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| - Don't let the façade fool you. Cousin's Market is one of the scummiest local supermarkets around.
I have no problem saying that, because it seems everyone else in the community already said it before me. The number of stories I've heard over the years about the brothers who own this place would shock you. The way they pushed out Amadio's in favor of their own in-house chain (which died on the vine - it was garbage), the horror stories from former employees, the holier-than-thou attitude the management has... it all adds up to an underwhelming and often frustrating experience.
The only reason this place gets two stars instead of one is because there is undeniable convenience when you need something quick, and sometimes (heavy emphasis on that word) they'll have some decent meal deals. Push past that, however, and you'll often find dodgy deals, overpriced food and sometimes wilted/freezer-dried goods that should not be on a shelf.
When I went yesterday, I found that the store was in the process of renovating. They've got a new produce section (where the aforementioned pizza places used to be), except it's not even apparent that you can go to it, as it seems to be blocked by the meat and salad counter. There are no signs posted that renovation is still in-progress, and I turned a corner at the back of the store to find most of the lights off and a worker walking by with a look of disdain on his face.
It seems like nobody really knows what's going on day-to-day, including the dime-a-dozen female cashiers who seem more interested chatting with each other than actually serving customers.
I recognize that Cousin's has been around for a long time, but at this point, it's playing more to a captive audience (the ones who can't get to the nearby No Frills anymore) and the people in the immediate Mineola area than anyone else.
To be honest, I don't see myself coming back here anytime soon. If I want selection, I'll take the half-hour to walk to the Loblaws or Metro, and if I want organic food, Whole Foods at Square One is a single bus ride away.
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