Although this is Kingston,'s smallest FoodBasics Grocery store as we have 2 larger locations one located in the Frontenac Mall on Bath Rd just past Queen Mary Rd, and One on Princess St between Sir John A McDonald Bld and Portmouth Ave. It is also the one that you will get the best service at. The staff are very friendly and willing to help u no matter the time of Day. Always have a smile for you and are well informed. You will also find more deals at this location. Aside from just in the flyers. Some items are I admit placed in weird locations and not necessarily where you would expect to find them. If you can't find them just peek around this corner or that isle and you will be sure to find a staff member more then willing to tell where to find it. As well if u come across that new staff member or your looking for somethg a little outta the norm and they are not sure themselves. They are more then happy to go on a scavenger hunt with to find it. Most times in this case they want to find it themselves so as not to be stumped if ever asked again about it. They are usually really lighthearted about this and most times almost comical even. So its always a good experience. I love the staff here and the store. I think if it was one of the other bigger stores in town you wouldn't get that kind of service. Actually I know you don't. Lol

This store has definitely been left behind with the times. It is a building that is a heritage site and should be brought back to life but as a business it is truly suffering! Metro Inc. owns Food Basics and they are on a 'rolling' schedule that they take certain items off of their shelves and then after rebranding will put them back on after a few months. I have had to go shopping out of my way, gone up to Giant Tiger, even though I only live on Bagot St. because they take certain things off of their shelves. Now, this is their "official" reason. DONT BELIEVE THEM! They will have the same brand in a different item. ie: I wanted Béarnaise sauce powder mix by Knorr, they used to carry it, they took that away, but, they still have Hollandaise powder sauce mix. If they have Hollandaise (tons of it) why then not Béarnaise? Same with Oceans' Spanish Salad, and a lot of other items. The little guy just can't win any longer. And, in the meantime I WILL keep on complaining until someone listens. PS as of posting this I did get a call back from Food Basics/Metro Inc. but I was indisposed and missed the call. When I called back, we played phone tag and nothing came of the call FIGURES

Dear Food Basics, I just wanted to share my experience at the Kingston store on Barrack street. As a young student living on her own for the first time simple "adult" tasks have become a challenge. No one teaches you how to grocery shop. As great as it is that Food Basics caters to the student life with sales on Tuesdays, it is not always possible to make the trip in between classes. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes us student have to go on weekends when the other Kingston-ites are out and about. As a new human to the adult world this can be an inconvenience for shoppers who are veterans since we have a lot of questions. This Saturday, the team at Food Basics were more than helpful with our shopping experience. They were friendly and patient as we asked loads of basic questions and even offered insider knowledge and taught us how to spot deals. These employees were cohesive and instilled a confidence in us that we could survive on our own, cooking healthy foods on a budget.

I shop here frequently as my choices are here or Metro without having a car and even though Metro is so much closer they are super expensive... I have no complaints about Food Basics covid protocols or cleanliness. I love the selection of different ethnic foods even though I have never bought any of them. We always go for the cheese stuffed sausages ($10 for a massive pack) amazing price on crates of eggs, no name cheese and bread. My only complaint and what would make this store over the top for me is make some smaller packs of meat they always have family size and regular size but I have seen some stores cater to smaller families like us 2 adults and toddler so we don't need massive packs of meat and maybe cater more to single people with the option of smaller packs of meat instead of making them buy thee massive packs and separate them into smaller packs and pray they don't end up frazer burnt before getting used.

I have had the worst experience ever , dark hard very thin young lady freckled face has served me twice in a manymany story goes like this I had an issue with a costumer I was polite with him but in turn he wasn't with me so I treated him with the same respect ...this casher feels it necessary to attract me with her person aspect of things , first she wasn't able to hear or even understsnd what transpired but yet goes beyond her job as a cashier to pick me out days later in the check out and then trys to force her opinion on me inregards to what she thinks happen .. I'm sorry but isn't a casher job to take money for product ? Rather then pass judgment on her own personal thoughts and what she assumed what had been truly accounted ? Unreal experience , I'll never shop there again and I live close . I will more then happy to point this indidual out .

Great competitive prices for the quality! The staff are helpful and the downtown location is convenient on my way home from work. It's a typical downtown store - lots of people in and out, crowded aisles, and not necessarily the cleanest place. We've picked up quite a few perishable items like produce that were already bad or went bad 1-2 days after purchase. Luckily the prices are great because we throw a lot out when we buy here. The parking situation can be very challenging, limited, and the spaces are very tight. I've had to do laps trying to find a customer parking space so I can shop here. I am glad there's now an East End location - way bigger, cleaner, brighter, and much higher quality food for the same prices.

