Tom Leonards Farmers Market

I love Tom Leonard’s! I live in Mechanicsville so do not usually food shop in the West End. However, on my way to Short Pump, I noticed a sign on I-​64, advertising shrimp on sale. I purchased a few fresh vegetables and fresh seafood and filet mignon. The meat and vegetables were delicious. The filet mignon was the best steak I have ever cooked at home. It was very flavorful. The «icing on the cake» was when I happened upon the deli counter and saw that Boars Head is $ 6.99 a pound. I had been paying $ 10.99 per pound at Kroger. I buy two pounds of Boars Head deli a week so the $ 8 savings is certainly worth the drive.

Overrated. I checked this place out last week after seeing the rave reviews. The selection isn’t great… most produce isn’t even local. The store’s decision to place produce at the front door should have been enough warning to leave. I purchased 2 packs of raspberries and placed them in my fridge when I got home. Both packs were covered in fuzzy mold the following morning. I also purchased 3 filets. They were by far the fattiest cuts of filet I have ever had. At $ 20 a pound, I shouldn’t have to dissect my steak. The checkout counter belt was filthy-​Not exactly what I want to place fresh produce and meat on. The store’s only redeeming feature is its prices on Boar’s Head-​but I won’t be going back just for cold cuts.

I enjoyed my first experience at Tom Leonard’s today! Fresh produce, seafood, and various meat options. I can’t say it fulfilled all or even half of my grocery needs; still made stops at Trader Joes and Whole Foods… I heard they have great sales but I didn’t catch any today! Nonetheless, not bad. I’ll be back!

The outside of store states the customer is always right. NOT!
They advertise prices and dates for seafood. However they do not honor that. They seek out and argue and name call when you ask for a rain check. If seafood prices are valid Thursday through Sunday and a customer shows up Sunday morning and no seafood then a professional company would honor price when seafood was freshly restocked. Not here.
They advertise «uncooked shrimp» but the color advertisement shows cooked shrimp.

Back in the day, one of my coworkers was raving about a new little market out in Short Pump that had great prices on meat and produce. She told me the name – Tom Leonard’s – and how to get there, so I decided to check it out. When I first saw the building, I perked. I knew the shape of the building, I even knew the logo lettering. Could it be? As it happened, Tom himself was just inside the door, and he said hello as I came in.
«You have to be related to Stew Leonard,» I said.
He laughed. «I am, I’m his son!» The store had only been open a couple of months, and he told me that I was the first person he’d met who’d connected him to his dad’s Connecticut-​based dairy empire, a/​k/​a «is this food shopping or Farm Disney?» Because I was living in Chesterfield County at the time Tom’s was really out of my way, but when we moved into the city it was a much easier trip and I became a regular customer.
Tom’s store is a smaller and more southern version of Stew’s stores. The winding rather than vertical aisle, the animatronic dogs singing on top of the dairy case, the stuffed monkey merrily swinging overhead – that’s all Stew. One can find a lot of Stew Leonard-​branded products, like Mrs. Leonard’s marinara sauce and Bethie (Tom’s sister)‘s chocolate chip cookies and, of course, dairy products. Tom, however, puts his own spin on things. Do you like Boar’s Head cold cuts? Buy them here because every meat is ALWAYS $ 6.99 a pound. Yes, that includes roast beef. Meat prices are great as well, particularly if you like to buy in bulk. A couple of weeks ago boneless chicken breast was – no lie – $ 1.49 a pound (normally it’s $ 1.99, still cheap). Quality stuff, too. Produce prices are very good and a lot of the stuff is local. The cheeses, the salads … ah. My only quibble is that I really wish it had a freezer section because Stew Leonard’s ice cream is awesome. As it is, I like having a bit of the northeast here in Richmond. Thanks, Tom.

Grape tomatoes were 2 for $ 3!!! However, I made the mistake of only buying one. I thought one would cost $ 1.99 but no, it was $ 2.49! Geez! Also bought some bottled soda that hubby really liked. Saw some giant apple fritters in plastic wrap. They looked as huge as Country Style Donuts. But you had to buy the quantity in the package. Most of the baked goods didn’t look as enticing. This place would be good if you buy stuff in bulk. Otherwise, not much of a deal for smaller households.

I finally made time to shop at Tom Leonards Farmers Market to see why my friends keep talking about this place. I was in need of fruits and vegetables and the sign out front read VOTED # 1 BEST PRODUCE IN RICHMOND! I can agree now that I’ve seen it for myself.
Immediately upon entering I noticed the produce as being very fresh and clean so that was great at setting the mood. I then saw the prices and knew right away these produce prices are much better than I have been used to paying at Martin’s. I am already feeling like I’ve discovered my new shopping spot.
Mr. Leonard you had me in the produce section already then BAM… I see ALL BOARS HEAD DELI MEATS $ 6.99 per lb. «Wata What!!!» I thought so now my lunchtime Dagwood Sandwiches will start with ham and turkey from here! That’s premium meat people sold at 2 – 5 dollars below the competition per lb! Crazy! I love this place now!
Customer service was friendly and I was able to get in and out with ease. Great Job Tom Leonards!!!

