This place has great offerings but its terrible customer service drove me away.
I used to patronize this place frequently when I lived 3 blocks away 20
years ago. It was excellent and the owner friendly.
I moved away and continued to patronize it a few times a year. Still excellent, even with a new owner.
Since the social distancing order, I've patronized it for the past 3 weeks. After all, most small businesses deserve our support during this trying time. The first week, the staff member was friendly, helpful and offered me a business card so I could call for the daily soup offerings, which were sold out. The offerings were fresh and great. I had a hard time narrowing my selections.
Last week I walked in wearing a mask. A different staff member was there. No greeting. I explained I wasn't sick, but rather in the healthcare profession and was following the CDC guidelines. A cold stare. I asked what type of rolls she had. "The same type I always have." I again asked what types, as I wasn't a regular customer and was not familiar with the offerings. I made my purchase and said, "see you next week," when I walked out. The 2 male customers in the shop were friendlier to me than was the worker. I wrote it off to anyone can have a bad day, or perhaps my mask made her uncomfortable.
Today, I was the first customer, having arrived shortly before 8. I handed her the paper. No thanks nor good morning. Again, very cold. However, she was very friendly to the 3 men who walked in after me. The difference in treatment towards me and the other customers was obvious and not appreciated.
Its poor customer treatment to some patrons astonishes me, since it is across from the neighborhood favorite Colectivo, and half block away from the well-known, award-winning bakery Simma's. Colectivo is closed, but Simma's remains open. Once it re-opens, I will again patronize Colectivo for coffee, and will continue to purchase Simma's rolls and treats.
After I posted this review, I discovered that person with zilch customer service skills is the owner. Obviously, she is a great baker with fantastic wares. She probably can't afford to have an extra staff person on hand during this trying time, but in my opinion that is no excuse to give such poor customer service. She drove me away and gets one overall star. I have patronized several small businesses during this time and she was the only one who did not appreciate my business. Don't worry Liz, I will never return while you are the owner. read more