Smart & Final — Local services in Santa Barbara

Review for Smart & Final, Store 391: Cashier : Antonio De Jesus

I recently had an extremely disappointing and discriminatory experience at this Smart & Final location on May 22, 2024, at approximately 1:19 p.m.

The incident began when the cashier Antonio de Jesus scanned my items and presented my Smart & Final savings card. After inputting my payment details, the cashier incorrectly informed me that I could not use my EBT card and purchase alcohol simultaneously. This is not supported by California law and is a clear case of EBT discrimination.

When I requested that the alcohol be voided from the transaction, the cashier claimed he couldn't do it. I then asked for the entire transaction to be voided and restarted, which he also refused. The cashier asked for two forms of ID, which I provided, but then he told a second person that the additional ID was unnecessary.

I asked to speak with a manager or supervisor, as the cashier was preventing me from completing a standard transaction. The manager eventually assisted, and the transaction was completed as it should have been handled initially.

However, another employee behind the cashier began screaming at me, repeatedly ordering me to "GET OUT" of the store and not to return. His hostile behavior caused other customers to turn against me, despite my calm demeanor and respectful conduct. This was completely uncalled for and demeaning.

Additionally, I was shopping for vision-impaired individuals, one of whom was present during this incident. Due to the situation, she did not receive the necessary assistance, causing her undue stress and hardship.

This behavior was not only unprofessional but also discriminatory towards African American customers and individuals with disabilities. I have observed this specific employee consistently exhibit hostile behavior towards these groups on multiple occasions.

After the incident, I called the store to obtain the names of the involved parties. The individual who answered, whom I recognized as the employee who yelled at me, refused to provide any information, falsely claimed to be the manager, and refused to transfer me to a true manager.

This incident not only reflects poorly on this store but also violates California state laws regarding discrimination and consumer rights. Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 51), discrimination based on disability and race is prohibited in all business establishments, including retail stores. Additionally, there are no restrictions preventing the purchase of eligible food items with an EBT card in the same transaction that includes alcohol, provided the alcohol is paid for separately.

I urge the management to review the footage from the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against the involved employees. It is crucial that all customers, especially those from vulnerable populations, are treated with respect...

I like this store. Stocked with what I need at reasonable prices. The employees work diligently and are respectful. From the crew stocking items to the great cashiers. The problem is management at this store location and the dishonest practices. The store has had issues with theft from transient individuals sadly. Management decided to implement verbal 'rules' (suggestion) that backpacks must be left with the cashier. My issue with this 'policy' is I have no assurance my things wont go missing when my backpack is in Smart & Final custody. Why do I need a backpack? I travel by bike, in my backpack I have reusable bags,bike locks,keys, wallet, and miscellaneous items, as sometimes my pants have no pockets. I tried to resolve this issue by email,writing to the corporate office, using the online Smart & Final Help desk and messaging system. No reply. No result. My complaint has been forwarded to this specific store, management refuses to reply. Sad that a customer must resort to making a public grievance. If I was truly suspected of theft, please ask to look in my backpack, I would even gladly provide ID. However what I will not do is leave my personal property in Smart & Final custody without assurances that responsibility is taken. The poor cashiers must tell customers no backpacks, due to management 'policy'. Some cashiers are reluctant to do so, and it causes strife,time wasted, with no discernible rules. They seem to be unenforceable, however I don't wish to cause ill will. Common sense needs to return to management at this location. Smart & Final web portal is poor. Chat help desk can't answer questions. Physical mail,email,communications are not returned. For all of the above smart & Final has lost this customer. To the great employees, to the great cashiers let this not be a reflection on you. Your management and corporate inaction is at fault. Earnestly, a guy trying to...

I've shopped at this store since 2004 and give it generally good marks. As a grocer in this town for several years at a friendly rival store mine is not a casual critique. As a proud Army Veteran it was something of a surprise to have my first unpleasant experience there today, Memorial Day 2018 of all days. Why is it that experienced retail venders/staff, when given the opportunity to easily assist a customer in a positive manner, choose instead to consciously disparage, diminish or otherwise offend said customers? Was it my my weathered red neck, my bedraggled apparel & bed-hair? Or did she see me ask to use the restroom two days running and assume me to be living at the beach? All that or some combination therein matters not, because all humans deserve their dignity, especially when it costs me none of my own. If I can remember that (and act on that) then I know some Veterans who would be happy knowing their sacrifice helped make the world a better place even if only some tiny kind of way, eh...

Rangers Lead the Way

Sgt. Gavin W....