Walked around this market just to look and ended up getting some great (and well-​priced) local honey and dinner rolls. The honey is in a cute little jar that is perfect for spooning out just what you need, and I appreciate that (it’s the little things, guys). The dinner rolls were TO DIE FOR. My mom and I scarfed them down and I’ve been craving them since. There was a sample of the medium salsa and it was very good (I’ll have to get some!). I’ll definitely be back.

I was so glad to move the the West End and be closer to this place. I used to love you and all you had to offer. But this year alone our relationship has soured. In the past month, I have had 2 awful experiences with your fish. Last month I bought some cod, and after my husband cooked it the next day, all i could smell was ammonia and there was no way I was going to eat that. Last night i cooked a salmon filet I purchased the night before, and again spoiled. Even when walking though your store, I have been less than thrilled by the quality of the produce. Boxes with spoiled clementines, apples with holes, rotted brussels sprouts at the bottom of the pile with all the ice.
After this last incident, its going to be a long time before I come back.

I like this place, it sort of reminds me of trader joes. I went to this location for the first time, mainly to see what they have and to search for the Bai5 drinks that I had at a Unilocal event.
They had it but they were expensive, like $ 30 bucks for a case. I did buy a couple singles just to have it again though. I couldnt bring myself to spend 30 on a case of juice.
The store was pretty cool though, alot of different things sold here you cant find in a regular sotre.

I like the concept of Tom Leonards, but the setup is horrendous. They wind you through the store like a grocery version of Ikea. Make a list and keep a careful eye for what you need. If you forget something, you’ll have to turn around and head against the current of odd patrons.
The fishmonger, butcher, and produce replenishers watch you from their posts, hoping that you’ll break the speechless atmosphere.
Note: «speechless» does not imply «silent;» twangy, loud country music fills the void when the creepy Tom Leonard bears are not singing.
The produce can be very cheap, but the quality is often hit-​or-​miss. Once inside, the smell of fish is overwhelming. I’m afraid to purchase meat from the butcher – the block is always bloody or is covered with crimson residue. I always find myself clenching my jaw and feeling depressed by the time I make it to the cash register.

Tom Leonard’s is the spot to be if you are getting produce or lunch meat. The produce is always fresh, and much cheaper than your big box grocery. Their number one rule, posted all over the store is «The customer is always right.»
The store is quite small, and the lines can get long, but it’s worth it.
If you are in the area, I’d mention the $ 8.99 for all Boar’s Head meats (a pretty good deal) and their bulk pistachios (also a way better deal than the package off the shelf). I literally go without these items until I can get to Tom Leonard’s.
One last note — they don’t carry very much stuff. If you need something other than produce or basic meat, it might be best to stop somewhere else after picking up those items here.
If you’re lucky, you may even meet Tom!

I love Tom Leonards for super fresh produce and Boars Head cold cuts at crazy affordable prices! Summer is definitely the best season for them because everything is so vibrant and bins are overflowing with beautiful options. They are still very well stocked in all other seasons though.
I hate to complain but I had an experience this weekend that was a little offputting. I went grocery shopping here on Sunday even though it’s just about the furthest grocery store from my house. The line was backed up all the way from the front cashiers to the deli counter. A bag was also left behind and upon realization back at my house I decided to go back for the items that were missing. This consisted of some produce and deli meat. After driving all the way back the next day, instead of just letting me grab replacements they insisted on doing a full return where I paid the difference in prices…
I know it’s probably store policy but it was frustrating to have gone out of my way twice for a place just to be charged extra. The moral of the story? Just double check to make sure you are given all bags before leaving the store.
Anyways! I will obviously still continue to stop at my favorite produce spot and just be extra aware next time.

Holy Wow! I spent some time in Connecticut in College and Stew Leonard’s is a local institution. Apparently Tom is his son and after living a while here in Richmond he opened a smaller version. (Although the article I read says he is planning to keep expanding)
This was something I never expected to experience again except vicariously if the wife had Martha Stewart on in the background.
For those a little more jaded the crazy style and animitronics are from an older time and are about preserving the experience that has lasted a generation. They may seem campy and ridiculous in a modern age but I see it as a sign that they are trying to recreate the amazing experience of quality and service that his father was famous for.
The mother store was always most famous for its dairy and Tom’s selection and quality isn’t quite the same standard there but it still beats out most anywhere else I can think of.
Stew was originally a milk man and as he saw that job in decline he decided to open a market where the cows were milked and pasteurized right there for kids to watch. The store expanded but always kept that original family feel of the early 60s right down to the petting zoo.
I haven’t tried the prepared foods yet but in college the food was always amazingly cheap and uniformly excellent.
Here’s to hoping that this place becomes the wild success that his father had up in CT.

