One star for getting rid of so many cashiers in a time where people need jobs. And making customers do the work of the cashiers. You walk the grey line of when it becomes indentured slavery/free labour, which is illegal. So long as it is "voluntary" it is technically legal. But I have caught many stores refusing to checkout a customer. Forcing a customer to do the work of a paid employee without receiving appropriate compensation. I never signed a contract with you that states I'm legally allowed to work for you. I am not trained to use your equipment and check out items. Therefore if I make a mistake, the company can have me arrested and charged. However if I was an actual employee and not "acting" as an employee then I'd be subject to a warning and extra training. TRAINING that all cashiers receive...except of course the indentured slaves, aka "the customers". They don't get training and they get arrested if they screw up. If you force me to do an employee's job, I will legally seek appropriate compensation. That is 3hrs of work for acting as a cashier. As the law states minimum paid work is 3hrs in this type of business last I checked. OR I can take my compensation out from the cost of my purchase and receive free goods in return. I'm not your employee. So if you try to make me your employee - I will demand compensation. And shame on you for raising food prices. There are people who now live in tents working at companies like yours who are wracking in record high profits from gauging the people. You should be ashamed of yourself

March 2, 2019 around 10:40 in the morning I shop here all the time and have never had complained except for customer service. But today I’ve never experienced poor customer service from a cashier who does not say hello or even smile to only one of all their customers. We were in the line next to the express lane. He didn’t say anything when it was our turn, all he said was the total. Sure it was busy, but it gets busy all the time — it’s as expected so there shouldn’t be any surprises and you should still be able to greet every customer — it’s not that hard, if you’re doing it for everyone in front of us, why couldn’t you say it to us? He said “Hello, how are you” to everyone in front except for us... we literally only had two items (vegetables)... After paying, we were waiting to get our receipt meanwhile the customer in front of us asked for plastic bags and so he gives her bags and completely ignores us, did not even turn back to give us our receipt and never said, “have a nice day.” So we just left with no words... we usually say thank you, have a nice day but this was just really triggering as we were the only ones he did not greet. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t say hello or bye to us when he did that with everyone else ? We’re two college students and we can even do a better job than he can. Saying hello to everyone isn’t that hard even when it’s busy. I’m a cashier too so I know what it’s like. Though, will still shop here again just hope I don’t keep encountering poor customer service.

I agree wholeheartedly with the reviews complaining about the rudeness and discourteousy of some of the cashiers. Some of the young people working there are pleasant, but some are not. I went there to shop today, and there is one girl cashier who is not very friendly.After i got my groceries, I was waiting in the line to pay, and she was taking quite a while to disinfect the belt where you put your groceries on to pay at the cash. This is understandable because of co-vid. But when I kept waiting for my turn to pay, I finally asked her if she was ready for me to pay, and she sort of gave me a snide remark like" It's for health and sanitary reasons etc.etc. She wasn't very diplomatic about it , so eventually I went to another cashier. I have found the cashier that I just mentioned to be rude to me on previous visits to the store. There are other cashiers also there who are not very friendly either. I agree with the other reviewers who complain about some of the cashiers at that store. Also, along with their rudeness some of them are very slow getting people through with their orders. One final complaint of mine is that the social distancing at these stores is not working. Today when I was at Basics, they were letting in too many people at a time. Also lately, the prices are a little more expensive that usual. A final note to the Basics management: Train your employees better or fire them and hire more pleasant workers!. The Basic stores need to be a bit more clean too.

I had a very bad experience at this store. I fear it happening to someone else. someone could potentially get hurt. I went into the to look for a specific ziplock container. that no stores seem to have, this store was my last hope. I walked in the front door and didn't touch anything in the store with my hands, I had a Wal-Mart shopping bag in my hand with purchases from other stores in it. I had receipts. to make a long story short 2 creepy dudes from the meat department followed me out of the store and demanded I show them what was in my bag. I laughed because it seemed funny I asked you're joking right? they said no. I dumped the contents of my bag on the ground and told them to take a look. immediately they said no. I'm like why? they said they didn't expect that. please be careful shopping here. dumb and dumber might follow you around the store ultra creepily and ask to check out your belongings even though they didn't see you touch anything. this store requires proper security that knows what they're doing.. who knows what would have happened if I wasn't such a C. I informed the head office that the store is potentially dangerous for customers. they were nice.. the store manager called me to tell me she was so saaaawwwy it felt patronizing. so if you shop here make sure you make it very obvious you aren't shoplifting (hands in the air sleeves rolled up and do not carry a shopping bag!