This is a typical downtown grocery store. A little bit on the small side like they all are. This is a lot cheaper than the Metro downtown. I find the staff very friendly and approachable. The produce here is always really good. They also have a decent little Bread and bakery area. The only thing this store is noticeably missing is a prepared food section. If you're looking for hot rotisserie chickens or pre-made meals that are in the frozen food section you won't find it at this location. Other than that it's always my choice before going to the Metro. I live halfway between each one. It's also right across the street from the liquor store. So if I have to go there it makes a much shorter trip.

Far too often any produce or fresh groceries I buy here go bad within 3-4 days. I shop here because of my student budget but I find myself wasting more money than I save, when I can't eat the food I buy. Oranges shouldn't go full-blown moldy in 4 days of bringing them home! This location has a infamous reputation among any peers I've talked to. Parking is also a joke. If the limited number of FB parking spots are filled, go somewhere else- they truly don't care about your business. By-law camps out here and has nothing better to do than to harass people finding the remaining parking to go buy groceries. Store's customer service was very short and indifferent when I called about my concerns.

We are in a pandemic where they are supposed to clean and sanitize everything after every interaction. I watched 2 separate customers be rung through both having to handle the debit machine. The clerk did not clean the conveyor belt or the debit machine key pad in between them or before me. There is no one monitoring the spacing at the line ups and because they only have 2 lanes open the lines go down aisles that customers are trying to shop in. I had no less than 4 people physically touch me trying to get around me. I won’t be returning to this location. If this is what they think cleanly service and sanitation is like during a pandemic and lockdown, how do they act when it’s not?

I love shopping here, they always have the freshest produce , meat , and dairy products aswell as their bread, and their prices are alway's down and cheap, This store has a wide range of all your need's, and Their Staff are always , very, very polite and helpful . Im an amputee and their cashiers go out of their way to help me out , always asking if I need or want their help , and if I say ( l should be okay) , they come around the counter and find out , and yes I have had them give me a hand , strapping my groceries in and on my scotter . Thank's again for all you've done. Can't ask for better service. Peter S.

I would like to thank the front of the house staff and front staff manager. I am an out of town welder that got off on the wrong bus stop and was completely lost and without a phone charge. I have never been to kingston. They were great and helped me send me in the right direction. I handed them a very small amount of money as a token of appreciation and refused to take it back. I was told fine it will go to charity. We need more people in this world like these staff members. Thank you very much ladies. Daryl Steckham

A few items are usually out of stock but that seems due to the busy location rather than poor stocking of shelves. And a busy store to me means more frequently ordered items, fresher, etc. Helpful staff in location of items or retrieval of those out of reach. I like being able to purchase a new reusable bag as needed and they are easily found. Never purchased personally but while helping another that was looking for a non-specific amount for Amazon (which they have) I noticed the vast selection of gift cards.

When I went there were two cashiers on. Two lanes were open, but one cashier was just standing beside the other chatting with her while she rang people through. I put my items on the belt, called for help twice, then packed my items back into my basket and went to their social gathering at the other cash. When I expressed my disappointment, the chatty cashier who wasn't doing her job became very defensive and failed to apologize. Hopefully she doesn't represent the majority of the staff.

Went shopping here a lot for my mother. The prices are very good, affordable for a lot of people, they have good sales, and the service is always great They also offer some organic selection which I thought was cool. I bought some items from here for myself from time to time because the price is good Miss going here as my mother is now passed, but I know should I go there again on my next visit to the Soo, it will be a reminder of her, a sweet memory. ❤️

Great organized store.. prices are cheap and there is an international food shelf.. they do not price match.. parking is available and is free.. they do not do online orders or delivery though.. checkout is fast and easy.. I will always go back there to get get my groceries meat.. bread and washroom stuff.. they have weekly great offers that help me save money.. the only thing is i wish they would improve the quality of their fruits and vegetables section

Food Basics is one of my interested places because it always have weekly offers which are valuable and you can use them and another hands in Tuesday's there are 10 persons offered for students who do their shopping there another a speciality of Food Basics is death you can always find anything related to food there so maybe it's not a bad idea to take a look at the air and see what you need and remember don't miss any weekly because they are worthy

Many of the cashiers wear gloves and without changing them, handle cash and then produce. I asked one to change her gloves for me and she refused and boldly replied "you wash your food, don't you?" I've written to Food Basics in their satisfaction surveys numerous times over the past 2 years about how unsanitary these gloves are when handing cash and food. No response. The cashiers need to follow a proper sanitation protocol.

