Real Food Market & Deli

Category:	Natural Foods Store
Address:	1096 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601, USA
Phone:	+1 406-443-5150
Site:	realfoodstore.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 9AM–7PM

Location

Photos 62

Reviews 20

brian walker

With an elitist store owner that looks down on anyone that is not within his social circle and forms opinions and stereotypes everyone, the Real Food Market & Deli is a tough place to work. The upper echelons of leadership in this store as a whole is unorganized and completely unprofessional. As a capitalist, non co-op organization, only set out to make money, it is hard to gain the owners approval unless you are already "in" with them. Tried and tested ideas that work and are taught as basic business practices all across the country are thrown right out the window here. Original ideas or suggestions are not considered. As a former employee its very much "his house, his rules". Employee treatment is very state and federal minimum with no healthcare or retirement plan that is officially recognized. Store policies are lax, with a lot of grey areas. Employees that follow these policies are still reprimanded from time to time because the translation of these policies are up to Laughing Waters discretion. The prices are most often double what you would pay at any other health food store and with the only leverage being bulk bin items (which is a current health concern for many), and a full meat department, there is not much stock in this stores success. For the most part, socially, this store has employed great people and generally the customer service is slightly above average. Albeit not very efficient when it comes to timely or quality service, its almost always service with a smile. As a former employee with a year and a half at this store, employment and patronage at the Real Food Market & Deli is a toss up. For those that personally know the management or have been shopping there for decades it is a great place, but for those that are looking for a quality natural food store to work/shop there is better.

Maggie Sullivan

The Real Food Market & Deli for a long time was the only health food store in town, as a gluten-free girl this was the only choice for me in terms of food choices. Unfortunately, as many Helenaeans have seen, the store has truly become a monopoly with OUTRAGEOUS prices, that are not worth the product themselves. Laughing Water, the half owner of the store is also something not worth your time. He is overall a cruel man, who looks down on others because theyre not to his standards. Overall its sad that you can see the obvious stain in the store, from the employees to the prices. Cannot WAIT for Natural Grocers opening on Montana Ave, hope its not such a disappointment as the Real Food Store.

A Private User

A store that is more obsessed with making money than any walmart or other big corporation out there. They are completely set on catering to richer people of the town. Trying to portray themselves as being the more Eco friendly store. But happy charging the extra prices while only using the cheapest of materials ie the meat comes individually wrapped in styraphone so a family of five can expect to have 5 times the wast they should also things like no hand dryer in the bathrooms forcing you to use paper towels which by the way arnt recycled towels (really Eco friendly and environmentally concerned)

A Private User

I find the Real Food store in Helena to be an excellent market. It is the only health food oriented store in town, and quite comparable to Whole Foods and similar stores Ive shopped in around the country. if anything Real Foods prices are lower than the Whole foods stores Ive used in the midwest, southwest and Calif. The staff is friendly and helpful, the deli food is good, their supply and availability of vegan specialty items excellent, etc. Thank goodness this store exists in Helena. Its a long drive to Missoula or Bozeman.

Chris Fuller

A true local establishment in Helena and probably the best choice for a healthy hot meal. Has many good options for organic and healthy options. The food court is also very good. The regularity with which they run out of items and no restock them in a timely manner can be frustrating. Thats the reason for the knock of one star.

Brad V

Eating here for lunch is always great. They have a great selection of food you can place on your tray or go-box. The staff are friendly and can make you a sandwich that can be very delicious. I love going here as the food is usually healthy and helps you not make poor choices. The prices are also responsible.

A Private User

love the salad bar and sometimes the soups. always homemade. but sometimes the hot food bar lacks lustre. I have been a loyal customer of Real Food Market since it was in a tiny space in the 400 block of Last Chance Gulch and will remain a customer. I love having a salad and soup there for lunch.

MT Mikmaq

The checkout clerks are typically friendly. The store doesnt have a very friendly atmosphere. The prices are outrageous and numerous items are often out of stock. I dont much care for the proprietor, Paul Superak, who calls himself "Laughing Water," or his politics.

Amy Rohman

Fantastic salad/hot food bar with daily rotating choices. 5 stars for the staff alone -- Stephanie gives the company a great face! She remembers your name and always says hi with a smile. Management take note, she is amazing and deserves a huge raise!

Justin Livingston

Excellent selection of organic and locally produced groceries. Their deli (hot/cold) bar is fantastic. They update their hot item everyday and their salad bar is one of the largest Ive seen. I highly recommend stopping here for lunch!

Dave Hartwig

Excellent store with a salad bar and a hot food bar for lunch that is really really delicious the help is very good about making sure you find what youre looking for and explaining how things work one of the top notch stores I go to

TONYA DAHL

Fresh deli foods. They make sandwiches to go. Hot soups and salads. Everything was yummy. Love that they carry local non homegenized milk. I got a quart of half & half for $3.50. Some items a little pricey. Its local and adorable!

Ken Coopersmith

Best real food selection in Helena. Sometimes the prices can be a little high, but they always have great sales and specials. Parking lot is shared with other businesses so I try and patronize during off peak hours.

Amanda Spears

Pretty good, nice selection of organic and/or local products and a variety of bulk items. Produce needs more attention, however, as I saw many items well past spoiled (rotten/moldy).

Ro Ing

Good food good quality fair prices organic food they dont try to take it to the cleaners. Forks in Helena seem to be careful, but not like Californians. Prepared food is tasty.

Aaron Hysom

Great place! Im from Denver looking for good organic selection. This place had everything I needed and extra! Good food with regular shopping experience.

Stephen Tague

Store is clean, staff is friendly, salad bar is the best in town. Prices are high on some items, but can be a bargain for other bulk items.

M.A.

The luncheon buffet is outstanding. Fresh vegetables, fish and meat. Most of all the staff is courteous and helpful. Recommend

Joshua Schultz

Best lunch in town. Make your own lunch from their buffet style setup. The best organic grocer in town. I could go on and on.

karen Mclean

Mascarpone cream cheese I did not find. Was told it has to be "In season". Seriously? Bacon not available either.