Lunds & Byerlys

I can honestly say now since I’ve been a regular customer here for over 6 months I can properly review Lunds. I know I had given a not so good review before and this one is not going to be either. The staff here is rude. Imagine going to a grocery store where everyone hates their jobs and that’s what Lunds is (atleast this location). Not to mention I pay $ 1 — $ 3 more to shop here. Let me share two examples that both happened to me in the last two weeks. I could probably give you hundreds but these are the most recent. Last Monday I came in to grab some produce. I was trying to maneuver the isles with some customers hogging them all when I nearly walked into a produce worker. Instead of being polite after I apologized shouted «of coarse after you your majesty». Um what? Who talks to strangers that way let alone a customer where you are employed! I was so furious I left. Example #2 I came in last Friday in the early am before heading to work. Upon approaching the registers I see a cashier not paying attention talking to a bag boy and the bagger ringing someone up. I politely asked which register was open and the cashier shouts at me «I will be with you in a minute» I then say «ok, but which register should I go to» she turns around and shouts «what part of in a minute do you not understand». I was so furious I quickly paid then called the store the second I left. As a store manager of a store this customer service is not acceptable. Especially by a employee that has worked somewhere for a very long time (of which I was told by the store). I live a block from Lunds so either they fix their rude staff or I’m taking my business elsewhere.

Been to Lunds Markets in Uptown a few dozen times in the past month and a half (mainly to get lunch or dinner) and the place is a definite study in contrast.
First it reminds me of a Wegman’s which is the standard of a market. A great bakery, meat counter, and olive bar.
The upsides, great salad bar, sandwich area, hot food department, very friendly staff, and is clean.
The downsides, consistency and it reminds me of a really bad Wal Mart. I have been to the salad bar and later realized that the hard boiled egg used in the salad bar was frozen, today I got a sandwich and I realized as I started eating the second half of my sandwich had hardly ANY meat (probably less than an ounce) on it. Very disappointing.
I think the biggest thing that sticks with me to this very day was one Sunday morning I went in and had a cashier (a veteran who has been there for years) scream at me and told me to «Hurry up, lets go!» Sadly, that employee has ruined my experience to the point that I actually dread going in the store.
The manager of the store seems to be a nice person and tries hard, however, the front-​end assistant managers are not friendly and act as if they dread being their too (although most of the other front end staff act very professional and friendly). This is sad because it negates all of the friendly employees that I have encountered.
Their prices are somewhat higher, however, you can find a lot of clearance items and sale items from time-​to-​time.
In summation, their consistency kills the experience because I never know what to expect when I frequent the store and it is sad that a few poor experiences (and one horrible experience with a rude cashier) makes the store just average which is sad because the place has potential.

Does it weird anyone else out that the patronage here is almost uniformally white, and the majority of employees black and brown? Just me?

Even though I roll with #teamkowalskis (since there’s one open ²⁴⁄₇ and close to my crib), I can’t front and say that this grocery store isn’t nice. Every time I step into this place, I feel like I’m one of those ballers that lives on Lake of the Isles. Anyways, here’s my take:
I. PRODUCE
During the times I’ve visited, the shelves have been stocked to the max with both non-​organic and organic fruits and vegetables. They also have this cool wavy shelf to display everything. –Prices fall above average, and they don’t really encourage me to shop there instead of a co-​op (which is about the same, if not more affordable).
II. MEATS
This section has pretty standard poultry, beef, and pork selections that lack local options, despite the gigantic sign in the produce section that says «shop local.» Most of the meats, too, are light pink and dull. They aren’t vibrant red, thus not as fresh as other places. In other words, I wouldn’t visit this Lunds to buy meat, unless it was for Boar’s Head deli meats (which can be found at other high-​end grocery stores).
III. DELI
Interesting selection of American salads, sandwiches, soups, sushi and the like. They all look like they were made daily, and I would consider trying something from there in the future. Prices are like those one would find at a café or restaurant.
IV. BAKERY
This is what separates Lunds/​Byerlys from other grocery stores in the area. They have a sexy display of cupcakes, cakes, and other sweets near the front-​right of the store. If summer wasn’t coming up, I would totally stuff my face with some of those treats.
V. OTHER TIDBITS
–Pretty standard selection of drinks, spices, frozen foods, etc…
–Big parking lot, considering it’s Uptown.
–There’s a Caribou connected to it.
Overall, some good and not so great. I’m not making this grocery store my go-​to, but it sure is nice.

