Foodland — Local services in New Brighton

I am writing as a concerned and regular customer of your store. I recently witnessed a deeply disturbing video circulating on Facebook involving an incident that took place at one of your locations. In the video, a woman who had allegedly stolen food and medicine was tackled to the ground by a loss prevention employee (secret shopper) outside of the store. This man not only restrained her physically but remained on top of her in an aggressive manner, forcefully pulling her arm as she cried out in pain, while waiting for the police to arrive.

As someone who shops at this location often, I am extremely upset and disappointed by what I saw. There is a clear difference between preventing theft and using excessive force — especially against someone vulnerable, desperate, and recently released from jail. According to store policy and general retail standards, once a suspected shoplifter exits the premises, it is the role of law enforcement to intervene, not store personnel. What happened in that video went beyond protocol and entered dangerous, dehumanizing territory.

It is even more troubling to learn through public comments that this individual was allegedly a former correctional officer who was fired for stealing from inmates — someone with a history of abuse and power misuse. To see a man with that background physically restraining a woman in distress was not only triggering but also unacceptable.

I brought my concerns directly to the store manager, and was disappointed that they dismissed the seriousness of the incident. As a member of the community, and as someone who supports justice and dignity for all people — I expect better from businesses that I support with my money.

I am requesting that this situation be reviewed thoroughly and transparently. The man involved should no longer represent your brand or interact with the public in any capacity. Your customers deserve to feel safe and respected in your stores — and people struggling should not be met with violence or humiliation.

I hope to see a meaningful response and action taken to prevent this...

I have never shopped anywhere where the employees are as rude as the employees at the New Brighton Foodland.

The deli people don't wash hands, change gloves, give you what you ask for and they argue with the customer about what we want to purchase.

The cashiers are rude, some have been intoxicated while laughing in my face at another customer. They talk about people while the people are still in ear range. When the owner is there it's pretty much business as usual but when he's not around the rest of the employees tend to act as they please.

The other day I witnessed a customer snapping out at an employee in the office because of her rude attitude that she displays when she talks to people.

Most recently (today), my cheese was covered with lunch meat mush. My boyfriend returned it and complained about the service that he received and he never complains. In return they replaced the cheese which was the more expensive American that I had originally ordered, he got home and it was super sharp cheese. I took it back myself. This is our third trip for a 1/2 lb of cheese. The deli manager argued with me and told me what she claimed it was and I expressed to her that I had been a deli worker for many years and that I new what I was talking about. She then admitted it was sharp American and that it was a misunderstanding. I guess she didn't realize I was already standing there when she was copping an attitude with the office worker about me returning the cheese again. I then after arguing with her actually got what I asked for.

I understand that mistakes are sometimes made. I've made many as a deli worker. But mistakes should be taken care of and avoided at all times.

The level of rudeness and disrespect for the customer that goes on in this store is unbelievable. If only I had a car so I could do my...

As always Foodland's "better days to shop there depends on what day of week it is...". One pleasant break I got was finding 2 steaks, (a porterhouse, and a t-bone) were both stickered "reduced for quick sale", and seemed to be reduced to about 40pct off. I noticed 2 family packs as well (3 or 4 steaks per pkg', similarly reduced..) Since the "new store" has been in operation the selection has always been far greater than the old store. Decent prices on Ground beef, chuck etc. And nice Fam' packs of chicken, pork cuts and, stuffed pork chops which looked very nice, and decent prices!! Q

The produce area was pretty well stocked, fresh fruit, I got a bag of nice looking plums, which needed ripened for 3/4 days. Tomatoes and corn were really nice and better priced than roadside stands.. But it's hard to beat the Stands or farmers market's quality.. As usual the prepared foods selection seemed abundant, yet with food to be eaten THAT DAY! Bakery and Frozen items all abundant as always. Prices are, ok in a pinch..??

CUSTOMER SERVICE always good as Mgmt' (Mr Fischer??) Always making rounds and offering assistance! If you can't find an item, he'll personally walk you directly to it!! A big plus here..

And checkout, with the new trend of self serv' here as well. I don't seem to have issues but many seniors seem to need assistance, but usually 1 or 2 assistants are available to help, and one cashier aisle was open with no line! So overall this week, I give Foodland 3.5 Stars. ...