I'm cutting and pasting something my neighbor sent to me since I think it's important for shoppers to know what happened this Valentine's Day: I'm sharing this distressing Facebook post a dear friend and Estudillo Estates neighbor just posted on a San Leandro Facebook group today. My husband and I are fellow St. James parents and close with this lovely couple. Knowing the victim of this exchange very well, I can vouch that she is always respectful, courteous, and professional in her discussions with others. She is a very gifted, empathetic, and highly professional licensed psychologist, and I'm just heartsick that this happened to her on any day at her local store in our city, let alone on Valentine's Day. We will be heading down to Safeway today to register our displeasure in person as well as lodging a complaint with corporate headquarters. Here's the corporate number if anyone else here is moved to do the same: The person to call is Mary Wade - 925-337-4030. --------- Hello neighbors, I am sad to report that this morning my wife experienced a terrible, aggressive incidence of homophobia from one of the Bancroft Safeway employees this morning while attempting to buy me flowers. While several employees were witness to the incident, they all refused to provide the man's name or the manager's information, because they didn't want to "get in the middle". Instead, security escorted her out because they could not protect her from the employee's yelling, posturing and lunging. Does any one know what we might be able to do to ensure our local grocery store is safe for members of the LGBTQ community? The details are below, in her words: "These things are happening more and more. Today it involved me. Some might call it a coincidence. I believe it is directly tied to the tone our current president set during his campaign and continues to set in his presidency and by his cabinet members. People find it more and more acceptable to speak in negative and harmful ways about those perceived as different, focusing on the differences, ignoring the things that bring us together, and doing it in a way that dehumanizes the other. I was in the Safeway on Bancroft this morning to buy flowers for my wife. I was in the flower section and a cashier approximately 30-40 yards away was yelling loudly about gay marriage being an "abomination and two men can't really get married. That's not a real marriage." He continued in this manner in a very loud voice that carried across the store. At first I let it go and kept shopping. After it continued for over a minute, and his words and insinuations became more vile, I walked toward him and I stated that his words were offensive. He began yelling that he is not offensive and that two men getting married is an abomination and is not a valid marriage. I stated that he is serving the public who live in this neighborhood and as one of the members of this neighborhood, I find it offensive that he is yelling so loudly that I can hear his opinion across the store while he is on duty. He informed me that I was being nosy and that I should just leave. He spoke in a loud manner and lunged at me. I asked to speak to his manager and he said the manager is not here and that he would not give me the manager's name. He was continuing to yell in a loud and aggressive manner while towering over me. I asked for his name, and he wouldn't give it. He stated that he is entitled to his beliefs. I agreed with him, he is. However, I stated, you are working in a store that serves everyone and you are yelling loudly about your beliefs in a way that is offensive and hurtful to people in the gay community, who live in this neighborhood and come to the store. By this time the security guard and 3 other employees as well as customers had gathered around. He continued to yell and told me that he finds me offensive. He lunged at me and the security guard held her arms up so that he could not get to me as she walked me toward the door. I left the store crying because of the blatant hatred and disdain he displayed, humiliation, fear, and the fact that not one person stood up to him to ask him to stop. Rather, they had me leave. Needless to say, I didn't get flowers for my wife." read more

I happen to work nights so it's totally inconvenient that both the Safeways in San Leandro open at 6am and the nearest store is Walmart about 3 cities down. This town needs 24 hour service, BADLY! read more

Safeway - And the blower man who whistles at me to tell me to move as I wait in front of the door.... 2 stars - Grocery Near Me - San Leandro, California

This is my neighborhood Safeway. I know most of the checkers and the management and they recognize me even in a mask. They are friendly. However, compared to other Safeways, they are poor at COVID-19 protection for customers. Yes they wear masks and some wear gloves. They do not spray sanitizers on their push or handheld baskets, nor do they sanitize their counters or belt where you put your foods for payment. I've mentioned it, but it doesn't happen. At other Safeway's in Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, Half Moon Bay and others are quite safe. Please do not act lazy and sanitize to protect us, your customers. Thank you. 7/9/20. read more

This Safeway is halfway in the hood and worth the trip. The produce is really good (try the cocktail grapefruit which are AMA-zing!) and China who often works customer service is very professional and helpful. I use the Rug Doctor rug shampooer rental often and have a much easier time than other Safeways. Also, check if they have the fresh tortilla chips- sometimes they get them from the main store in Oakland and they're freshly fried and perfect. read more

