Food Universe Marketplace — Local services in New York

I had a very disturbing incident at the local Food Universe at 2424 Flatbush Avenue and want to let everyone know, in order that they are aware of the lack of precautions the store is taking. Rather than retelling the incident, I am posting the letter I sent to the corporate office: It is Saturday, 4/2, at approximately 4:15. I just returned from the market listed above, and need to make serious complaint. I’m also making a formal complaint to the DOH, because the store is compromising people’s health. I would like to preface my comments by saying that I am in the store on a daily basis, since I live down the street. That is especially true during this period, when people should not be hoarding groceries. When I first arrived at the store there were approximately ten people waiting to get into the store and had to wait until some people left. This is a wise precaution, however, the young man assigned to stand outside the door was doing nothing, but standing there with his hands crossed. The customers waiting to get in were getting agitated, because they did not know whether to take a cart and form a line and where the line should begin. The employee gave no direction to the customers and just stood there. One woman, who was not wearing a mask, was allowed to enter the store, because that same young man did not advise her or stop her. The customers waiting outside patiently became angry at her, and again, the young employee did not, but stand there. When I entered the store, I politely asked to speak to the manager, who appeared quickly. I explained all this to him, he said he would talk to the employee. After going through checkout and going back outside. The young man was standing around texting on his phone. He saw me, literally got right in my face and yelled at me, “You got something to say?!” I felt threatened by this, came down the street and called the store. I called the store and asked to speak to the manager. I calmly explained what happened and informed him that the young man standing outside the store is the first employee that people see when they come in and he represents the store. I’m truly leery about going back to that store, because of the health risks taken and also I’m afraid of that young man confronting in the same hostile manner. Finally, many of the cashiers stand around texting on their phones and using Facebook, even while they are checking out customers. Again, I’m in that store daily and would like to see the situation corrected. I hope to get a response. Thank you for your attention and cooperation. I’m also posting this incident on social media, as a warning to other customers.

Sent...

So...this grocery store has a great selection of products. The location is convenient, they stay open late, and the cashiers are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The 3 star review (would have been 2 stars if not for the wonderful staff) is for the 1950s and 1960s music that is constantly BLASTING through the speakers. Whose idea was this? It is awful. It does not make me want to shop more. In fact, it makes me leave as quick as possible which often leads me to not remembering to get everything I came for. The 70 and up crowd they are catering to with this music don't know how to use google and leave a review, nor do they keep this business afloat. Everytime I am in here, I ask other customers and staff "do you like this music?" The customers all say "hell no" and the staff all say "this is what the owner likes". So to the owner...just know that this is NOT it. It's costing you business. Please get with the times and stop blasting beach boys in my ear while I"m trying to shop. Hearing the AM radio announcer stoping everything to wish fred and ethyl a happy 100th birthday as loud as possible is very distracting....

Food Universe is a great neighborhood supermarket. All the people there are so nice especially the cashiers and then the manager’s Ben and Evan are very friendly and help you with all your need. The deli section has come along way in the last few months they now have a cook their name Toni who makes all home-cooked meals that is so delicious. The deli guys are always accommodating what anybody want. No when it comes to the cashiers all of them are so sweet and so kind and so helpful I’ve never seen a bunch of people that make you feel so comfortable. Reschad is a really sweet person always ready to have a conversation and make you feel better. And don’t let me forget Mike who’s outside always sanitizing the carts so that they’re nice and clean for all the people that shop there and then he goes and takes the car from your car which is so nice. I really can’t say enough about Food universe it’s my favorite store to shop at because people are polite and friendly, they make you feel...