Seward Community Co-op - Franklin Store

Category:	Grocery Store
Address:	2823 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
Phone:	+1 612-338-2465
Site:	seward.coop
Rating:	4.5
Working:	8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Sue Ann Martinson

I was looking for an article that appeared in Sprout some time ago. I never found it although I went through all the archives. So, I found there was no way to search previous Sprouts unless I opened each one. I found some interesting recipes and information, so I guess it was worth it. But I still did not find the article, which was about toxic plastics and was probably the most informative article Sprout ever published. Unfortunately I also saw a trend away from helpful information toward just selling, selling, selling. Although it is done tastefully for the most part, I did not like it. I dont read Sprout as closely as I used to. And most of the recipes I found and copied were in the older issues. Also tried to copy the recipe in the current sales brochure, brussel sprouts and pomegranate seeds, but it is in a .pdf so I will have to waste a lot of time either copying it or converting the .pdf so I can get the recipe. I no longer use paper copies for my recipe archive. Its all online. Then I tried to register as an owner, thinking maybe you had a contact section there, you know the standard "contact us" but I tried two different emails but it would not accept my registration. Then I got interested in the Friendship store and googled it. Your social media around the Friendship store is sorely, sorely lacking, all the way down the line. I was going to write a review, but couldnt get the function to work. I will not stop shopping at Seward. Its a wonderful coop. Recently I took a 96 year old friend in and she just could not get over it. Her first comment was, "This is wonderful." I also like the Friendship Store. The staff has been friendly and very very helpful. They are missing a few items that the Franklin store has, but overall the selection and layout is good. And I am glad to see they are being used. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I think Mississippi Market could take a few lessons from you in promotion of a new store, as their new store in St. Paul is not doing so well, I understand. (I have a friend who lives near there and have been once, and she it happy about the store, but even more than me is a multiple coop shopper. She often shops at Seward.) The store is nice.Just fine. But I was on Maryland Ave. and drove by the Harvest Market and the parking lot was full. Someplace I have a copy of that plastics article. I did save it. Just to find it!

claire vanetta

The Seward Coop is an appealing place to shop. The quality is good,though the prices are high, and it is very close to my home. The problem I have with Seward Coop is that the employees tend to be so arrogant, cold, and downright rude. Ive never been treated as rudely in any shopping venue as Ive been treated here. Its as if some of the employees feel they are better than employees at other grocery stores and that they are doing you a favor to let you shop there. Many of my friends and neighbors feel the same way. A comment I recently heard was, "Ive had such a bad day and Im in such a bad mood that, even thought I need things from the Coop, I just cant deal with the rude energy right now." Ive felt that way many times. Some of the employees are very helpful and friendly, so I dont want to lump everyone into the rude category, but a lot are not helpful or friendly, or even cordial. One employee in particular stands out, a guy named Scott. Every time Ive gone through his line, hes been unfriendly and downright rude. He never bothers to say hello or make eye contact, but just growls, "member number". He acts like hes mad youre even there. There are no pleasantries and all business in conducted with a cold scowl. Now, I shop at Rainbow every once in a while and Ive NEVER seen employees act this way. Theyre always helpful and friendly because its the culture of the organization I suppose. Management must be respectful to them and communicate that customer satisfaction is a priority. I cant help but think management is dysfunctional at the coop since so many seem so malcontent. Or maybe they hire many arrogant people. I know employees who have recently quit working there who say it is a horrible environment in which to work. Come on, Seward, youre promoting healthy living, fair trade, wholesome lifestyles, etc..so shouldnt you be a place with heart as well. Maybe you should take a field trip to Rainbow or any grocery store for that matter, and see how these places treat their customers. Your behavior is far from progressive or mindful.

mark b

I am just responding to Claire Vanetta. You clearly have never spoken to Scott, he is one of the friendliest guys in the whole store. Try saying, "Hi Scott, how is it going?". You will find that when people are in the service industry, and they are busy, they sometimes just put their game faces on and try to work as fast as they can. They are just trying to get people through the line as fast as they can. "Member number", is just his way of getting the particulars out of the way, then moving on to your order. He doesnt forget to ask that way, and members will get the full dividend they have coming to them. I see that the other review you left was also negative about the people working. I would like to come to your work, at the height of your day, and see how friendly and helpful you are. If you have never worked in a service industry job, try it out. Otherwise, just say hi and consider what is going on around you. Look and see if the line is really busy, or maybe it is just winding down from being real busy. Either way "Hi" and a smile can go a long way. BTW, I laughed out loud when you called out Scott by name, I have been going to Seward for almost three years, he is one of my favorites.

Gary Morgan

The Seward Co-op has one major problem that I dont think it will ever resolve: its too far away from my home in Loring Park. The Seward is, buy far, my favorite co-op in the Twin Cities. I live just a few blocks from The Wedge, which I acknowledge is the Granddaddy of all co-ops in town. Unfortunately, the parking (PARKING IS NUTS AT THE WEDGE,) crowds and tight aisles tend to stress me out. For the most part, The Wedge and The Seward carry the same things. But its SOOO much more pleasant to go to The Seward. When its on the way, I always prefer stopping by The Seward. For the record, my wife and I are members of both co-ops. The one area for me where The Wedge excels over The Seward is in its bulk nut butters. I know that The Seward gets their seafood from Coastal Seafoods. Thats a bonus for me because thats one less stop I need to make. I think The Seward is a model for other co-ops because of quality/selection of items, environment, and convenience.

Kaija Wahlquist

Great place to shop for a wide variety of fresh produce and fair trade goods, however the costumer service is another story. As someone who is constantly on the go and doesnt have much time for slow service I found it painstakingly hard to just order a burrito from the deli, with the short line only having me and one other person ahead, I found myself waiting for 15 minutes just to place my order, while the deli associate was chatting for a solid 20 minutes to the lady in front. I had zero acknowledgement as I was waiting for them to be done chatting, I had to get back to work so I ended up leaving without buying anything. Please start training you workers to be courteous and professional as I am not so keen on this nonchalant, unprofessional, young, hipster attidude that seems to be plaguing co-ops in the Twin Cities everywhere. Professional and quick efficiency is all I ask for in the future.