Mal's Market — Local services in Seaside

My first and last visit to Mal's Market. I saw some negative reviews recently about unsanitary conditions, but wanted to see for myself as reviews can be hit or miss. This was a huge mistake!

When I entered the store, the person at the counter was not wearing a mask in spite of health code policy mandating it in the middle of this pandemic. Another man at the cash register was checking people out, handling cash and credit cards, and then took my sandwich order. He started making the sandwiches without washing his hands or wearing gloves and just dug right into the prep bowls, contaminating not just my sandwiches but all future sandwiches for the day. I got out of line to pick out a bag of chips and debate whether I would just walk out of the store and saw the sandwich maker go back to the cash register, handle money and then make another sandwich again without washing his hands. I was instantly sick to my stomach at how unsanitary this place is! In the middle of a crisis or not, it is absolutely imperative that food handlers wash their hands before making food. This is common sense that unfortunately this place...

On August 3, 2025, around 1:10 PM, I had a very negative experience at Mal’s Market in Seaside. I clearly asked for no sauce on my sandwich, reminding the employee that it had been messed up the last time. Instead of acknowledging my request respectfully, he cut me off, argued, and responded dismissively as if I wasn’t worth listening to. When I mentioned the past mistake, his response was unprofessional and childish. Eventually, he even told me to “shush” if I wanted the sandwich.

What made this worse is that other employees — including the man I believe is the owner — were present and did nothing to address the behavior. He literally had his back turned and allowed the employee to continue speaking disrespectfully to me without stepping in. That shows this isn’t just about one worker, but a failure of management to ensure customers are treated with basic respect.

This kind of customer service is unacceptable. Customers deserve to be listened to, treated politely, and for their requests to be honored. Management should seriously address how staff treat...

If I could give 0 stars I would. Sandwiches there are good, but horrible customer service. You would think the owner wouldn't be so rude, or make up "rules" on the spot. I called this morning and kindly asked if I can place and order over the phone. It was after 9 am, owner said, "we don't take over the phone orders." Granted I'm pressed for time so I go in and was just about to order when his phone rang, he answered and placed an order for a sandwich!!! Then when I brought it up asking, because I for one have placed a phone order there before and he says, "I make the rules, I'm the owner."

I left after he wouldn't even let me pay for my order while ordering it 😠

Yea never going there again. You are too political anyways for a sandwich shop. But you make the rules!

I'll keep you in prayer cos the way you run your business is shifty just like...