New owners obviously don't keep high standards of running the store! Too bad. All good things one could say about the store before are gone! Very unfortunate, because it was a great, conveniently located little store, that always had great inventory and fresh produce. Not any longer. Now myself and my friends go to Deans. Thank goodness it is close by too. read more

It's very disappointing to see how the new owners of Crystal Springs Produce are treating their customers. Since the ownership change, much of the produce has appeared old, expired, or simply not fresh. I purchased produce that was 12 days past its expiration date and already gone bad. When I attempted to return it, the store refused to honor the return without a paper receipt, despite my providing proof of purchase through my credit card statement. To make matters worse, the staff was rude, dismissive, and condescending throughout the interaction. Good customer service starts with standing behind the products you sell and treating customers with respect. Unfortunately, my experience reflected neither. Don't bring your business here. read more

Ugh. It's sad to see a once vibrant market with great products and ownership dissolve into a shell of itself because the new owners have no consistency or pride in the market. The prices have gone way up while selection has gone way down. These aren't growing pains during the transition- they don't seem to know how to run a market and it's ALWAYS HIT OR MISS now. Things we go there for specifically are usually NOT stocked anymore. The produce is tired. No one that works there seems to know what's going on, when new product will come in, etc. I won't be back again for any reason. read more

In 2014 I wrote a rave review of CSP and now wish I could have it removed. Mustafa and Nimet cared so deeply for the store for 10 years and provided amazingly friendly, loving service to the community. But with the owners who bought the store last year, we have seen a stark deterioration in the quality, variety and availability of produce offered, dramatically reduced customer service, and with all that, increased prices! Why would I even go there now? I try one in a while, but this morning I stopped in one more time, just for bananas, and there were none! What produce store in California doesn't have bananas? Now I'm a produce nomad, wondering from Segona's, when I'm in redwood city, to the CSM farmers market to Piazza's. CSP Owners, please do better! read more

All I can say, what happened to this place? Mustafa and his family cared so much about providing amazing service, quality stuff. Sure it was a bit pricey for some things but it was worth it. It's apparent the new owners don't. It's such a shame to see it go down hill like that. read more

We have been patronizing Crystal Springs Produce for greater than 10years and loved everything about it. However, since Mustavo (sp) sold it everything has gone down hill. The produce quality is very questionable and down right poor. The last time I went in there was a young man/boy sitting behind the counter picking his nose while on his cell phone. Then when while checking out he couldn't keep his eyes off his phone nor make eye contact. This sort of customer service would never be acceptable by Mostavo! We have decided to never patronize this establishment again! read more

in 2012 i wrote GREAT reviews and since the original owners, Mustafa and Nimet, sold this grocery store, my favorite store change into not so favorite anymore. very sad to see previous owners go.... the service, the produce unfortunately not good at all ..... read more

I have been buying all my produce and most of my groceries from Crystal Spring Produce for the past 9 years and always loved shopping there. The owner Mustafa and his wife Nimet were both amazing, they offered great quality products with always a smiling face. In the past few months I realized deterioration of the produce quality as well as lack of variety, and realizing I didn't see Mustafa for a while I asked if he is OK. Sadly I learned he sold the store and now they are under a new owner for most of the past year. This explains why it feels different now. I will give a new owner a chance but from what I have seen so far this place is on its way to become a mediocre grocery store from where it was (the best) before. I hope Mustafa is well and deserving a well earned retirement, definitely will miss him and his family as a neighbor store owners. read more

This place used to be a gem. The previous owners were warm and clearly cared about both the customers and the produce they sold. They wouldn't hesitate to take requests to stock items and would give their honest opinion about items they sold. Fast forward to the new owners who are not nearly the same caliber. Prices went sky high -- a pineapple for $8 and it was not anything special. Prices have risen to crazy high levels. They had russet potatoes that are more green than brown, which were clearly past their prime and needed to be cycled. To add insult to injury the price was higher than Safeway across the street. Other produce had visible mold. These items should have been removed long ago but the new owners don't have pride in what they are selling and are happy to offer lower quality produce to unsuspecting customers. Unfortunately I won't be supporting this small business any longer. It used to be a neighborhood favorite and now is a place I won't frequent any longer. read more

Never answer there phone! Service and knowledge of product, non-existent, quality of product has completely deteriorated!!