Dear Food Basics, I have recently had a great experience shopping at your store on Barrack Street. I was there today with my housemate and as second year university students it is hard having to shop for food on our own. Fortunately, the workers were super kind and very helpful answering all of our questions as well as making suggestions to make cooking easier. These amazing workers made it so much more enjoyable and helpful.

Went to grab a few things for new year's eve and the store was closed even though Google reported it as open. I manage a business on Google, it takes less than five minutes to properly update hours for over the holidays. We're in a modern era, a sign on the door doesn't serve the customer base well enough. If the managers are to lazy to simply update the hours, I wonder what else is not being done right at this location.

I shop here when I'm in the downtown core, If I'm not already there I wouldn't shop here, the price difference between this one and the Frontenac mall is almost a full dollar difference on items , which when I lived out that way I shopped there, now I try to get the one just past the Kingston center on princess , still cheaper than the DT lactation but the staff aren't very pleasant. I would still recommend

Food basic is a large grocery store with friendly staff always willing to help their customers .Always have great sales and a wide variety of food .Large parking lot with some free parking and some city owned parking .close to the liquor store .court house and downtown also close to the wolf island ⛴ ferry and across the street from the Leons building where they have all the concerts.

Great prices. Fast checkout. I don't like how cramped the store is. EDIT: December 10, 2020. Everytime I go to this location to buy English Cucumbers or Apples they are rotten inside. I am not sure what is causing this problem (stored too long at room temperature?) but the management needs to sort this out. I will not buy produce from this location anymore as it is terrible.

Always do my weekly groceries here, great location. Near lcbo, downtown transfer point and a few other local grocers. Always has a good selection of fresh produce and meat, nd prices are super reasonable. There are always deals so look out for flyers. Highly recommend going on tuesdays as you get student discount, avoid weekend and monday mornings super busy and overpicked.

It's a great place to shop and to the cashier Elizabeth Sullivan I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said to you. I didn't mean it. No body deserves that especially you. I said that for lack of a better word. Let me make it up to you. Anything you want. I still live in the same place so if you can find it in yourself to forgive me you know what to do. Again I'm sorry.

Paid full price for a bunch of produce that was apparently almost bad, within 3 days of food sitting in my fridge everything I bought had mold spots. I wouldn't be as upset if I knew I was buying almost expired food and didn't pay full price. Anyways about 30 dollars worth of food went bad in 3-4 days so watch your produce. The rest of the store is fine from my experience.

Staff unhelpful and lied to my face. Tried to use the washroom and was told it was ‘out of order’. My friend then used it without issue. I returned, purchased something and was told the same lie again. I told the staff member she was incorrect and she said she couldn’t help me and to ask someone else. Would avoid at all cost if you value customer service and sincerity.

Was just at this Food Basic and the security guard outside the store monitoring social distancing has the worst interpersonal skills you could ever imagine. Not only is he yelling at people about rules that are not clear to people but he is directing people into each other's 6 foot zone. If he is the face of Food Basic then this is a store I will not shop at anymore.

Went hear to grab a few snacks for our stay in Kingston. Produce appeared fresh and well-maintained. Rest of the store seemed a little less taken care of. None of the top shelves looked to be faced so I had to climb a few shelves to reach items in the back. Floors were filthy and looked like they hadn't been cleaned in a while. Cashier was quick and efficient.

I would recommend coming here for groceries but I WOULD NOT recommend working here. As a former employee, I can say that the only advantage(s) of working here were: it was close to home, and weekly pay. But besides that, there's nothing good to say about this place. In terms of prices, they're decent. There's always good sales going on.

Most staff is wonderful! Unfortunately about 1/8th of them are lazy, and don't follow covid protocol, pushing out customer after customer with no space between them! I even saw a manager doing this!!! But that wonderful, radiant, and kind staff keep me coming back. Thank you to the girls that care❤

Great prices and good deals especially if you have the app.The produce isn't always fresh and the selection of it isn't great, they have sales on fruits for several weeks in a row to get rid of them but by the last week the fruit is way too ripe. Non fresh stuff tends to be worth the price though

Its got great prices but there is always homeless ppl panhandling right were you walk up . Sometimes there are 2-3 of them asking for money for food but i have never seen any of them take the money and go inside and buy food , i have seen them go across the street and buy booze at the LCBO.