Is it the news , biggest, or most recently remodeled Safeway? No. Is it well-stocked, and staffed with employees who will stop what they are doing, and help --with smiles!!--when asked for an item's locations? Yes! This is my go-to Safeway. I live not far from Oakland Zoo and prefer this Safeway to both the one in the shopping center in downtown SL--too big and chaotic and with blatant understaffing on the checkout lanes-- and to the one on Redwood Road. This Bancroft Safeway feels more like neighborhood gocery store tan a big chain store. Certainly, it get super-busy in peak shopping times, and occasionally there aren't enough checkers ---as in ALL grocery stores, department stores (Target) etc. If anyone recalls Lucky Stores' "Three's s crowd" slogan of past decades...well, that hasn't happened anywhere for a long time. So after yrs of shopping here, why am I writing? Because this Sunday night's shopping experience was actually enjoyable (and I do NOT like shopping!) and I realized...I've never written a review in appreciation. When asking "where" about several items i'd been sent in for, the woman restocking produce was great and pointed me in exactly the right direction; later a young man busily stocking shelves not only showed me, but got an item I needed, from a high shelf. Then another young man, Saul at checkout was helpful, and so pleasant. Thanks all, for helping me conclude the weekend in a most pleasant way. Keep up your great work! Thanks also to the manager/ supervisor who assembled this evening team! read more

Consistently takes longer to check out than it does to gather what you come in here for. I spend on average at least 15-20 minutes in line at checkout. read more

Very rude security guard lady. We were getting soup and my mom was looking for the soup lid, and I heard the security guard lady yelling "Excuse me!" I turned my head to look at her and she said "Is that your mom? Can you tell her the lid is on the silver cylinder". I appreciate that she was trying to help, but when we couldn't locate the lids since the cylinder was kind of hidden on the side, she kept yelling at us behind our back, got frustrated and said "Oh my god." It is our fault that we didn't see the lid, but I didn't ask for her help and her attitude was very rude. I was very upset that she treated my mom like she was stupid. I won't be returning to this Safeway just because of her. read more

Great location, not to far from my house. Clean store. Always have whatever I need. Store is stocked close to closing time.

I again received a wonderful floral arrangement from Brittany. She remembered me from before, and put together a beautiful bouquet for my mom. It was thanksgiving day, and your flowers were a hit, with our family. Thanks, for your sincere assistance. Nate read more

I only gave the additional star for one of the managers there named Christina who is always extremely pleasant. She is constantly laughing, smiling and always engaging with the customers. My major complaint with Safeway and this just happens to be the location closest to my house although I've had the same experience with the Safeway in Oakland on MacArthur, there are Never Enough cashiers to cover the crowd of people that come in after work. It makes no sense that you spend longer waiting in line then you do to pick up the maybe 5 to 8 items you stopped in to grab after work. In my opinion, this shows a lack of consideration for customers and their time. Do they have all the cashiers working during the day? Safeway just needs to get better because two cashiers with lines down the aisle at 5:30-6:00pm just seems unacceptable to me and again this review is not just for one occasion but rather is long overdue and the lines around the after work hours at the MacArthur location are always ridiculous as well. Safeway has been around way too long for this foolishness, step it up please. read more

Going over some of other reviews about this store I can relate to some of the things people have experienced over the years. Therefore I am going to make this short and focus on my own opinion. If you live nearby the area and you simply don't want to travel too far for whatever reasons, if you just want to grab everyday items like you ran out of milk, eggs, cheese, meat..., you ran of popular brands of toiletry items then this store is for you. If you want great customer services for your $$ well-spend, wide-selection in grocery items, self-check out, full bakery please goes to the one in Downtown San Leandro which is not too far if by car. This store is not bad at all considering open 6am-12pm! read more

YOU PEOPLE NEED BETTER ATTITUDES LIKE SERIOUSLY.You Guys Represent a multi billion dollar company.Its mothers day your food in the Dali was old and expired their was broken glass all in the bakery short staffed,the employees didnt know anything I just don't understand why Safeway hire such crappy employees get it together guys read more

The store is too small (So lacking in selection) and every time I go into that store there are long lines down the aisles. They need to schedule more cashiers or install self check out lanes. I spent 30 minutes waiting in line today to pay for a loaf of bread and ice cream. Waiting 30 minutes to buy two items? VERY annoying!!!! read more

This Safeway is horrible. They have the longest lines I've ever seen and never enough staff working. There is a line every single day, no matter the time. Friday nights, Tuesday nights, Saturday afternoons...it literally doesn't matter. To top it off, the majority of the staff are extremely rude or just don't really care about you. Probably has to do with the fact that the are faced with 20 person lines at all times. Avoid this ridiculous crappy place if you can. read more

I came in for a few things, and then got in line. The guy in front of me writes a bad check, and the cashier decides to take the guy over to the service counter to help him call his bank and get things cleared up. I was next in line, she leaves me standing there without saying a word. So after a couple minutes, I ask the cashier in the next line over if she's coming back. "Oh, yes. Just one second". She actually sends a runner over, but mt cashier decides she needs to continue to help the bad check writer. I ask the cashier in the next aisle if she can help me. No, my cashier will be right back. After 10 minutes, I dump my groceries and walk out, telling the cashier one aisle over that she can get my cashier to restock my groceries. I go home, and call asking for the manager. The phone gets forwarded after I explain that I'm the guy who just abandoned his purchase. Unfortunately after ringing for a while, the original answerer tells me that the manager has declined to take my call. read more

