ill throwing-and-going if you know what I mean with severe stomach cramps. Checked the date and it was out of date... didn't check it in the store because being a small community store you'd think they'd keep a close eye- apparently not so much. Went back in a few days later with the container and told the lady/manager who said sorry she'd have the owner call me but never heard a peep. No call no offer to refund no offer to replace... ZERO. CHECK THE...

I stopped in here after my hair appointment next-door. It was my first time in the shop. Perfect grocery store with really fair prices. They have a little bit of everything including fresh produce. A lot of cool specialty items and an amazing deli with fresh made sandwiches, and some sandwiches and ready-made items to grab and go. I got a bacon, egg and cheese with the spicy pepper sauce. It comes on a large grilled English muffin. I know everyone has their preferences, but I have to say this is arguably one of the best egg and cheese sandwiches I have ever had, couple eggs, crispy, bacon, lots of cheese. I wish I didn’t live 40 minutes away because I would probably come every single day. this is the type of sandwich I take a ride for. The sandwich was fresh, perfectly greasy and the price was great. I’m actually writing this review while I’m eating the sandwich. I will be back by ASAP. Open a shop...