I had a really negative experience here today, to where I go into my car crying upon leaving. The store opened at 1230 today (Remembrance Day) and was really busy upon opening (to be expected). I was in the express lane, and an older man with a cane was beside me in lane 3. The cashier, a shorter guy with brown hair, asked the man to load his groceries onto the belt quicker as there was a long line behind him. The older man responded that he was disabled, to which the cashier again said that he needed to load his food more quickly. The man then raised his cane, and mentioned for a second time that he was disabled. After paying, the cashier then packed the older mans groceries and I overheard the older man say "I am sorry if I was a bother to you today" - the cashier responded saying it's busy and the old man came at the wrong time (because of how slow he was). The older man was clearly embarrassed. I called the manager upon leaving, who seemed nice and said she would speak to him. I honestly thought I was on a prank show because I have never witnessed someone be so rude to a customer, especially for having a disability. This has been on my mind all day, and I'm genuinely upset about this experience. I can't imagine how this man must've felt, and it's beyond upsetting that this cashier did not treat this man with more courtesy and respect.

A beautiful market and contains everything you need, but the management is not good. Sometimes a customer comes and says that he did not find good treatment from the employees. Should the employee laugh and simplify you just because you are a customer? You must take what you need and go. This customer had a difficult day, so he lied and wrote that he did not find a good treatment..I think that they should work on the management well as well and trust their employees because everything is under the cameras. The employee stands smiling asked if you find everything is okay. They try to do as much as they can so don't come and tell them that you didn't find a good treatment Sometimes the people they need to be nice ☝️ I wanna add after this comment they fired me because I wrote this comment and I wrote about the management and what happening exactly to the employees in there but guess what? I don't need a horrible place like this one so I can work on it. I find a good place for me and I'm going to start working again and it's not an honor to serve in food basic terrible and horrible experience and black spot on my career I will try to clean it I don't want to repeat it again

Getting around the store was terrible this time. I do not normally go around 430-5pm and not alone. The store is not properly marked out. The middle aisle where the pop and chips are located is alsteady crowded and they have made it even more claustrophobic by pilung the cartons of chips almost taller tha the shelves. It is an accident waiting to happen I tried ro get down this aisle 5 times with no luck. I mentioned to the employee that anyone hits those cartons with their groceey cart and it will topple on the grocery cart or on customers. Extremely unsafe. I purposely went into Food Basics as well for discounted chicken and steaks. There qas none to be found. I go there for terrifc meat prices and flyer sales. I have not been shopping in food basics very often. If they do not do something about this, I will not be coming nack.

I will never go there again. This is not only once I have unpleasant experience there. The only reason I revisited again because it close to my house. YET Each time waiting for check out, it took a lot time of waiting for the line because ‘PRICE CHECK’. Their price system seems always has problem. And the cashier can’t cancel or void items themselves. They have to call/wait for MANAGER to come, and they spend so much time back and forth. Their customer service/ employee training seems so behind. Their express line doesn’t express AT ALL. You think you save money to shop there yet waste your valuable time and get little service. Future, I rather spend more money somewhere else and get a pleasant and efficient shopping experience. Don’t worthy to go there.

Consistently dirty store with staff that avoids all eye contact with customers. Management is clearly failing this store on the regular. This visit was the last straw when I witnessed a cashier supervisor (I'm assuming- choppy dyed bright red short haircut) chastise a cashier for not having her hair up. And by "witnessed" I mean she hollered it over me from behind as she was walking by the cash that she had "told the cashier every time she works: hair up!" Cashier had long hair, was clean, very courteous, and presentable appearance. Not cool: respect your staff, they're the ones on the front lines. If you need to reprimand your employees, do so in private, don't embarrass them in front of customers.

Instead of accusing customers of cheating in packages of fruits, perhaps you need to pack your fruits better. That's your own responsibility. That cashier is either prejudiced or think that we are cheaters for saying that we've added an extra kiwi to the package to have to ask somebody else how the packages came in. If one looked at this packaging and took one out it would not be full. So, how can one have added an extra kiwi? I have also arranged our cans in a box to make it easier for her to sort out. But she took it apart. What the hell was the point of that? So instead of helping she made it difficult for us to rearrange our purchases.