I feel an obligation to patronize Lunds as much as possible now that I’m within walking distance because I’ve availed myself of their parking lot and bathrooms for years and years of hanging out in Uptown as a teenager. Unilocal confessions.
I love Lunds for so many reasons. Let me count the ways:
*THEIR DESSERT COUNTER. Not a dessert person, but will eat the shit out of their canollis, fruit tarts and the approximately 5 bazillion cupcakes they have on-​hand at all times
*Tiny cheeses. It’s probably just a collection of the misshapen ends of all of the cheeses, but it makes it easy to put together a random sampling of cheeses for your meal
*Flowers! They have the best selection all from Bachmans. I walk in the door and immediately swoon at all of the pretties on display in the flower selection.
*The cutest dang Caribou in all of the land. Sipping on an iced coffee while leisurely shopping for groceries is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
*The upstairs section by the magazines. It’s a cute little hideaway with tables, a huge selection of magazines and gifts and also the only Redbox I can think of in Uptown proper.
*BOGO — ’nuff said. These (plus the $ 6 daily deals) are awesome.
Lunds, ILY. Mucho.

my brother and i lived at 15^th and irving (3^rd flr) and shopped
at lunds. they have the best salads and fresh-​squeezed orange
juice. first shopped there in 1974, 1978 to 1986. then again a couple
years ago. always getting great food !
jack t & tom t

I just really enjoy this place! I love the fact that this store is on the smaller side and not such an overwhelming huge «box store». This is a well laid out and organized store. Being a local company makes me feel good about spending my money here. I would only say that they could improve a bit on customer service, I don’t get the feeling this is a major focus for the entire team. I’ve had some great service experiences but not 100%.
I still love the vegetable display. It makes me smile

Service is always friendly and helpful. Nice fresh meat/​seafood selection. And the specialty flavors of cupcakes are wonderful.

I’m literally sitting in the parking lot of Lunds right now and just felt I had to share my experience. Today is one of those gloomy days where it’s raining on and off and I’m running errands and getting stuff done. In other words a blah day. I finished grabbing my items, went to check out and the employ that rang me out completely turned my day around. She greeted me with a big happy hello and a smile on her face, which in turn made me smile. Then I grabbed my items, she told me to have a wonderful day and that was it. That little pep in her step and amazing customer service gave me a little more energy for the rest of my day. I tried but didn’t catch her name. If you are ever here she has long strawberry blonde hair and glasses!

My now husband and I got our wedding cake from the Lunds’ bakery — and it was wonderful! They did such a great job and it was super tasty and beautiful! The baker, Jenna, was awesome to work with and she helped us through the wedding cake selection process and made it so easy for us. Then it was the Lunds’ catering company that helped us through the details of getting it delivered and ready to go, and they were also very easy and awesome to work with. Thanks guys!

YASS, this place satisfies all my cookie needs! Triple chocolate chunk, chocolate peanut butter, something with effing pretzels and allll kinds of shit in it.
Go for the cookies, stay for the BOGO bakery bread after 7pm.

This is my go-​to place when I want to pick up a quick, healthy, cheapish lunch in Uptown without having to pay for parking. Their salad bar is always fresh and well stocked (I like to add crab meat, rotisserie chicken, eggs, green and red onions to my spring mix). Additionally, on Wednesdays, they have $ 4.99 sushi which would be a great addition to the salad if you’re looking to share a lunch with someone.
And when you’re done fixing up your salad and have paid for your meal, there is a seating area upstairs where you can pick a magazine to read while you munch.

