Stater Bros. Markets — Local services in Menifee

I may simply start going to Ralph’s even though some of the prices are slightly higher. Ever since the onset of the pandemic, this Stater Bros. has consistently had substantial gaps in inventory. Post pandemic, the problem has not improved, but remains the same, if not worse. it also seems to me that Stater Bros. may be masking inventory shortages by overstocking Stater Bros. brand items while name brands can be difficult or impossible to find. On every occasion that I can remember, I have been disappointed when choosing a Stater Bros. brand item. The quality has been predictably inferior. A lower price is meaningless if you don’t have the item. If I’m going to end up traveling to another store anyway to get what I need, I might as well save myself the trip, and go directly to Ralph’s, even if it is a little bit further from me. Tonight, the pet food section at Stater Bros was about 50% empty. The pet food section at Ralph’s was about 95% full, so I don’t think the problem is with the vendors. The first video included here is Stater Bros. The second is Ralphs showing the full inventory on the same night. Their meats and produce are good which spared them a 3 star rating.

Update 4/25/2023. We went there again today to pick up items for dinner. NO SHELL PASTA AGAIN. This has happened several times. We got it at Ralphs. It seems that if I have a list, something will not be there at Stater Bros. I may as well go to Ralphs...

This store rarely has my favorite beer (12 pk Angry Orchard) stocked on the shelves. They seemingly however always have the 6 packs. When asked if the manager would honor the 12 pack price for the 2 six packs (an almost 6 dollar difference!!) She simply said no. That would have been great customer service in my opinion but exactly what I would expect from this store's front end employees. They do not say more than 2 words when checking you out, are very dry, and never smile. The bakery, meat department, and deli employees are great. They are prompt and pleasant! There are two older baggers that are always deep cleaning which is nice to see.

Also when the vendors are stocking the shelves they take up the ENTIRE aisle. Makes no sense and is very inconvenient.

I live right between the Newport and Canyon Hills Staters and will probably start shopping at the latter now.

Update

Oct. 5, they had two cases in stock, I picked one up and later on I noticed the other one in another shopper's cart. Made it just in time so I was happy about that. I promise I don't drink much but we have company and family parties often. Not to mention it kills me to buy one drink for 8 dollars at a bar or restaurant.

The front end checkers have seemed friendlier and for the first time ever I got asked if I needed help out (I am a mom of 3) so that was refreshing. I remember at Albertsons it was customary to ask...

I went into this Menifee location right after they opened on a Friday morning and went straight to the meat department. I had recently purchased a dehydrator and wanted to make some homemade beef jerky. I had researched the best jerky cuts like top round, eye of round, and London Broil but was still unsure of the best choice. A butcher came out from behind the counter with some packaged meats to display and you could tell that he was very busy and already working hard even though the place had just opened. I got his attention and he immediately stopped what he was doing and got very engaged in helping me, showing me the different cuts, and what would be best for my homemade jerky. Then, he went to the back and returned with a huge quarter portion of fresh beef, and sliced off the exact amount I needed in the perfect thickness for my jerky. This employee was so kind and helpful. An Outstanding individual and employee! I later bumped into the Manager and told him about my positive experience. He said, oh, that's Ruben Chavez, I'll let him know. Great job...