Swedish Tarts — Restaurant in Adelaide

WARNING! EATING WHILE MAKING FOOD AND DRINKS OK AT THIS PLACE says Semaphore staff member. When I bought my coffee last Saturday morning, I quietly said to a girl at the counter “should you guys be eating while making coffees”. I said this because the Supervisor was standing over the machine with a mouthful of food. So much so, she had to put her hand over her mouth so nothing fell out, holding on, and continuing to eat whatever was in her hand (not the first time I have seen this type of behaviour?, anyway I said calmly "don't worry about it" paid for my coffee and sat outside. Then Ophelia came out and bombarded me, saying "I was told by one of my staff what you said, as she sat down at my table?.. I asked her what she was doing and the reply was "I can if I want to", then abruptly continued “I’m the Manager (yes ok) and I “allow” staff to eat and drink behind the counter while working as they don’t get enough breaks" (omg really!) She then came out a second time, trying to be intimidating, and I believe, because of this, in turn made everyone feel uncomfortable with her scene, repeating the same thing? about the making food/eating rule, while other customers could clearly hear. (bad idea right)

I said "it doesn’t matter how long you stay, I cannot agree with what you are saying". I asked her to "please leave", numerous times, but she just sat there looking at me?, I really did not know what on earth she was waiting for. I felt she was interrupting customers sitting outside, including me. Then walking away she said ‘your BANNED’

The lady next to me interjected and said "someone needs to do a customer service course" so much for a quiet coffee we agreed.

I felt it was complete in-experience in professional hospitality, and very bullish, I couldn't take her seriously in all honesty.. she was creating the whole problem.

She then came out a third time to resolve and said "lets move forward", stating she was only eating because staff needed urgent help at the coffee machine? I wonder why she could not have said that in the first place?. She said, "I felt you were being very aggressive", I replied calmly "your coming out to me, and in a hostile manner, you are the aggressor in this situation"

So Sunday morning I arrived, I went to get take-away coffee, and she said "no" actually... you are banned (again I suppose?) lol

Well clearly, I would not want to go back anyway as the Owner, Bo wasn’t really interested in listening to me as a patron sadly, and fictionally insinuated it was my fault in some way? - basically making things up - appalling. I said "this is about Health & Safety, and an unprofessional staff member continually pressing a customer. I would like you to speak to her about the behaviour".I felt he just thought, what's one customer - Sad right.

I have been a regular at Swedish Tarts - Semaphore about 5 years, - and I'm very friendly with the locals and they are as perplexed as I am. It’s been great, staff amazing, but the last year since the change of management running the shop, I believe, it has lost hospitality experience. But this experience has also left me feeling Bo doesn't have much either. I was left feeling he does not value his customers at all. So that's where my $ have been going?

SAPOL unfortunately cannot assist with an experience of stand over tactics towards a patron from cafe staff. But did discuss my rights if ever I need assistance.

The Cafe Community in Semaphore, many of the Managers, my circle and I know well, and are extremely welcoming and friendly.

SO guys/regulars, if there are any replies,, personally I would take the response as FICTION - the above is truth.

Many nice cafes along Semaphore strip to frequent, staff with exceptional manners, great food and coffee, ..I believe no-one should have to put up with this rubbish or unclean work ethics, with, it seems, no accountability.

I believe we should be able to expect better, & why I am sharing.. ...

Shop was busy, late in afternoon. last table left we took. Was welcomed in very enthusiasticly by a busy server. Prob a busy day by time we arrived the paper menus had been man handled a hundred times over very well used and mauled. Table number given was dirty as and table so greasy. Sitting waiting for food looking around the shop is pretty dirty. Iced Drinks came to our table super fast and big and amazing and served again by another super happy server. Sat near kitchen and busy staff in and and out of the kitchen squeaky swinging doors that really need a good wipe over and change of colour . Lots of greasy fluff around edges of door way and hinges. Food came out served again by third server who was lovely big smiles. value for money plates of food a big serve and tasty. Looking from our table can see behind the counter which looked a shambles and greasy , microwave looked shocking , crumby area - nothing was getting wiped down even occasionally. Splash back greasy as. However We ordered cakes and coffees and they came again by a different happy person . Every cake was delicious reccomend the lime and coconut cake massive generous portion. Coffee beautiful . Service in this shop was great. Atmosphere was great. If the cleaning standard was lifted deserves 5 stars. I think if all the staff spent 30 mins each with a bucket of hot soapy water and went from top to bottom of the shop the place would shine . There’s fly droppings on speakers and webs on lights, dirty edges and ledges dusty and mostly under the counter near front window hate to say but so dusty and filthy looking for a food venue. Scared to think of back of house . Bottom of tables dirty - place just needs a good wash. I really want to give the shop 5 stars it deserves it on price , quality and service. Will Defi come back . In its defence it was the only busy shop in the entire street. Even on leaving we were thanked and hope we...

Went to get a simple Sunday coffee and not only did we wait for 10 minutes to be served whilst standing at the front desk (while three girls stood chatting completely ignoring customers) when we went back to complain about the lack of service we were told to leave and told not to come back. While we waited one older gentleman came up and asked for a to go with his order cos he’d been waiting so long and another lady came up and did the same. Two of the girls that were ACTUALLY working then left it to another girl that wasn’t, but was just standing there distracting the workers, be EXTREMELY rude and even said she wasn’t on the clock but felt she JUST HAD to step in.

One girl on the coffee machine had blonde hair and was at first just letting another girl that wasn’t on the clock tell us not to come back after we gave our feedback as two other girls stood and watched from the other side of the kitchen

My mother and I have been locals for years and have gotten coffee at Swedish tarts many time but have never been talked to and treated so poorly. Swedish tarts get your act together and tell you’re young staff to learn some customer service or find a job at maccas if they can’t do their job.

If we could rate you any lower we would and we will be calling to complain to a manager this week, as they had no manager on staff today (funny that aye)

We went down to Suanies and we were met with lovely service and cheerful staff who greeted us and even sang...