I really miss the previous ownership (they were always so kind and made the store feel welcoming). Since the change, the produce selection and quality have noticeably decreased, and prices on non-produce items have gone up significantly. Tariffs alone can't explain it; many items are now easily 30-50% higher than at other local stores. I truly hope that the new team can bring back some of the great variety and value, and that I can rave about this place again! read more

My mom likes to go here for produce. Presentation is really nice. Everything looks good and fresh. They also have dry goods but I didn't look at any. We needed butter and that's a little pricey but mom didn't want to make another stop so we bought it here. read more

Crystal Springs Produce - produce in a grocery store - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - San Mateo, California

See all

After new ownership, horrible quality, no acme bread, no fresh oj, produce is worse than Safeway. The employees are always on their phone. No one says hello. It's a shame. It used to me great. read more

The quality and selection of the produce is not good anymore under the new owners. The green beans looked old, bruised and on the verge of going bad. The carrots had these odd colored bumps on them which didn't look healthy. There were quite a few empty shelves. The prices seem off too. A pint of non-organic blueberries was $11.99 ... that seems a bit high. read more

Oh no! What a huge disappointment this place has turned into. This evening there were fruit flies on the fruit and vegetables. Yuck! So very sad to see the old vibrant warmth of the previous owners/ and the gorgeous fruits and veggies now gone! I asked the lady today, if the store is under new management (wink wink ), and she said " oh no, it's the same-nothing has changed. My God! They must be humiliated not to even admit to being the new SAD owners. read more

I loved this store when Mustafa owned this store with his wife. He knew my kids and offered them a piece of fruit or candy anytime they accompanied me, and I would ask about his kids also. He would also have me sample whatever was in season and usually it was so delicious I bought some. It's not the same experience now for sure, but it still has the Persian cucumbers and the fresh Greek feta I have to have for my Greek salad. Also Oliver Franks honey. I hope they continue to feature local products, and I'll keep shopping there. read more

So sad. New ownership at CSP has brought a steady decline to the consistent quality of the produce and customer experience of the previous owners. The friendly neighborhood vibe is gone. read more

Terribly overpriced and a rude older woman. The vast majority of the positive 5 star reviews of this store, are from duplicate and fake accounts and have been reported. Most likely friends and relatives of the owners. In the last 11 months we have managed to save so much money by shopping at other local stores. It may seem convenient to shop here, but you can find better quality and more cost effective items in this rough economy. Take your business to other local stores that will appreciate you. read more

Very organized supermarket. My guest pointed out after the dinner. I hosted the freshness of the vegetables. Particularly the kohlrabi which is not easy to find. read more

Crystal Springs Produce - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - San Mateo, California

I used to go to this market almost every day because their quality was amazing. What has happened?!?

This is a great local produce market tucked away in a small plaza. Their produce is presented so nicely! They have fresh organic products and everything is always stocked up well. The prices are reasonable and the market sells a lot of necessities for groceries. read more

What a shame. Been shopping here for the past 13 years, but will shop here no more. Higher prices and terrible quality. New ownership has made changes that negatively impact quality, value and service. As I write this, I am eating an apple that has no flavor. The consumers in this community have a high standard for quality. If they don't get their act together, they won't make it much longer. read more

Great produce at a reasonable price and friendly staff. My favorite neighborhood market.

I used to like this place. But the prices of the produce went way up and they used to have one veggie on sale which I would buy but not the last time I went. read more

Parking is plentiful! A true gem that beats the produce at the neighboring Safeway. I found the most ripe fruit here including avocados and peaches. They also had more exotic fruit that is hard to get your hands on! I highly recommend even just to peep in here, the store workers are so friendly and genuinely kind. read more

Crystal Springs Produce - Cute affordable organic product store - Fruits & Veggies Near Me - San Mateo, California

What a gem. We found them while driving from the bay to the coast. Stopped in for a single item and my husband tried to pay with a card (he doesn't carry cash a lot) but the total was 61 cents. The lovely cashier told hi to go ahead. So of course we went back to check out the market and say thanks. It was well worth the drive south. The produce is really good quality - dark green apples, crispy fresh broccoli, etc. and a good variety of items for such a small space. Extremely friendly staff. We will be moving our weekly shopping for produce to Crystal Springs. Also love that it's a family owned local business. :) read more

Amazing produce and service! Highly recommend. Great variety of organic foods and vegetables.