I wish to thank Mahjira operator Cash 5 on Jan 30 or Jan 31st. I am in an electric power chair disabled, she helped me in between other customers to get my groceries packed and got them on my chair so I could make my Para Transpo Ride. Even though policy is pack it yourself. She Cared about helping the disabled. I am very grateful for this. Please pass this on to her. as you have no email to contact the manager. She so deserves a good comment on her record. Food Basics 1465 Merivale Rd. Unit 1. (near Baseline Road) (please excuse the phonetic spelling of her name).

This store location is fabulous for customers. There is nearby business competition from Wallmart, Loblaws, Giant Tiger and Fresh Co. Management at this particular Food Basics location understands how frustrating depleted stocks can be for last minute, end of week end shoppers. They never run low on most produce. Their pricing strategies attract people looking to save money. The store is neat, well stocked and the produce is fresh. If you are used to shopping at the other nearby stores, come see what you're missing. You will definitely find good deals everytime.

They didn't have most of the specials and had no plan to offer substitutes. I don't shop here because it has little to no customer service. But I did notice the one employee that was on duty chatting with a sales rep. Had to give it a one because they don't accept zero ratings but that's the customer service they offer. The cashier asked if I found everything that I was looking for. When I told her no she have me the same answer as the employee. So congrats head office you've done a great job at teaching your staff to understand the corporate line.

This store has a very good selection of merchandise, including international/ethnic items that are not regularly found in other stores. I chose this store as the only one to shop in during the pandemic, because I could limit the number of trips and still find everything. The prices are very good (=low). Personnel is generally helpful, they will go to the storage area and bring things out for you. The manager has been responsive the few times I had a question or complaint. He would call and follow up. Overall, my favourite grocery store.

Very unpleasant experience. First and last time shopping here. Staff are very unfriendly and get upset when you shop while they are stocking shelves. One employee moved our cart aside and pushed his way through without saying excuse me!!! They also put too many displays for sales items on the floor. They make it extremely difficult to move around the sales floor with all the clutter. Stocking should be done overnight to avoid having too many associates on the floor. This was not an enjoyable shopping experience.

Went to food basics today the cashier doesn't do anything we have to hurry to get our groceries packed without any help. The cashiers text and talk on the phone. They just throw your stuff on the counter. I felt bad a customer who was in front of us the customer was alone and had allot of groceries to pack and the cashier hurried the customers to pack so the cashier could throw the food the counter. I think the cashier can at least help or do something then just stand there and wait.

This store still has the shopping carts that require change to unlock them... honestly who carries change these days?! The store is pretty grungy and old, not overly clean it does have a great variety of produce and exotic fresh produce. The staff are useless if you're looking for something (multiple times I've asked if they have more of something on sale and they reply, without hesitation, no we're out and then I find a giant display of it elsewhere in the store...).

This 5 star review is for the Cashier named Carrie, she was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable during my checkout today. She made appropriate recommendations from the cash in relation to some of my purchases. She also knew a lot of skus by hand and definitely made me want to issue her this review based off her customer experience. Give this woman a raise and consider her for a promotion to manager. Tysvm Carrie and I hope to see you again soon. 5/5

Once again I regret choosing this location for my shopping tonight. The staff are rude, especially the one girl (with the blue hair) who walked around yelling at the customers that everyone had to leave the store right now. And when a few people tried to get what they need quickly, she yelled at them to "go to Walmart!" As I said, they're very rude and unprofessional, and have reminded me why I stopped coming here before.

I’ve had a couple of bad experiences in this location, and a couple of weeks ago I decided I would never again shop here. They have let their COVID-19 protocols slide horribly. When I asked an employee about it, he said....I kid you not...”Nobody Cares!” I wrote to Sobeys to express my concern and was sent a form letter telling how much they are doing at these times. They may have a directive, but it’s not being followed.

Go there for staples. Avoid peak times. Customer service is abysmal except for the guy at entrance. Had a price error which took > 5 mins, only for the cashier to tell me yeah we will give you at that (lower) price. Uh, it's supposed to be FREE if there is an error. Cashier refused to acknolewdge that. Even manager claimed there was no such law. Didn't buy the item, and next time if there is a price error, I won't either!

A lot of old produce is left on for sale despite being being rotting and moldy. This location should do better to filter out bad produce as bacteria can spread easily to good produce. Would advise against shopping for produce at this location, as half these reviewers giving 5 stars for "fresh fruits and veggies" probably can't see the white fuzz and sunken in dark spots on some of the produce.

