WOW Bakery & Cafe (Marda Loop) — Restaurant in Calgary

I went there during their opening week, and the experience had stuck with me that I am writing about it almost a year later!

I went in with my wife and son. There was a customer ahead of me who I assumed was Japanese/Korean. He was speaking in English with them telling them he wants to buy $26 worth of stuff for a small party. They had few laughs and when he went to pay, the older lady signalled at the younger guy who's running the till. The guy went to the floor and grabbed some free stuff for the customer. the customer didn't believe it and yelled Arigato (which means thanks).

I went in and bought about $18 worth of stuff for my sister's birthday, and I told them I am excited they're open because I work next door and its a good food alternative for my breaks. The cashier didn't even look at me or smile, rang my items and said goodbye.

Now I am not a marketing genius, but that's some $hitty marketing strategy: why give free items to someone while customers are right there behind the customer, is it based on race? amount paid? are there rules? I was confused to laugh, feel angry, feel discriminated against, or what to do. Regardless, it was my 2nd week in Calgary after a 3 year trip and decided to let it go.

Having said that, every time I drive by them, I remember...

Devastated. Checked Google for close time (5:45 pm) and left house at 5 pm. Called from car to ask about close time, man on phone curtly responded "In 10 min". Race over as there is a birthday celebration on the line. Arrive with 6 minutes to spare and a display full of beautiful cakes - full and half sizes. I say hello and the man behind counter tells me "All these cakes are spoken for." I'm confused and ask, "I'm sorry?" And he responds, "These are all display cakes. Nothing is for sale." Picture of all display cakes attached.

It's a really terrible way to treat clients- incorrect information online, rude interactions on both phone and in person, especially to be told that 20+ pieces of cake are not for sale 30 minutes before closing.

I hate writing unfavorable reviews in these times (this is the lowest review I've ever posted) but this is not the first curt interaction I've had with WOW Marda Loop. I understand that these 20+ cakes might be reserved, or Doordash cakes- it's the pattern of interactions that I take issue with. With wonderful bakeries popping up everywhere that work hard for your patronage, this third terrible interaction with WOW will be our...

The staff are very rude. There was NO greeting AT ALL. It was obvious that our presence was bothering them and that we were not wanted there. The girls were scoffing at us to each other like we committed a crime. We asked if there are anymore red bean buns in stock but they only had 3 and apparently none at the back. The girl did not even let me finish asking my question, she just instantly said NO. We only bought a few things because they had a small selection and poor service. They did not say thank you AT ALL, they stood silent the whole time. We went to the WOW Bakery located at McLeod and let me tell you, it IS worth all of your time and money compare to the one at Marda Loop. Macleod has a LARGE selection of pastries and cakes and they have an abundance of stock, we bought 90% of their red bean and cream buns. The customer service was exceptional, we received greetings the second we stepped foot in the store, the staff recommended some of their best tasting sellers, gave us thanks, etc. if you’re going to run a business called “WOW Bakery”, ensure it runs like the one in Macleod and NOT the one in Marda Loop. Coach your staff to at least...