Robert's Food Center

I've been shopping at Robert's since I moved to central Madison 12 years ago and although I can't speak for other people who gave jagged reviews here, it does seem odd because all they are about is customer service. From the cleanliness, meats, sushi[made fresh/very good] daily and adequate deli, this is a great neighborhood grocery store... a dying niche. If there's more that 3 people in a line, they come out that minute to put another cashier in. I've been there when they've had like 7 cashiers going at the same time...goto Stop and Shop and they have 30 lines with only 5 people going at times.



The area they are lacking, but not deficient, is their seafood and produce dept. Although we've gotten some great cod and swordfish at times, their selection and sometimes age looks rather suspect. Their produce is good/solid, but the selection is average. Aside from that, their meats are top of the line, always freah, never a problem. I once did have a problem with some seas scallops I bought--they directed me right to customer service and she didnt even open the container..just gave me $ 30.00, so I can't see them fighting over a prepared meal.



One last thing.. few people I've talked to in the past stated how 'expensive' it is. It really isn't. London Broils for $ 2.99, country ribs $ 1.99, chickens .99/pound, NY strips $ 5.99 on sale--if you add it up they are typically equal to if not lesser than a Stop and Shop or Big Y...and the trip goes so much faster. Funny..you go to Big Y and they have BUY 1 GET 3 FREE!! Does anyone ever look at what the unit costs are? Last time I went there 2 years ago I felt like they were catering to idiots...when you break down much of their 'sales', it shook down [more often than not] that the unit price was the same as anywhere else.

Rude employees! Makes me sad to think I've gone there so many times and given them so much of my money for the around-the-corner convince. Customer service is everything!!

I have often bought their ready made meals ..ie Roberts Food Court.. I had an issue with my recent purchase and this was the very first problem I ever had in fifteen plus years of shopping there. Instead of taking responsibility and making good on my return, I was interrogated and the store was quite defensive. Not willing to accept responsibility for a mistake on their end. ...."this could not have happened because-----"... and "The Madison health department gave us 100% on inspection ".. the store will not admit an error and instead berate a loyal customer for daring to bring back food with insect parts in it. My problem is easily remedied but instead i get rebuttals that sound like a commercial for ROBERTS FOOD CENTER. For the few dollars I spent, I will take the loss, but this store will no longer receive my business in the future. The receipt clearly states " SATISFACTION GUARANTEED " but this is not really true. Overall this store is well stocked and for fifteen years , I looked forward to shopping there and its a shame that they have such an attitude about returns. I give them an "A+"; for overall value and an " F" for customer satisfaction............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................PS I had a problem with bug parts in my food and they ignored my problem(I wanted credit or refund)..but instead they rebutted my issue. I was even told that this store scored 100% on the last two health inspections. Such ego and no admit of a problem....Sometimes a business must take ownership and make things right with the customer. All businesses make mistakes,an inflated ego and denials do not help when a customer has been wronged. If a customer is not satisfied,then take care of the problem, and do not rebut and deny a problem, and above all do not brag about your store like you are making a commercial. Just exchange or refund the item without insulting the customers intelligence.