Randalls

My brother moved to the area a few years back and he almost exclusively shops here because he can walk to it and it has everything he needs. Having just moved to Austin myself, I’m a little jealous of him! I’ve been in the store a few times and as it is owned by Safeway, I knew what to expect. However, the Safeway Dominick’s stores in Chicago recently closed, which was really sad. Now I hear that Albertson’s — who owns the very average Jewel in Chicago — is going to buy out Safeway. If and when that happens, shoppers can probably expect a downgrade on some stuff. Like those $ 5 Fridays and the excellent bakery I grew to know and love. The Albertson’s/Jewel stores have some decent fresh baked bread, but it is brought in from other stores, like LaBrea Bakery. It just isn’t as fresh or as good as the Artisan breads. The bottom line is that Albertson’s bakery just cannot compare to Safeway’s — and for that I am sad.

I really wish this Randall’s location was some other kind of grocery store. The produce is awful and so is the seafood selection, it’s only good for quick stops and not actual grocery shopping.
But after today I really do not like this location! At the checkout the man in front of me was a Hispanic man who was having trouble with the debit machine, the cashier could not have been any ruder to the young man I was so embarrassed. The man had obviously worked outside all day and was probably hot and tried he was buying some apples, a drink, and ice, after the cashier got through treating this guy like garbage he had the nerve to apologize to me for my wait. He really needed to apologized the man. I wanted to reprimand the cashier but didn’t want to embarrass the customer anymore then the cashier already had. If someone from management actually reads this please tell Seriman to not treat customers like dogs!

After just moving to Austin from Arizona I was quite pleased to find Randall’s, with all the products/​brands I’ve come to know and count on (Safeway brand, Lucerne, etc…) Being able to use my Safeway card is a plus as well.
The store itself is about average size for a grocery store. If you are a frequent customer of the H-​E-​B Megamarts, then, yes, it is going to feel small. The employees are helpful, and always have a smile, the in-​store music is actually music that people like to listen to.
Shopping at Randall’s is a somewhat calming experience compared to other super-​stores. There aren’t thousands of frantic parents with a litter of children rushing about, plowing through any obstacles that get in their way.
The location is great, I’ve never had any problem finding parking. Prices are about average for a grocery store.
I’ve been most impressed with the produce, and meat department. The produce is fresh, healthy looking, and clean. The meat department employees actually know their meats, and are able and willing to help you find what you’re looking for, as well as offer tips on preparing/​cooking.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with this store. It’s always clean, the people are friendly, and the checkout lines are short and quick.

The man who works the flower department was extremely rude to me this morning… yes, I know it is Valentine’s Day and he is busy, but wow!
His behavior was over the top. I bought one rose for $ 4 and while standing in the check out line, realized how beat up it was. So I went back to the floral dept. and said, «Excuse me, I’m sorry to bother you.» and he replied «Then why are you?!» I said, «Well I was thinking that since I got just one rose and paid $ 4 I would like for it to be in better shape than this one.» (Seems reasonable to me).
He said, «Well they’re all the same.» Then I said, not allowing him to deter me with his school teacher tactics, «Well what about that one, it’s beautiful and healthy?!’ So he angrily grabbed my flower out of my hand, grabbed (by the flower heads mind you) the flower I had pointed to and thrust it at me. I was shocked and I said «Thanks for being so nice about it.» His answer was a creepy and forced yell of «Sure, Happy Valentine’s Day!!!» as I walked out. Ewww… really? That’s customer «service»?
This is my neighborhood Randall’s store and I am embarrassed that we can’t find a pleasant and kind person to sell people flowers.
I was in a lovely mood before that but I won’t let that mean guy ruin my Valentine’s Day.

Yes, this Randall’s is small, but they sure do have the nicest folks ever working there. I can’t remember her name, but the nicest little ol’ lady seems to always be working the checkout counter when I checkout, and I love her. EXCELLENT customer service guys. Great job!

Worlds smallest Randalls! Haha, seriously though, it’s absolutely tiny. Thankfully, they have a huge beer and wine selection here (phew, at least they cover the essentials!).
Although there isn’t a lot of real estate at this Randalls, it has a lot of stuff in it. You can find most everything you need here because they efficiently utilize the space.
The folks who work here all seem pretty nice too. I’ve had to ask for help finding a few things and they were all quite helpful.

This Randall’s is one that I only visit in a pinch because it’s so cramped and the selection is slim-​to-​none. With that being said however, I find the staff at this location to be much friendlier than the at the Randalls a couple of miles down the street on Lake Austin Blvd. They occasionally boil crawfish out in the parking lot during the summer which is a nice plus. Oddly, a major complaint would be that I’ve never been able to find bananas that weren’t bright green at this location.
It may be worth mentioning that they’re currently undergoing a slight expansion/​renovation so I’m hoping it will result a new more updated store with a wider selection. Guess time will tell…
11/​13/​2009 Update:
Bumping from 2 to 4 stars. I love the renovation… charming and friendly in there. Yeah, it’s not cheap but it’s convenient.