This store has a great location.It is located right beside a shoppers drug mart. As well as a Walmart a block over.this location features a big store, where the food is reasonably priced. They have Fast and friendly cashiers that are always there to help you with a smile. Drop into this location for some great deals too. Oh and there is plenty of parking. Ps beside Nando’s Piri Piri chicken.

Just did a instacart order from the Merivale road store. Many items on sale, not available at all, pork patties, none at all in the store. The delivery person asked a worker to check in back and there was none. Produce was poor, soft, squishy cherries. How can they attrack customers with a store like this, sadly not instacarts fault for this. You need to improve if you want repeat business.

Overall, a great budget food store. Was a little disappointed that some of the stuff I went in for because it was on sale (yogurt, for example) was set to expire in two days, forcing me to pay for the more expensive stuff. For the most part, if you're looking to save a little money on groceries, I highly recommend Food Basics. Just remember to watch the best before dates ;)

This place always seems to be in major transition. There are boxes and carts everywhere no matter what day or time I go. They are often out of key items. The produce section is usually in the process of being organized because customers seem to regularly destroy the nice displays. The floor staff are always nice and helpful but I have never had a friendly cashier.

Treated very poorly by two cashiers. They also accused me of being rude to their manager, but did not mention their behaviour nor that they were repeatedly telling me off and I could take my business elsewhere. Quality service is hard to come by and you will have great trouble finding it here except possibly from the manager I encountered today.

I go here for inexpensive produce (be selective -- usually it's great, but sometimes their stuff is not in great shape), and cheap bulk items like canned beans, and big bags of dry beans and rice. They also have an aisle of 'ethnic' foods (Caribbean, Indian, etc.) with some great selections like a spicy green cilantro sauce I'm now addicted to.

Now that food is pricey Food Basic's a great place to shop just get there early and find items on the shelves. Great for stocking up for back to school too and a wide range of foods of the world only thing they still need to work on is the cash lines or perhaps they should buy a few self checkouts!! …

Food basics can be hit and miss. This one has good fresh produce with lots of choices. Clean and we'll stocked. Dont go for meat specials tho. They are always sold out even on the days the add comes out. I often get told a truck didnt come. Rainchecks for meat are no good. It never seems to arrive.

I'm always impressed at the quality of the produce here. The story is laid out in a sensible counterclockwise loop . Most of the advertised sale items were still in stock. The cashier today at checkout was very friendly and had a very positive energy. What more can you ask for in a grocery visit?

It is getting better for stock and inventory. However, I still cannot find some of the items on special most of the time. Two items that were on special they run out fast and don't replace. I have been to other Food Basics and never had any issues with the stock or special items.

I would rate this a zero if I could. I find that it is completely unacceptable that the staff wear their masks around their chin. We are not out of the woods yet with the pandemic. Masks are mandatory for a reason. I wear mine everywhere I go, including work. It's not hard.

Good enough selection and adequate quality for a price conscious value grocery store. There's often plenty of amazing deals on fresh produce and frozen products. If you can go as one of the first in after they open in the mornings, it's when they have their best to offer.

You will get plethora of items at a very reasonable price.I always recommend for small groceries .You will get Asian items also.Veggie and fruits are fresh and on good price sometimes.MUST visit for your small portions of groceries. Happy Shopping …

Great prices, but due 4 selfish baboons should be putting limits on how much one can buy, the 4 baboons were loading up shopping cart and handbaskets with corn (12/$1.97) and not leaving any for anyone else! A sickening display of selfish animal behaviour!

I ask a man that was stocking the shelf where I could find a product . To my surprise he stop and take me directly to the section shelves. This kind of help doesn't happen anymore. So thank you for making my day. This is great customer service everyone.

Food basics is always good. Best prices and good quality. The discount produce racks are great for my rabbits and pigs. The checkout feels rushy and usually not as friendly as other stores but I understand that's how they pass along the savings.

They sell expired products.. like over a month expired. When I told the employee, she looked at me like I had 3 heads and did absolutely nothing about it. Always check expiry dates in this store because clearly people who work there do not.

The cashier was super nice! She saw that I had a lot of groceries to bag up and I am literally talking about the entire cart full. She just started bagging things for me. It saved me a lot of time. Best customer service I have ever had!!

This place is my first stop of my grocery itinerary. When you see Italian grandmas shopping there, you know it's a good place. It's not a place where cool young people shop; they go to Loblaws. It's where you go when you want value.

One of the better Food basics around but I wouldn't go near their produce unless you plan on using it right away. Things seem to go off quickly when bought here. Great deals sometimes and worth keeping an eye on their store flier.

