Baseline Produce

Groupon sucked us in on a pie deal. I don’t know what happened but the pie was like sand on top of canned apples. And we had to come out twice to get it. They made an appointment for us to come and then never showed so we had to come back the next day too. The person was so blasé’ like they were doing us a tremendous favor. Unfortunate, horrid experience. Can I take that one star back?

Baseline produce is a great little shop to get produce and other basic groceries. They always seem to have what I need, from an apple, an avocado, crackers or tortilla chips!
They also have an amazing ice cream counter! I think the flavors rotate, but the praline pecan is really great!

The location for a small neighborhood market is perfect! I can walk to it when I need a quart of milk or a couple of potatoes and don’t feel like driving to Safeway or Berkeley Bowl. I anticipated its arrival for the last year. However…
I’ve shopped at Baseline now four times and unfortunately, each time has not been without total disappointment. They almost never have what I need and they only stock a token few of each item they actually carry. The place feels like a prop or a front (very reminiscent of the grocery store in The Interview!) On one visit, I noticed that they only had two packages of sausage for sale and the labels had been completely ripped off. What the heck?! Another time I needed to buy chocolate chips but they only had Hershey’s chocolate bars. They simply don’t have enough variety for most things or completely lack common pantry items all together.
Another extremely frustrating thing about Baseline is the severe lack of training for employees. I’ve never been helped by an employee that could weigh out produce or operate the cash register system. Whomever is working the register has to run next door to Basic Café, which is owned by the same person, to get help. Last time it took 5 minutes for the owner to come over from the café to «help». He didn’t say a word to me and barely uttered a word to his poor employee. He proceeded by pulling out a calculator to do the math. I should mention here that while we waited for the owner, I noticed that the scale was working so at least we had figured that out. I should be grateful it was a non-​taxable item other wise the two would have bumbled around for another 5 minutes trying to figure that out.
Furthermore, they don’t have a freezer for things like ice cream, other frozen foods, or ice. After being open for 3 months, they closed for a month and a half for renovations. Upon reopening they had added a cold case for pies, a sandwich bar, and a station for selling ice cream by the scoop only.
I don’t know wether to laugh or cry at this place but one thing is for certain, I’ve had my fill of disappointment and won’t be returning.

Time: 12:33pm/62°F partly sunny
Purpose: Looking at notes of places that I’ve put up in the past. Just happen to be driving on Adeline today on my way to Berkeley.
Set-​up: Baseline Produce is the name of place. One would see the word produce and keep walking, nothing of intrest. However, theres more than just produce here. Inside is like a mini grocery store. Let’s just say a little bit of everything. There’s no words indicating organic or not, however there are some. Most are commercial grade run of the mill names. Front room is were cashier and most non refrigerated grocery items are held. Inner back room is were the produce and refrigerated goods are stored. Wall with small dispensers for dry bulk goods, center island holds various fruits/​veggies items, stand alone fridge for leafy veggies that needs watering. Two shelfs with bottle and package goods like jams, dressings, spices/​herbs etc. Two door beverage fridge with all bottle/​can cold drinks. A utility cart off to the side had fresh brew coffee (self pump) along with some bag teas.
Staff: One girl about early 20s. Warm and friendly with no attitude of any kind. She was informative about their offerings. When I ask questions, she reply on a timely manner. Told me about their monthly promotions without me asking. Nice of her to do that, part of the job.
Cleanliness: Grade A, impeccable, clean throughout the place. With all that produce, nothing rotten or water spots on floor. Nicely maintain daily.
Bagging it: One raffle ticket $ 1, as a weekly on going promotion. This takes place every Wednesday. When and if you’ve won. You’ll be notify by phone to come in and get your $ 70 basket. Wish me luck! One 18 Rabbit all natural organic bar. Nothing about the bar, its just production made just with better ingredients than others. I went with apricot, walnut & coconut. Those are my favorite fruits/​nuts and low in sugar count. I look for bars under 10g sugar and at 2g+ fiber. 18 Rabbit suits my needs here.
Main Features: Fill up your hand basket for a flat price of $ 20. Applies to fruits/​veggies only. Snack, beverages, refrigerated items not included.
Products/​Services: Fruits/​veggies, elixirs, juices, yerba mate, tofu, coconut milk, Peet’s coffee, celestial tea, sparkling water, dressing, dried fruits, bulk food, marinara, soup starters, jellys, bread, spices/​herbs, mixes, cereal, household goods, detergents. Weekly drawing held every Wednesday $ 1 per raffle ticket. Takes plastics (minimum $ 10).
Punch Lines: Quiet neighborhood, blocks from major streets, AC Transit, convenience, low foot traffic, easy parking, school near by, friendly clerk, knowledgeable, a little bit of everything, fill your own basket, modest cost, produce delivers 2 – 3 days, same owner as Basic Café (next door).
Tradeoffs: Good deal to fill up basket for flat rate. Down side is, can you finish it, before they get ripe?
Final Thoughts: It’s good to see a market on this stretch of the street. I’ve have come across stores like these poorly set up or maintained. This shop took me by suprise. From the outside its dark and quiet, no brightness to it. Once you walk in, you’ll see its a whole different place that one may not think of. I like this place because they don’t under or over carry their goods. Sure there may be a few bottles of detergents, but how many will you sell a day? This shop seems like one of those that sells it, then restock it type. This will benefit customers and owners. With customers not worry about rising prices, and owners not worry about extra inventory. Keeping inventory at a minimal seems to benefit both parties, IMO.

Baseline is a great little shop, with all the pantry basics: fresh produce, some dairy (including specialty cheeses), beverages, dry goods, snacks, and household products. The shop is clean, the staff is friendly, and prices are good – especially considering the organic provenance. The shelves seem a little sparse, but they just opened a few weeks ago so I know they’re testing things out and plan to add more items. I live down the street and I am so happy to finally have a corner store!

A friend of mine lives in the lofts above this store and I must say it is really nice. The store has all organic produce, household items, breads, snacks, cookies, drinks and lots of specialty items, meats and cheese. The cashier mentioned that they would be adding more items in the coming weeks, as well. I bought some organic heirloom tomatoes and boursin cheese and holly baking chocolate cookies. YUM! The same owners are also opening a Café a few doors down that will serve breakfast and lunch all day. Can’t wait.