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January 2024 by Michelle C.
They racially profiled my husband. They asked him to put his backpack at customer service but we saw White customers holding onto their large totes and backpacks. Saw that other Black and Brown people experienced the same treatment here. DO NOT GO HERE. Plus everything is overpriced anyways.
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December 2023 by nina
I remember a couple years back, when the Farmers Market was practically brand new; in which I remembered feeling as if I was a child at an amusement park. I was so overwhelmed, by the various Organic products/food items that was offered. For some reason, when it comes to natural and healing of the body, I am all in. I remembered buying, so much organic soap products, I felt like I spent a fortune. Moving forward, I haven't returned since, not due to poor Customer Service but, because I didn't have a need to go anytime soon. I remember hearing, Dawson Market store closure in which i was glad to hear; the local Farmers Market would remain open. A couple of weeks ago, I returned to this very location; and was pleased to see everything still intact; except for the hot bar which is a hit or miss; depending on what time you go. I stated, to observe the beauty aisle to feeling the same way I do, about Organic food/products. Out of know where, comes this Employee (Caucasian Male) asking if I can place my duffle bag within the Customer Service; due to there policy sign; in which i didn't observe upon walking into the store; until I asked an employee to show me where; the policy is in writing. Once observed, I handed my duffle to the Customer Service Agent. I get it, all human beings are not honest, appearances can be very deceiving anyone can wear a mask; I know scary. But, then I got to thinking well maybe, its because I'm a black female, dressed in casual gear coming from, my regular casual job; where I don't have to dress as if I am in Corporate America. Anyway, so I proceeded to shop and purchase items. By the way, most of the Cashiers are very pleasant. To include, some lady starts taping out of know where, informing me that she's only taping her products and not me, the whole experience was awkward. But, I said to myself everything, doesn't also mean something negative; its just a policy that must be followed. Being, a Minority makes you somewhat think; cant speak for all. Moving forward, once more I returned after work, in my casual gear minding my own business; and decided to follow policy as I should; because who store is it not mines; and placed my $10.99 duffle bag with the Customer Service employee; she was so polite in which she proceeded to hand me a brown clothes pin; very nice of her. I proceed, to request a Acai Bowel as I looked to my left I noticed a; (Caucasian Female) with a bag that didn't look like a purse. I told myself, please cut it out; its you not her. I proceeded, to mind my business and request the Queen Mermaid Acai bowel which was watery and awful by the way; which I thought it was just me; due to having a cold. But, no it wasn't now that I believe, I was right about. Moral of the story, is never assume but always be aware. Don't know if I will, go to Dawson Market again anytime soon. But, putting all of these factors, together makes me wonder if, policy is being enforced to all creed of potential Customers; who enter into this amazing local market.
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December 2023 by Margo C.
This community-minded market carries products from local vendors and offers unique products I haven't found elsewhere. I love the vegan Neapolitan cupcakes from Rubicon bakers, for example--not only is the frosting delicious these chocolatey small cakes have a filling which reminds me of the (not as healthy) classic Hostess cupcakes. The eggless egg salad wraps from the deli are also good. Other favorite products are the almond chocolate pudding and the Virginia honey roasted peanuts. I don't do my regular shopping here but love to stop in when I'm in the downtown Rockville area. There is a convenient parking lot and garage spaces dedicated to the store, always a plus. There is a small salad bar which looked well-maintained when I was last there (but did not try) and a coffee and juice bar (the latter I've only found so-so--my açaí bowl from a visit months ago wasn't good, but I've heard the chai is tasty). I think there are wine and cheese events also held at the coffee bar seating area. I love the small book section although I've not browsed there yet, The only thing I've found not consistently great is service at the cash register. Mostly the cashiers have been friendly but occasionally we'll get the few who don't seem to want to be there... Recommended for a visit at least once...!
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December 2023 by Leah Kelly
The market itself is really nice, but don't order your Thanksgiving meal here. I ordered from here because it's the only place that does a meal for 2. You can't opt out of getting things like cranberry sauce but you get 2 sides, a pie, and a few small rolls. I thought this would be a good deal for 80 since they said the 2 included sides would be plenty for 2 people plus leftovers. This is not a true statement the sides are tiny my son could finish them by himself in one sitting. I also order a 3rd side a la cart so I could get a veggie the a la cart side is 3x the size of the sides that came with the dinner. Also, when I picked up my bag and got to the car it hadn't been packed carefully and the gravy turned over an spilled on everything. Al together i spent over 100 on this meal and im very disappointing. Below is the gravy from an 80 meal
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December 2023 by Helen D.
