I can't say I am too impressed with the Summerhill Market Location. It's pretentious and over…read morepriced and the security guard they have there what with Covid can be a lot friendlier. And them being the point of first contact with the customers it's essential for them to reflect the establishment in a positive way.
Went here last week and the security guard spoke to someone I went with, asked if we lived in the same house, that person said yes, yet the distinction is, we live in separate apartments within the house. I was waiting outside, in the line, while the other person I came with went in, I didn't receive proper communication from the security guard to let me know why I was waiting outside, as those behind me went in ahead of me, 3 people all at once in fact. Their capacity is small, 13, so it's a capacity that I would think fills up relatively quickly. It wasn't until after all 3 people went in that I inquired as to why. There was a severe misunderstanding as the person I went there with said we live in the same household, even though we reside in different apartments within the house, which would then mean we live in different households.
After I clarified with the security guard, I was granted entry and there was no apology at all from her (assuming they identify in this way). Perhaps she didn't feel it was warranted, I don't know what was going on in this person's mind, or other factors that may have influenced either their performance or overall persona that day. I understand these days people who have positions that are security guards, gatekeepers and the like are doing there jobs by asking the questions outlined by the government of Canada and maintaining so, with a serious demeanour. However there is a nice way to go about doing that, you can be friendly and still do your job. Unfortunately that was not my experience here and it's extremely off putting.
Communication to me is the most important thing and it happened later than was ideal. It could be listed on the Summerhill Market sign, "one per household", yet that's not even mentioned. And it's important so other people, and everyone really knows. The same thing happened to two others as I was exiting, only one of them could come in to shop, I get it, it's a small location, with a small capacity and why bring 2 people when really only 1 is needed (according to the government), yet this is just another way to individualize our society and separate the togetherness even within households and families, whos to say that those two people who came in after I left, who were older, needed to make decisions together, you know? even partners preparing meals? sometimes it's nice to be able to have a second opinion. Overall, the security guard could've come out and chatted with me too, to verify or confirm the information she was provided. It seemed to be a little awkward and confusing and I actually don't understand why she didn't come out to communicate anything.
I have to say, aside from this little less than favourable encounter, SummerHill does have a rather large and interesting collection of a variety of foods. Their assortment of organic spices is rather large, their array of baked goods is impressive. Although I would warn, some of their labels to not be accurate, look out for the price listed for one item, when they clearly have 2 items in a bag, ie their cheese buns.
I mainly came here the other day for something they no longer even carry, the ELXR juices, apparently they went out of business, through no fault of Summerhill Market, yet that was disappointing, as my intention for visiting wasn't even fulfilled and I turned out to have a pretty shitty experience.
And here's a review of their seafood soup from a friend:
SEAFOOD (?) SOUP !?
Summer hill market stinks! I'm not sure what kind of chefs' they have preparing their meal take aways, but they are awfully bland and rather expensive!
They describe themself as a 'high quality specialty shop' and the only thing special about it is their outrageous prices!
Purchased an overpriced 1L jar of prepared seafood hot and sour soup.
1) $14, when I can get a 1L jar of soup elsewhere for $7.50
2) Calling the soup seafood is deception as there are only tiny shrimps and fishpaste. It'd be more accurate to call it shrimp soup!
3) There was no heat to a soup that is entitled, HOT & sour
4) PUT SOME DAMN FISH, SCALLOPS, LOBSTER OR CRAB. . . at least a second hearty HIGH QUALITY seafood ingredient!
DISAPPOINTING, SHAMEFUL AND AN OUTRAGE!