Smart & Final - Santa Barbara, California

Bobby T.

My company buying product from this store for last 20 years, and I never had a problem with anything or any one . But recently for last six mounts we have problems with the turkey product ! The price on the sticker is example $25.23 and when we go to cash register is higher ? It happened at least for my last twenty times of purchasing this product !
Most of the store they adjust the price , but in this location the cashier name “Lili” refused to fix the price and acting like store manager and call me thief . Even when she did it in front of the manager “Steve” few weeks ago , he stood there and did not say anything.
The other cashier were witness to these unprofessional behavior several times by “Lili”

Gerardo D.

Tuesday October 22nd @ 7:00 PM
The cashier Gavin was extremely rude and refused to honor a coupon that rewarded me a free loaf of bread after a $25 or more purchase! He would give dirty looks to my family and I from far away and eventually honored the coupon but with such an attitude. I really hope Smart & Final at E. Gutierrez is aware of the terrible experiences that guests have with some of their employees!

Leticia T.

Very friendly staff. Cashier came over to grab me and immediately opened another register.

Scott H.

Great selection. Good bulk items. Good fresh fruits and vegetables.

Arthur W.

Gavin was such a terrible associate. Awful customer service, don’t shop here again.

Grace G.

Review for Smart & Final, Store 391:
Cashier : Antonio De Jesus

I recently had an extremely disappointing and discriminatory experience at this Smart & Final location on May 22, 2024, at approximately 1:19 p.m.

The incident began when the cashier Antonio de Jesus scanned my items and presented my Smart & Final savings card. After inputting my payment details, the cashier incorrectly informed me that I could not use my EBT card and purchase alcohol simultaneously. This is not supported by California law and is a clear case of EBT discrimination.

When I requested that the alcohol be voided from the transaction, the cashier claimed he couldn't do it. I then asked for the entire transaction to be voided and restarted, which he also refused. The cashier asked for two forms of ID, which I provided, but then he told a second person that the additional ID was unnecessary.

I asked to speak with a manager or supervisor, as the cashier was preventing me from completing a standard transaction. The manager eventually assisted, and the transaction was completed as it should have been handled initially.

However, another employee behind the cashier began screaming at me, repeatedly ordering me to "GET OUT" of the store and not to return. His hostile behavior caused other customers to turn against me, despite my calm demeanor and respectful conduct. This was completely uncalled for and demeaning.

Additionally, I was shopping for vision-impaired individuals, one of whom was present during this incident. Due to the situation, she did not receive the necessary assistance, causing her undue stress and hardship.

This behavior was not only unprofessional but also discriminatory towards African American customers and individuals with disabilities. I have observed this specific employee consistently exhibit hostile behavior towards these groups on multiple occasions.

After the incident, I called the store to obtain the names of the involved parties. The individual who answered, whom I recognized as the employee who yelled at me, refused to provide any information, falsely claimed to be the manager, and refused to transfer me to a true manager.

This incident not only reflects poorly on this store but also violates California state laws regarding discrimination and consumer rights. Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act (California Civil Code Section 51), discrimination based on disability and race is prohibited in all business establishments, including retail stores. Additionally, there are no restrictions preventing the purchase of eligible food items with an EBT card in the same transaction that includes alcohol, provided the alcohol is paid for separately.

I urge the management to review the footage from the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against the involved employees. It is crucial that all customers, especially those from vulnerable populations, are treated with respect and dignity.

Milton L.

The last times we have come ALL CASHIERS have been really rude. The lady always has a sour attitude. Today a guy threw a bill after saying the we would actually prefer to pay with card. When we wanted to return something a couple months back, a guy got super pissed at us because of this. Would not recommend if you want a pleasant shopping experience. Just go to Trader Joe’s, or Sprouts a couple blocks away. All the cashiers there are nice, the complete opposite of the cashiers at this Smart and Final. When I find out the names of these three cashiers I’ll update my review to include their names.

David C.

Store has good selection and prices but cashiers ruin the experience. All the cashiers except for Gavin have horrible attitudes, the short brown haired woman is the worst. The multiple times I have been there and she has rang me up it was the worst and most sour attitude I have experienced at a store. If the store management's goal was to make customers go elsewhere well you hired the best cashiers for the job.