New Leaf Community Markets - Santa Cruz — Local services in Santa Cruz

Guess the hot bar and fresh food is only for lunch. Dropped in 6:30p on a Tuesday for dinner and Hot Bar was mostly empty and what slim pickings were left looked like it had been sitting there since 10am, at the BBQ station was out of Tri Tip yet it was plentiful at the Deli station...only BBQ side left was potatoes yet their "1 Protein and 2 sides BBQ" was on sale as a "special", out of most every BBQ sauce and no pickles...then on the way out only spoons at the utensil station and no napkins in the dispenser. Generally don't like Whole Foods but at least they put out some fresh entrees and sides for dinner. Won't make the mistake again thinking New Leaf is viable for a fresh hot dinner option. Pretty pathetic showing for...

As others have noted, I really wanted to like this location and have been anticipating its opening since the original smaller location downtown had closed. Unfortunately the place has already been a complete let down. The staff rarely seem friendly or happy to be there, other than some great individuals such as Nora who is very helpful and kind. I was really hoping to enjoy the newer prepared foods bar and barbeque station, but the food is consistently overcooked, burned, dry, lacking flavor or freshness, and it seems that little care or concern goes into preparing most of it. It really is a shame as I wanted to see this...

I really wanted to like this store and was excited to see it open BUT I came today with my wife, daughter, and her parents who are visiting from Mexico. I left them to look for something on my own and came back to see them followed around by a male security guard. The guard convienty stopped watching my wife and two year old daughter once I showed up, but watched him later follow around and watch my wife's parents. All Mexican heritage. He stopped watching them when myself (white) showed up to talk to them.

The experience did not make us feel welcome and I won't be doing my grocery shopping here sadly. Back to whole...