I have not had a problem at this Safeway until today. I go in to get flowers and some balloons for my mothers birthday and there is no one there. I figured maybe it was too late and went over and shopped around for a card. I then walked over to the floral section again and a woman was there cutting some flowers. I went to the counter and said hello and she just stood there cutting flowers with out any acknowledgement to me. I thought, ok she is busy so I waited patiently for about 5 minutes until she finally turns around and with the worst attitude ever stated "DO YOU NEED SOMETHING?" Sort of taken aback I said yes, I would like 2 of the balloons. With even more attitude she said "WHICH ONES?" I started to tell her and again, more attitude. I left my items on the counter and walked out the door. Hands down the worst customer service I've ever experienced. read more

I go to this Safeway at least 8-10 times in a month just to get some small groceries if my mommy ask me to. I prefer this Safeway for many reasons that can always come into a nice list. The reasons that I like this Safeway is that the staff to me they are helpful in anything I need, or am looking for. You can hold a regular conversation with the cashiers about anything. It is organized, and easy to find groceries, or any other goods that one looks for. The downside to this Safeway is that some people just don't have respect for the workers here, and I'm just saying some guest that come by. I remember last week I just came by to get some milk, and these two teenage women come by, and take all the bubble gum off the racks, and place them into a hand held shopping container go in line, and place all the gum they got onto the runway thing. The cashier started to swipe the gum, and the girls just start to walk out, and the manager knoticed this, and went after them. He just asked why they did that, and if they could put the gum back since what they did was really uncalled for, and out of nowhere they called him raciest, and picked up a water bottle on the ground, and threw it at him. I felt sorry for em, and was like let me help you put the gum back, did that, and was thanked for it. But that can happen to basically anyone, and I have to give props to the manager for not gettting upset that badly. The only downside to me is sometimes they don't have the good produce out on display, but hey it is probably because I come to late to get the good ones hahha. read more

I went in for a sandwich and was appalled with the service I won't be coming back any time soon... They act as if they don't like their jobs so they exhibit it in the lack luster performance and poor customer service! read more

-Messy and Unorganized -Very small - The clerks were in a hurry to go on their breaks. -The bag-girl didn't bag all their previous customer's items (we got free salmon) I won't be coming back. read more

Sadly this store is really run down, depressing and full of dumb, illiterate and bitter employees. Do not waste your time by going to this Safeway. Where do they find these so called employees? They are beyond rude, they can't even speak the English language. My transactions are entered incorrectly and the manager has to be called to fix it. Some of the employees have bad attitudes and they think it is perfectly OK to take out their personal frustrations out on the paying customer. And I do not care to hear your personal stories while you are waiting on me. Can we say unprofessional? I've called to complain about this store in the past and it got better but it is going down hill fast again. I hate this store. read more

Huge improved service with new staff and the existing long term team here...always has parking and fresh produce and last few visits no more than three persons in any line before opening new line...way to respond to community concerns! read more

This Safeway would be good if not for all the ghetto customers from Oakland that come here to shop and bring the store down. There's nothing wrong with the store. But the clientele is something I cannot explain or want to experience again. This is the same store where someone punched the manager out for no reason. Just another example of why San Leandro needs to build a wall to separate itself from East Oakland. Alameda is lucky because it has a natural most that separates it from Oakland. read more

I completely agree with Robert R. who reviewed it last. Every single word he writes I have thought myself. read more

This store located on between Oakland and San Leandro and it's a value store which it's means the prices are little bet cheaper than the mainstream safeways the reason why it's a value is ...competition with foodmaxx( savemart) down on international ,however the value stores usually cheaper and also small and. Crappy service I think because value stores are located in low income neighborhood ,so let's get back to products availability .pretty much everything in stock,meat department is not all of the great but it could be better ..produce are ok little higher than food maxx ,bakery nothing special about , deli is average , the only thing safeway needs Improvement is better Costumer service ..peace read more

Although this store is better than the one at the Plaza, it is very small and they don't carry many products. The aisles are about half as wide as a normal sized Safeway, making it difficult if not impossible for two carts to pass. I got harsh words from the manager for not offering my coupons at the beginning of the transaction, because he had already charged my order. The other Safeway always waits... but he did refund me and was very nice about it after his initial sigh of displeasure. Like I said, better than the Plaza, but not if you need lots of stuff. read more

The best thing about this location is its open. It's not very clean and not staffed sufficiently. The carts are often spread over the lot & not handy when u walk into the grocery store. It's the lack of cleanliness that really bothers me. Safeway - let's clean up this location!! read more

