vitaminboba — Restaurant in Calgary

I had a disappointing experience at this bubble tea shop during their opening promotion. Unfortunately, the management was poorly organized, and the process was unfair. Instead of distributing tote bags based on the order of the line, they gave them out based on the speed at which drinks were prepared, which depended on the staff’s efficiency. This created a situation where people who were further back in line received tote bags before those in front.

To support the small business, apart from the $1.99 promotional drink, we also ordered a regularly priced drink called “Super Oreo.” The shop uses an order machine that does not generate receipts, which caused unnecessary confusion. My boyfriend received the promotional drink first and waited for the Super Oreo. Meanwhile, someone who was behind us in line got their drink and tote bag before him due to the slower preparation of the Super Oreo.

When the Super Oreo was finally ready, the male staff member (possibly the owner’s husband) made a rude remark, saying, “Are you sure the drink is not for another [my boyfriend’s name]?” Without a proper receipt system, it’s unreasonable to expect customers to verify their orders based solely on names. It felt unprofessional and frustrating to be questioned like this, especially when we had made an extra effort to support the business by ordering a full-priced item.

To make matters worse, the Super Oreo drink was a letdown, it lacked any real Oreo flavor and just tasted overly sweet (we ordered less sugar). The regular milk tea was average at best. Overall, the disorganized management, unfair distribution of promotional items, lack of a functional receipt system, and underwhelming drinks have convinced me...

I'm puzzled at the other reviews because I found the drinks I got mediocre at best. Plus I found it to be overpriced for the quality and service I got. I visited on December 31 at 4pm. I was there to pick up my order and since I was cycling, it would be best if I got a bag. But the employee there refused to give me one saying those are not for drinks. I'm not sure where he learned to tell the customer they are wrong because this is not something a successful business would do. Then he justifies this by saying, "I just work here" which was a comment that made an impression that he doesn't care about doing his job. I thought that was possibly why the place was deserted. Fortunately, I secured the cups so it didn't spill on my way home. But I thought if the store does not provide bags for proper packaging, they should alternatively have an insurance policy for customers that if the drinks were to get spilled on the way, they should make the same drinks and have it delivered to door free of charge. Oh well, this store is not worth the time. I won't be back.

Response to owner's comment:

Upon checking the name and the address, this is the right store. The pick up name was not under mine but a family member's. But that is besides the point as I have clearly indicated what date and time I paid a visit and was the only customer in the store. If you really did check the cameras, you would see me wearing a bike helmet, indicating that I must have biked to your establishment. Please check these details first before assuming there to be a mistake. It could be possible you are thinking based on...

Attended the promotion this past weekend; Thankfully I was in the first 10 customers and got a super cute tote bag! Every owner was working and were so hospitable. You could tell they were trying their best for such a crazy rush right at opening. The line up was about 30 people! I went back today and there was a mistake with my drink but the staff offered to remake it right away and correct it. I recommend this place 1000% but please be patient and nice to the staff! It’s a new location and some of their staff are still learning the recipes etc; so things might take a little longer than you think! But I swear it’s worth it! I can’t walk out of that place without at least...