I used to enjoy going to that place. They would have signs saying use less plastic bags. I would think that's great. Now NO backpacks! Using a backpack makes it easier to walk home!! read more

Absolutely love the fresh produce and European food products. They are the only peninsula market that ALWAYS provides fresh Chicory Endive Escarole everyday. The quality is superior to whole foods and they have everything needed for salads and ssam (쌈). I also love that my weekly produce bill is under $100, and my family eats salad everyday. We also love the Kabanos (from Poland, not Chicago) cut up for snacks or lunch box. read more

Horrible service, very unprofessional. Their produce was not as fresh as I expected. Sad

RACISTS! Elderly Asian woman who walks with 2 canes put her produce on the counter. Owner gruffly grabs elderly woman's purse and says tersely "Let's see what in your purse!" Shop across the street at the produce store in the shopping center. read more

Absolutely amazing produce at reasonable prices! Excellent customer service (even giving my son a free apple when he comes in). I only buy my produce here even if it means adding to my shopping trips. read more

Great local family owned produce store! Since I moved into this neighborhood, I've been a frequent customer. Even if Safeway is literally right next door, I find myself choosing to come here for their fresh produce. The store owner and his family are all very welcoming and nice as well. The vegetables are always very fresh and green and they have a variety of greens. Love this place! read more

A local treasure! the produce is terrific, but what makes this place truly unique is a wonderful selection of specialty delicacies like "caviar cream" and other tempting goodies you won't find anywhere else locally. The staff are charmingly matter-of-fact, giving the place the vibe of an upper east side bodega in NYC! (and yes, I am a real person, live locally, have been here many times and am no relation to the owners!) read more

They carry the best produce and have all the essentials. I can easily do all of my grocery shopping here. I love bringing my kids here as they go out of their way to welcome them. They are so kind and helpful and you can tell that they really care to get to know their customers. It's a small but mighty store! Also they carry Turkish delights again! read more

The produce is ok, I got some apples and later the apples where bad on the inside. The place is super expensive like $7+ a carton of milk and a watermelon for $11. I would say this place is for emergencies and not where you would like to stock up for groceries. read more

This is an amazing store. I've been coming here over a year and I've increased my purchases by 50% in a very short time. I'm still trying to figure out how such a little store can pack in so many great items and not feel crowded. To those reviewers that complain the prices are high-- where the Heck have you been shopping? Seriously I shop almost every day because i like buying fresh based on what I'm cooking. I shop Draegars, Mollies Burlingame Piazza and Safeway for staples. I shop here for fresh fruit, cheeses, olive oil nuts, eggs. Mustafa's prices are always less than any of the aforementioned stores. I've kidded Him about raising prices a bit and he just laughs. " my customers wouldn't like it." He says. I told him his prices were and are 50% less for imported grated Pharm -- he knows. I told him his imported Greek and Italian oil prices were considerably less than the others. Same answer. On the produce side I'd say most if not all items are less and he has terrific selection. BTW, I picked up a Molinari salami for about $9. Try getting in anywhere for less. Let's not forget convenience. Have you been to Safeway recently? The lines will kill you. No service, they don't care. Sometimes depending on who is waiting on you here it can seem mechanical. A few of the guys ( younger) are colder but not cold, abrasive. Just not charmers. Mustafa and his wife are extremely friendly. After 8 years of building the business they figured it out. They are living the American dream and I'd rather spend my money here than some place that doesn't know me from Adam. read more

I just was shopping at Produce Market for few apples and tomatoes, did not take a basket and put everything directly on my shopping bag. All of sudden, the lady owner came to me with a basket, asking me in a really rude way to put my vegetables in a basket and not in my bag! I was so surprised with a behavior I did not react! I have been shopping for years in your store but sorry you lost my business today, there is no reason to talk to your customer that way! Florence Bellon read more

Best produce on the peninsula! Mustafa and family are wonderful and we've never been disappointed with quality or price here, can't recommend enough! read more

I love going to this place. They always have the best fruit and vegetables. l love the fact that I can always find good selection of mushrooms there. The owners are so kind and always ready to help. You'll be surprised of how much good stuff you can find there. Highly recommend them! read more