This is a great Safeway with FANTASTIC customer service. Specifically one of the bag boys named Zachary. He was super helpful and helped me with all of my shopping questions. He knew the layout of the aisles like the back of his hand. I'm surprised he hasn't been promoted up yet because he is definitely one of the best if not the best for customer service at that Safeway. The store is full of crime and is run down, but that bagger makes it worth my while. read more

This might be the worst Safeway store I've ever been to. I try to avoid this store like a plague bcs it is ghetto! but sometimes I only need 1 or 2 things, and that's why I come here. But today, I saw someone steal groceries and the guy walked out through the emergency door and alarm went off. Did the cops come by? No! No security guard insight. Attention Safeway Corp: need to hire a real security guard and fire the lazy ass ppl that works here. They are not helpful, sometimes when you ask them a question , they look at you like you are bothering them! I see bread packages on the floor and no one seems to care. read more

So much better then the bigger ones in San Leandro and much less crowded! My friend is the Produce Manager and I can say that his section is amazing, never anything out of place. The aisles are smaller then the bigger ones since they clearly have less space but all of the employees are super nice and most have worked there for many, many years. I love to shop here! read more

Hate this ghetto Safeway. Laziest workers here. Stood at Customer service for 15 minutes, and workers just stare at you. Security guy trying to write on white paper "use other door" for the entire time Im standing there. Crumpling the paper, then rewriting the same thing "Use other door" Wtf?? Gtfoh! All the while, the girl who is supposed to be taking care of the front is inside some locked door. No words. read more

I will preface this by saying manager Mohammed did a wonderful job revamping this store over the past 5 years. Unfortunately, he is no longer here. Kevin is now store manager and the store is great, considering its size. Choices are ample and is kept neat. Kevin is welcoming, knowledgeable, and a hard worker. Staff here are friendly and helpful. Sad that there are many negative reviews. I prefer this location over downtown anyday. This location always has available parking and quick service, unlike downtown. I love having this quaint store here close to home. read more

I stopped in for a gift card and flowers for a relative I am visiting. Alea was a model of customer service. She treated every guest like they were special. read more

The fried chicken and sandwiches at the deli counter are amazing. I always get some of their fried chicken every time I come to San Leandro.

Deli is the slowest ever! Great selection of sandwiches and salads but seriously over 20 minutes with only one person in front of me. Quite ridiculous. read more

I have been trying to call this store for 15 minutes and no one answered the phone. I was calling customer service then the deli, no answer, then floral, no answer. I'm pissed. So I'll go to Lucky's. read more

I go here because it is close to home but this is a terrible grocery store. Bad meats, little to no fresh fish, bad staffing levels and never any help if you need it, maybe it's bad management to blame, but the staff is very friendly and fun. The store itself needs a total renovation to be brought into modern times. Would be nice if it closed and a whole foods opened there! read more

This safeway sucks!!!!!wen there're sales they dnt stock... never able to but ice cream.. freezer always BROKEN AND THEY PUT THESES OLD FREEZER BURNT ICE CREAM BACK.....and deli never has 2 people ..."sue lee"always cooking chicken but her English is really bad..never enough bread even on shelves the deli bread used then they try to use a roll smaller than a saucer...JUST CLOSE WASHINGTON SAFEWAY ALL GOOD read more

Well... this place could use a makeover. The biggest problem is the lazy employees. Deli counter takes forever. It takes only a short time to make a sandwich and they do not care about time nor the line. I mean really. Also the employees are protected union members who act like they are doing you a big favor. Just check out Helen- a more sour face I have not seen. Our feelings are not going to do anything, really. Union Above All. Nobody will care about the customer. Put your money somewhere else. read more

the smallest Safeway I've seen so far. Express Lane is not so Express..it's crowded the last couple of time I came here

I live near this safeway so naturally I'm going to use it as my main shopping choice. My children enjoy the deli sandwiches and as a mom I want them to choose healthy options so I don't mind buying one a few times a month. I always come in early because I know this place can get crowed, I proceed to the deli to have sandwiches made only to be greeted by a very rude worker. She didn't have a name badge on, but he was an older Asian woman whom is always there in the deli during mornings. My request were simple no cheese on one sandwich extra veggies on the other she seemed to be frustrated upon calling her out she began to get more irritate. I asked her were my request too much and she said it's too early for so many different changes. But how were these changes? Simple request! Any who I received my sandwiches which she wouldn't allow me to pay for in the deli because she's was behind in morning prep. Once I did get to a check stand I informed a really nice African-American woman and she apologized but why she have to for some crazy. The service here over the years has changed, customer service isn't key anymore. Everyone from the deli worker to security to management all need retraining. I will not shop here anymore and I suggest you don't either. read more