Grocery shopping is a routine necessity, but for many Tennesseans, the experience can be marred by poor customer service, high prices, long checkout lines, and questionable food quality.
Recent studies analyzing thousands of Google reviews across the U.S. have identified the grocery store chains that consistently disappoint shoppers. Using the latest data from 2025, here are the five worst grocery stores in Tennessee, according to customer feedback and national rankings.
1. Walmart
Walmart dominates the list of poorly rated grocery stores, with 22 of its locations appearing among the 50 worst-rated in America—a staggering 44% of the list. Customers frequently cite long lines, poor customer service, and subpar produce quality as recurring issues.
Despite its low prices, Walmart scored at the bottom of the American Customer Satisfaction Index for general merchandise retailers in 2023, and its Tennessee locations are no exception. The sheer volume of negative reviews makes Walmart the most consistently criticized grocery chain in the state.
2. Kroger
Kroger, a staple in many Tennessee communities, also ranks among the worst for customer satisfaction. Shoppers report inconsistent restocking, unhelpful staff, and questionable food freshness.
Kroger’s average star rating is one of the lowest among major chains, and its reputation for poor customer service is well documented in recent surveys. Many customers also complain about price gouging and expired items, further damaging the store’s reputation.
3. Save A Lot
Save A Lot is known for its budget-friendly prices, but customers in Tennessee often find that the savings come at the expense of cleanliness, product selection, and overall store maintenance.
With an average star rating just above 4.0, Save A Lot is frequently flagged for limited fresh food options and unpleasant shopping environments. These persistent issues contribute to its inclusion among the worst grocery stores in the state.
4. Dollar General
While Dollar General offers convenience, especially in rural parts of Tennessee, it is consistently criticized for understocked shelves, long checkout waits, and unfriendly staff.
The chain’s grocery sections are often described as disorganized, and customers regularly encounter expired products and poor store cleanliness. These factors result in low customer satisfaction scores and frequent complaints.
5. Safeway
Though not as prevalent in Tennessee as other chains, Safeway’s national reputation for poor customer service and long lines has impacted its image wherever it operates.
Shoppers report frequent pricing errors and lackluster food quality, leading to negative reviews and a spot on the list of the worst grocery stores.
Latest Stats and Trends
Average Star Ratings (ASR): According to a 2025 analysis, the worst chains have ASRs ranging from 3.84 (King Soopers) to just above 4.0 (Save A Lot, Dollar General, Safeway).
Price Pressures: Rising grocery prices, particularly for essentials like eggs, dairy, and meat, have intensified customer frustrations with these stores.
Customer Service: Stores like Kroger and Walmart are repeatedly flagged for poor service, which remains a top driver of negative reviews.
Conclusion
For Tennessee shoppers, the grocery store experience can vary widely, but chains like Walmart, Kroger, Save A Lot, Dollar General, and Safeway consistently receive the lowest marks for customer satisfaction. Common complaints include poor service, long lines, expired products, and unpleasant shopping environments.
As grocery prices continue to rise, customers are increasingly vocal about demanding better value and service from their local stores. Shoppers looking for a better experience may want to consider alternatives with higher customer ratings and improved service standards.
Source:
[1] https://bestlifeonline.com/worst-grocery-stores-2025/
[2] https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/best-and-worst-grocery-chains-in-the-us
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/three-denver-metro-grocery-stores-225734378.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cid2vYexfs
[5] https://solitaired.com/best-and-worst-grocery-stores-2025
[6] https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=grocery&find_loc=Tennessee+Ridge%2C+TN
[7] https://www.eatthis.com/cheapest-grocery-stores-by-state/
[8] https://6abc.com/consumer-reports-supermarket-rankings-shopping-grocery/618788/
[9] https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/sales-tax-rates/