Love this place! The staff seems to be very tenured and cares about the job they are doing. Always clean and the little upstair eating nook is a perfect spot to find yourself curled up with a book and some good eats! Prices are reasonable and we are convinced it’s the best cheese selection around. Parking can be dicey, but you just have to be patient. Good things come to those that wait…

The location of this store has got to be its best feature. I usually find myself stopping by to grab something I forgot or need on my way to a friend’s, like flowers.
The other day, I stopped in for watermelon. Because The Wedge was completely out of watermelon on Sunday. I was determined to find a good watermelon. So I asked the first produce guy who was stocking fruit about how to pick a good watermelon. He confessed he didn’t know. Although I appreciated the honesty I wished he had the knowledge. He approached another produce guy and asked him my question. Same answer, I don’t really know. I was beginning to feel disappointed when he said he would be willing to slice one open and let me have a taste. Delighted, I agreed. It ended up that the watermelon looked great but tasted not so great so I ended up not spending $ 6.99 for it.
The offer to taste fruit is something The Wedge regularly offers and I expect it there. But getting this service at Lunds was unexpectedly over the top, and Tim is the produce guy responsible for this very pleasing surprise. I left with a very good, very satisfied feeling.
I did pick up the flowers that were the other thing on my list.

I always frequent this Lund’s when I am in town for the Uptown Art Fair, as it is just around the corner.
I love their deli and hot food bar. So much tastier and better for you than the fair food they sell at Uptown. Not that there is anything wrong with fried cheese curds:)
They have excellent fried chicken here, and very decently priced. I also enjoy the sandwichs they have at the deli. Many great varieties to choose from. They also have several selections of hot side dishes to pick from. They usually have a daily special too.
The store is well maintained and the staff is very friendly. I wish this was my neighborhood grocery back home

Let’s be honest.
I shop here when I need to, not because I want to. The prices are a little too steep for a working class girl but one thing that draws me in? $ 4.99 sushi Wednesday’s.
I can’t complain when decent sushi is priced half off and just happens to coincide with my Wednesday night workout class down the street. So I go. I get a few things that are also on sale if it’s a good (BOGO) deal. I usually pick up a Lime Powerade Zero (because this seems to be the only place it manifests in Uptown) and I go home.

I love Lund’s! One of my favorite grocery stores in the metro, I usually come here to buy produce and treat myself to pre-​made items like pasta salads or drool over the meat and cheese counters. They also offer some really tasty bakery items.
They also tend to have a more unique selection of grocery items than other stores (like Rainbow). The store itself is always very clean and well-​organized. I get distracted by the beautiful orchids displayed right by the entrance/​exit and am always tempted to bring another home with me.
What I don’t love about Lund’s are their prices. If I could afford to shop here at every grocery excursion, I would. Unfortunately Lund’s is one of those places I frequent every once in a great while when I have the dough to spare. They do have some pretty good sales, so if you watch them closely you can save a few bucks on quality items.

~ They have a much improved parking lot as compared to 10+ years ago.
~ Their produce looks fresh and seems to be displayed well.
~ They had people offering meat samples this past Saturday — roasted lamb (sooo delicious) and ham.
~ While they had an «Easter» display with candies and such, they had no egg dye kits.
~ During check-​out, the young cashier expressed her curiousity about the contents of a clear cellophane bag. It contained all black jelly beans and the label read «Abdullah» (chocolate). She seemed perplexed that someone would buy a bag of black jelly beans.

Going to this Lund’s is like going to Sunday school. I swear.
My boyfriend got The Dirty Look when he went into Lund’s to find us a nice bottle of wine last Sunday afternoon. The store worker sternly told him that he shouldn’t be trying to buy wine because it’s Sunday, and then informed him that grocery stores don’t carry wine.
We just moved into town and recently found out that the alcohol laws in Minnesota/​Minneapolis are different. Whatever the laws, I expect at least a little respect — or at least a benefit of the doubt — for a customer who asks about alcohol, on Sunday or on Friday.
The only other thing I’ve purchased here is packaged sushi: Blehgh.

This is what I do at Lunds:
1. I grab that Buy One Get One guide thingy they put out.
2. I go through the store like a freaking vulture and only buy items included therein or otherwise on sale.
3. I buy the rest of my groceries somewhere else.
Lunds is too expensive for this lil’ CM to shop normally, but its acceptable in a pinch, their cheese department is exceptional and they do have more than decent sales. For example, I bought some deli turkey last week for $ 4.99/lb, which is cheaper than Rainbow.