This is the only store where students get 10% off on Tuesday when you would need to show them your student ID at the payment counter! I liked how they have maintained a good number of staff who are always helpful and kind. They have good cleanliness and hygiene at the store. They also have

Always a great place to shop, give good offers, each week they have new flyers rolling out and provide competitive pricing. If it could be a tad bit bigger, would have been nice. Staff is friendly and the store majorly covers all daily essentials and is usually never out of stock for any.

I really love coming here to grab groceries during my lunch. This is at a convenient location, has great prices, good products, and staff are very efficient. I only wish the side walk wasn't so slippery in the winter time, but that's an issue with the city of Kingston, not Food Basics.

Mike the bum says: had to take a housemate to an appointment downtown near No frills today... went into to use the washroom a couple times... one employe was not enthusiastic , for customers only... i did actually buy bagels the second times... but a bathroom was what i was after...

Carts are sanitized well, and staff are somewhat helpful, but the store is very crowded most times, and people do not follow the self distance regulations, or follow the arrows in the direction they have to go. I would recommend somewhere less visited and definitely less crowded

This location is a bit older and run-down, but has very good prices and a pretty wide selection; staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The parking lot can be a bit cramped. There is free parking along the building and part of the North edge of the lot (the slots marked FB).

Always great deals to be had and although you don't get the vast selections other grocery stores have or offer, what you do get are items found nowhere else at great prices. Don't get me wrong, they have everything the other stores have, just not 67 varieties of the items.

This is an awesome food basics because everyone working there no matter how many times I've been is offered to help me find products I can't unlike some other places where nobody even gives a damn kudos to this location for going above and beyond their regular job.

Quality is going downhill fast. Tried to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving and they looked like they had been previously frozen defrosted and frozen again meaning they had frozen into the shape of the freezer they were in with three 90 degree angles. Went elsewhere.

A word should be had with your supervisor who is working this evening. A BIPOC person who is having a difficult time speaking English and who is asking for help should not be met with anger, lack of kindness, and raising of voices. What a disgusting display.

Great little store. Good prices and lots of flyer specials. This location has wonderful staff who are always ready to help. Despite the small size of this location, they always seem to have the full selection of all items. And the location can't be beat.

This place is good. Metro near campus is a student trap and this place actually has reasonable prices for a grocery store in Kingston considering that even the Walmart is expensive here. They also have good sales and offer student discounts on Tuesdays.

Went in first thing this morning after doing my overnight shift. Was quiet perfect time to go and even for a Fri. Staff was friendly n helpful. Small store downtown are by Leons centre n hotels. There is parking city buses only couple blocks away.

Bad experience. Some employees needs to be educated and clean their minds of racial profiling. Sometimes shopping in Food Basics downtown is a bad experience. Go to Metro or Loblaws, the shopping experience is better. Money isn't everything.

In the meat department they claim to have promotional price , but the tags on tens of the bags do not reflect that. After pointing this out to a meat department manager, and her not responsing to the suggested polite solution , she's never

We had grocery shopped at this location several years ago and frankly the Food was true to the name very 'Basic'. No real desire to go back except I noticed what appeared to be an in store renovation and modernization in place.

The cashier didn’t bother to clean conveyer belts between customers or debit pin pads. No one there controlling line ups or directing people where to go. Only two cashes were open on a Sunday afternoon. I won’t be returning.

Good basic is a good place to buy food but one of the cashier seems to hate her job so much to just throw some fruits I am buying while scanning them. To the manager pls don’t allow this young lady to serve your customers.

Nothing really special as grocery stores go. I've used it for two years as a student because of convenience and low prices. Produce section isn't huge but I generally can get what I need. 10% student discount on Tuesdays.

It's a grocery store... Nothing much to say. Beware of the parking situation though. Unless a spot is specifically written as 'belonging' to the store, it's a city parking place (i.e. you must pay for parking).

10% student discount on Tuesdays! Good prices and an amazing selection of everything. The produce is sometimes not as good as I'd like it to be, but typically it isn't an issue. This is my main grocery store

Beware, the only parking lot beside the store is not free other than the spots marked 'FB' between YELLOW (not white) lines. They are often all full. All the other spots in the parking lot are pay parking.