Tom Leonard’s is one of a few places that claims to have local produce (some of the others including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s). They state that they are a Farmer’s Market, which maybe by definition they are, but it is more of a store with a defined check out, stock, etc.
That said, it’s still a nice store. The whole places makes one long loop in one aisle, so it’s a nice stroll through to see everything they have. There are plenty of nice looking fruits and vegetables. I’m not sure that the cost is any cheaper than a normal store, but if you’re looking for apples or potatoes, they have you covered. Yeah, you could go to Whole Foods and probably get the same thing, but the market feel of Tom Leonard’s is appreciated.
I’ll be back.

Tom Leonards is ripe and delicious. Some genius decided to make this more than produce stand 1 long aisle that wraps around the store so you can’t miss anything. There was an abundance of fresh produce, meat, a decent selection of wine and other beverages. This far surpasses the quality I get at my local grocery store at much lower prices.
The cons? When an item says it’s 2 for a price, you actually have to purchase 2 — a mistake I hope to only make once. Also, the cashier was yelling across the store at an employee (I assume) on their way out. She wanted to make sure he knew that she was «still heated». The customer service could definitely use a facelift.

Tom Leonards has made a name for himself here in this part of town. I enjoy going into Tom Leonards as they have LOTS of fresh Vegetables & Fruits to offer. In addition, they have Fresh Seafood, Meats and other items like a small selection of Wines and Juices. Outside of Tom Leonards they have New Plants for your garden and of course in the Fall of the year… plenty of Pumpkins to dress up your front Porch.
This past weekend, they had Thick T-​Bone Steaks at $ 5.99 a lb. I bought 4 as I feel you get the best of two worlds with a TBone; New York Strip and Filet… If you are driving down W. Broad St., they are a little off the beaten path of the Main Drag. They are behind Best Buy.
I am giving it 4 Stars as I wish they carried more of the Local Fruits and Vegges from Virginia when they are in Season. I get the feeling when you walk into Tom Leonards, you are walking into a Local Farm Market… If you have not been, than give it a shot. They are always offering great deals from Week to Week.

I will never go back. Set up like a tourist attraction. Good price on ad merchandise, the rest is overpriced. If it is a hit or miss, I guess I missed.
The quality is no better than any other supermarket.

I first heard about Tom Leonard’s on one of Martha Stewart’s shows and was thrilled to get one in Richmond… gosh, nearly 8 years ago now!
Leave non-​perishables off your list when you go to Tom Leonard’s. You don’t go to Tom Leonard’s to «grocery» shop, you go to shop for the freshest of produce, meat, cheese and wine! Most of us like to get all of our shopping done in one place and end up at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. That’s the only downfall of Tom Leonard’s.
Shopping at Tom Leonard’s just makes you feel good. And it’ll make you adventurous to try new things. I always try the seasonal fruits or vegetables I’ve never had before, take them home and look up a recipe with that ingredient in it, eat them raw, or put them in the juicer.
Oh, I forgot! They also have a bakery! Breads, pies and cakes, oh my!

Not sure why, but I haven’t written a review of this place previously. This in spite of making numerous trips to this fruit and vegetable oasis in Short Pump. Located across Broad Street from Whole Foods, my experience suggests it pays to stop here first, then if you really, really need to, visit Whole Foods.
For a lifelong big city resident, entering the parking lot for the first time can be a bit disconcerting, with a pseudo rustic feel and fake cows, etc gracing the exterior of the store and an inside sharing many of the same traits.
As others have noted, this place isn’t your ordinary grocery store. A fact not only of what they offer, but the manner in which it is offered. Unlike most stores, Leonard’s reserves a large portion of their space to fruit and vegetables, a nice deli offering Boar’s Head products at a really good price, etc. To get to these items, walking through the store has the feel of walking through a line at Disney, with the difference being that at Disney, the reward is the ride, while at Tom Leonard’s it’s paying the bill so you can go home and enjoy your purchases. In addition, everyone I speak with there seems to have been trained by Disney as well, with smiles and friendly greetings everywhere.
So why only 4 stars? Yes, everything they offer is great, but sadly they don’t have everything, which means two stops instead of one. A minor tick, no doubt and certainly not one to keep you from visiting this great establishment!