Prepared turkey dinner (holiday catering) was inedible... truly awful. Had to change our plans & unexpected company, so we decided to order holiday dinner for pickup to free up a little time & ease our stress. Thought by ordering from Dawsons, the food would be more special than the local grocery chains & was willing to pay a bit more for it. So disappointed... stuffing was nothing more than huge, flavorless chunks of bread, the "gravy" was nothing beyond tasteless, fatty drippings. The sliced turkey was just ok... odd taste and served on a bed of just onions. All of us agreed that Dawsons dinner was unappetizing and ultimately, I had to run to the grocery store for fixings and rustle up a decent dinner minus the turkey after all (so much better than the Dawson dinner!)I've had carry out holiday dinners from a couple of other local markets & restaurants in the past and they were excellent.....well worth the money. Was really surprised by how bad this meal was... my advice is avoid Dawson's market!!
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November 2023 by Marian Lorber
I attended a Greek cooking class and wine pairing at Dawson's Market. The chef was a professional chef and demonstrated preparing and cooking five dishes: Greek meatballs, zucchini fritters, pan fried Halloumi cheese, Spinach puree with toasted walnuts and garlic, and Tzatziki sauce. We sampled all dishes one at a time accompanied by pita bread and tzatziki sauce. A rep from Global Wines introduced us to five Greek wines - white, rose and red which he paired with each dish. Everything was delicious, it was a fun and relaxing afternoon.The employees were very welcoming and knowledgeable. Most items are available for sale at Dawson's and we received the recipes to make these dishes at home. This market is a gem. It's more than a grocery store. It has a craft beer and wine bar, a cafe, a smoothie bar with fresh juices and coffee, a small bookshop, gifts and much more.
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October 2023 by Liesl M.
We used Dawson's Market to cater a special event and Bart was wonderful to work with. All of his suggestions were spot on and even though the venue changed and the number of people doubled, we ended up with plenty for everyone! The food was amazing, fresh and delicious, and afordable! We could not have been more satisfied. Thank you, Dawson's Market!
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September 2023 by Eileen Coen Mediation
I ordered from the online catering menu for a dinner party 2 weeks ago. I phoned the store to ask for guidance on my selections and portion sizes. The owner got on the phone and helped me make appropriate choices. I appreciated the service and the food was over the top fantastic and plentiful - Pesto chicken, Mediterranean orzo and grilled veggies. Dawson's is my new go-to for serving a crowd. Highly recommend.
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September 2023 by James Detwiler
I ran into a few old employees of the DC location and boy did they have some tea! Apparently the owner ran the place into the ground pretty much from day one. They said he was cheap, passive aggressive, and unresponsive to problems; it took him months to do anything about the rats they had!We started looking at reviews for the Rockville location, and they said they were unsurprised about the racial profiling and bad produce complaints.Oh, and they called shenanigans on the supposed commitment to employ special needs workers. The ones in DC were consistently mistreated by management, and they were the first to have their hours cut. Sounds like a way to save money and have workers who can't stand up for themselves rather than a genuine commitment to help people with special needs.They should unionize.
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September 2023 by Samantha Noor
It’s nice to have a local grocery rather than a generic chain. They have some unique food different to most grocers. Some of the essential food items are priced ridiculously and out of line with the market, including with inflation — $11 for cheerios, $7/head for a tiny tiny head of cauliflower (like less than 1 pound). Please do not price gouge on basic food items.Disappointing to hear folks’ experience of profiling. The name Dawson comes from one of the largest slave owning families in the MoCo area.I have appreciated how they appear to hire many folks from the special needs community.
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August 2023 by Hannah H.
My visit to Dawson's Market was a pleasant one - I loved how this place was set up, as all the produce and items were organized well, everything looked fresh, and the staff were all welcoming & friendly. I came to look for a particular product, which they had in stock - yay! The aisles were easily to navigate through, and I would love to spend a little bit more time to peruse through their items on the next visit! They have a surface and covered lot available for patrons, so just look for the specific signs. Check their site as they host classes, catering options, as well as updates on the features on their hot bars. +friendly service +free parking for patrons
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August 2023 by Jay Cee
This place is way overpriced, and mist of the produce is not fresh. I only go because I live in the neighborhood and it's convenient when I run out of little things. Also, I have come across numerous items on the shelves with incorrect pricing. Eventhough the cashier honours the shelf price, it's an inconvenience to go back and take a pic, or have customer service make an adjustment.
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August 2023 by Marija Blagojevic
I was just there for the worst acai bowl I’ve ever had. Do yourself a favor and don’t order this watery, flavorless thing. She didnt even put honey on it or coconut flakes, and the acai was clearly only mixed with water which is why it tasted so bad and blunt. I used to come here every weekend for the same bowl and a juice and I Will definitely never come back again.
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July 2023 by Gabriel Alfaro
Brenda is a racist. She followed me around the store. Then asked for my recipe after I was done paying. Then when I called the store to put a complaint she picked up and pretended to be someone else. I recommend not coming here if you’re a young person of color. Brenda I hope you do better as a person.
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July 2023 by Don Taylor
Very similar look and feel to a Whole Foods. Lots of great healthy prepared food options, craft beer on tap, and a great grocery store. You'll pay for it but a great option.