It’s very small but the parking lot is massive, location is convenient and they have a decent amount of stock. Staff are friendly but it’s a bit awkward to line up for the registers especially with Covid

It's okay. Prices are cheaper on at the food basics on highway 15. It's mostly the food section that goes into sale here. And the (customer service) people that work there are chill.

Good food basics, the staff is friendly and they newly got self checkout!! It's a bit pricey compared to other food basics from what I hear but overall there are many great deals.

Great location. Most items reasonably priced. I usually have good luck finding meat on sale on a regular basis. They do not price match other stores or I would rate it 5 stars.

Great prices and usually meat tidy and stocked... if only the young staff wouldn't burp while standing around talking about the hockey trades and actually work? Just a thought

Staff were friendly and awesome as they always are. The Cashier Kim is really nice and has wonderful customer service skills. I'm here all the time and I'm never disappointed

Small store, but they have a large selection and very helpful staff. Their produce is usually really nice and they've been on top of their sanitation practices. …

Watch the expiration dates, I got crackers yesterday and didn't check, omg from September 2021.. not my first time experiencing this from there.. buyers be aware..

Basic grocery store. Generally the prices are lower than the big-name chains. The quality of the produce is not always the best. Staff are friendly and efficient.

Excellent , hardworking staff! Thank you all staff for your service amidst this unprecedented time. A lot of vegetarian food. Beyond Meat. Impossible Burger.

Hard to beat their prices. Store always clean great service. All pluses except variety sometimes limited. Like 3 types of paper towels also toilet tissue.

Parking is available. Good products. Student discount every Tue. Good service but I wish they ask if one has student card because sometimes we forgot

Does offer cheaper grocery options. I have been there many times and never had a good customer service experience. Starting to avoid this location.

They are not allowing to use washrooms to public they lost there key 25 days ago they couldn’t find it every single time they said we lost are key.

Clean store, with a small but decent selection of fairly priced items. Not as good as No-Feilla.by far, but is for sure the next cheapest option.

It was ok found it small and not much room to move around. Cashier wasn't very friendly and the store isn't the cleanest store I've been in.

Smaller size but great selection. Fruits and veggies are always fresh. Gluten free options around the store. Tight aisles. Friendly staff.

The Queen's students and other people who live downtown get there hands on all the good deals first so get there early if you're going.

Went to two other locations for sale on coke 6 pack 710ml selves empty phoed this location told they have stock arrive to pay parking.

Lots of savings on groceries each visit! This is a great first-stop store if you want to save - there's always a lot of items on sale!

Cashiers are always so friendly and helpful. Always have a good experience with them. Staff are knowledgeable and know their stock.

Always the best deals. They're ugly stores, but all the money they save on esthetics goes directly towards the lower cost of food.

Great team of staff at this location. Always very friendly. Thanks for being on the front-lines and keeping us safe in your store.

Always clean and easy to find items if they are in stock. Problem is right now several things that I want to get can't be found.

Always a pleasure. Staff have become old friends. They always have time and kindness. I have seen them helping blind customers.

Its decently priced for what you will find. The only real issues is the gamble you take when they have sales on freshfoods!

Excellent place to do your grocery shopping!! Good deals every week!! Very reasonably priced!! Nice staff and good people!!

We did our shopping there today. It was very busy. They had one cashier and express line open. Long line ups to check out.

Always have those ports food's that are a necessity now I wish they would dedicate more space to middle eastern foods

Their prices are always more expensive than No Frills unless the item is on sale.They do have better produce.

I would love to slap that cashier Amanda. Maybe then she wouldn't be so impatient and lippy with customers.

One of the biggest supermarket in downtown The price is good, LCBO is just in front it, good parking space

Excellent location. Store could be set up a bit better but the people are great and checkout is quick.

Lots of options...Great discounts for students on Tuesdays, generally lower food and grocery prices!

Amanda the cashier is genuinely such a kind and considerate person made me want to go back

I do the other half of my shopping here has competitive prices and a wider variety of food

Good selection with great prices. Tuesday is student discount day so you get 10% off

Always out of any kind of baguette... last time wasting time walking here...

Good grocery store with good prices. So nice to have a Food Basics downtown.

Great prices for students, could use more selection but overall good shop.

Always good prices and quality of goods. Give them a try.

Friendly staff. Typical for a discount grocery store

Great prices. Fairly good selection. Nice people.

Very clean store. Nice staff and good prices

Decent prices and selection

Staff are super friendly