Its a four based on the prices But dont expect to much getting the specials on meat because after 3 days or so they have nothing left As for freshness on produce well ,you get what you get but the staff keeps the shelves full

This store never seems to be very busy which I enjoy. Good prices, some items are still overpriced compared to other grocery stores, but overall good prices (especially on chicken if you don't mind it coming in a bag)

Great price, mostly lovely staff. Sometimes sale items are sold out. Yes, rainchecks are available, but I'm lazy. (I know, my own issue not theirs.) Only downside, often line-ups withour enough cashiers available.

Every time I visit here, shopping carts are stored inside at the entrance and dry. Prices are good, parking lot is big. Staff are nice. Comparing this place to the FreshCo near here, I have to give it a 5 star.

I enjoy how little food basics pays there employees. I enjoy going to the grocery store knowing all employees are to poor to buy a home or even own a car. Front line heroes bahahaha poor servants more like it

Professional service...great security guard at the entrance. Cleaned handles of shopping carts. Customer service reminds customers to stay 2m+ from others in this situation. Great food at low prices.

We were loading our groceries from the shopping cart into our manual cart to move around. Basically, cart guy told us to get out of the way because he didn't want to walk around the other entrance

Staff are chatty but quick. Always competitively priced. I love the ethnic sections of the store as well has opened up many new dish ideas. Lines can get backed up but they clear them quickly.

Found everything we were looking for. Staff was friendly, even cracking jokes with us like we were old friends. Not a lot of empty shelves. Busy cause prices are always fair to low

1st this grocery store is very inclusive this Pride Month. I luv it.Ty for the help with cloves. 'M' yk what I'm talking bout❤️ Overall great place great experience️‍ …

I went here on sunday to this place, but the cart was not there, then i had to get the cart which is near carpark. But inside the market was awesome and well organized …

Lineups for check outs are very disorganized. The Food Basics at Kirkland and Carling is much better organized for checkout. I won't be back to the Merivale Rd store again.

Always good, our go to grocery store, but the price of chicken breasts today, over the top. Freshco beat you there. 1.5 kg for $8.99. They are true competition.

The staff is pleasant & so helpful. Really appreciate the greeters who make sure I get a clean cart. Shelves are usually well stocked & the store is clean.

The internet for phone service sucks inside of this place. I do delivery shop and deliver services and it’s always impossible to get any phone connection.

Store is a little cluttered but clean and had short lines for cash and well stocked in sale items. Washroom was super clean and well stocked as well.

Good area to go to. Lots of parking. Everything we needed to buy was available. Some cashiers look like they were not supposed to be there.

I go for the international grocery selection and excellent produce section. Don't go here expecting high quality meats. Great prices tho.

First time in this particular store. It's very clean and had everything advertised in their flyer. Will return. Great experience. …

Evry time I go. To the wash room havr to. Wait in a long line or its always dirty no one cleans the floor. Or paper towels are out.

Great place to shop, produce is pretty fresh. Lots of different foods from all over the world. Great hot sauce selection!

It was a good experience until I went to the fruits section on that day..but the rest was good. The price is good.

There you will find a wide variety of food products at the best market prices and pleasant and clean facilities

Probably top 3 best prices over all grocery stores, good quality and better selection than cheaper options.

Good selection and really good prices. Also have some hard to find items like imported snacks and sauces.

By the way, all of the rice is by the wall at the checkout. No condensed milk, not many items here

Clean low priced focused store, that still has the premium offering of rotisserie chicken.

Why did you choose 3 stars because of the prices . Any things else so far so good. …

This is a good place to buy the food with cheaper prices. I like some Italian Long bread.

Beef hamburger is terrible tasting is awful as I had to throw out....waste of money

Large crowds taking advantage of the great deals. Self-checkout went fast.

Good prices well stocked worth a visit prices pretty good also

Better priced chain. This location is very nice in many ways.

Large selection of affordable food. Clean. Helpful staff.

Sometimes prices are good but ok to do a bit of shopping

Had great deals especially now with food prices rising!

Reasonable prices.great selection of dietary needs

Best prices in the city and amazing patient staff.

Very busy place. Lots of people, fresh produce.

I always go there when things we need on sells

My go to local grocery store . Good selection.

Always seem to be low on their sales items

Nice place but difficult cashiers at times

Friendly staff clean and was well stocked

Clean, affordable, mostly well stocked

Lots of sales, staff is super helpful

It has the basic's at a good price.

Great prices and weekly deals