Fresh Cup Roastery Cafe — Restaurant in Central Saanich

Have been loyal customers for well over a decade. Probably closer to 15 years. No longer. Finally decided the owners lack of customer service skills and people skills don't warrant my continued patronage. Too bad, the beans are excellent. In short, today I personally experienced the owners rude and belittling tone that is the subject of so may other reviews. You mention in a response to one review that you are not a public service. True enough. But wake up, you are in the service industry. You serve the public at their convenience. NOT YOURS. The will walk if they don't like the service or atmosphere. You have a good product and good staff. If YOU don't like people then stay off the front line. I am sure you can run your business successfully from the back office. Let the "people" persons run the front end. The Beans just aren't worth the attitude anymore.

In response to the owners reply. I apologize for not noticing the signs advising of your early closing on Sunday. I only visit the cafe to purchase beans, which is approximately every second week. I arrived at the cafe at 4pm. 30 minutes prior to your regular closing time. If there was a sign on the door, I missed it. Sorry. Upon entering I did "clue in" that the cafe was closing or closed. Confirmed by your staff member saying as much. I would have happily left and came back the following day but your staff member said that if I was only buying beans that would be ok. She offered. I did not ask. Very good customer service on her part. You should be proud. When I came to pay for the beans I asked you if I could have them ground. It was a request, not an "expectation". Second apology, I had not "clued in" that you had already cleaned your grinder. If you had politely, and I emphasize "politely", told me that grinding was not possible as you had just cleaned the machine and that you were rushing to get to a staff party, I would have happily paid you the $18.00 for the beans and come back the following day to have them ground. What I got from you instead was the best and most complete look of exasperation I have ever seen. That was followed by a verbal dressing down informing me that you had been closed for nearly an hour (more like 30 minutes) and that signs had been posted all over the cafe for a week saying that you would be closing early on Sunday for a staff party. In effect, why was I standing in front of you holding a bag of beans. Well, I would not have been if a staff member had not suggested that it was ok. That is when I decided that beans just aren't worth the attitude anymore. I would not have reacted the way I did and posted a negative review if your behaviour towards me on Sunday was out of character. It was not. I have seen the same behaviour directed towards other customers and staff many times in the years I have been purchasing beans from your cafe. You are correct in saying there is a difference between service and being treated like a servant. Your staff member was providing great service suggesting that it was still ok to make a purchase. She will bring you repeat customers. It is your perception that you feel you are being treated as a servant by your customers. You are not. That mindset will drive away customers. Despite my review and this response, I wish you and your staff a Merry Christmas and a...

I was meeting a friend here, and arrived first. I decided to order ahead of my friend arriving & when i was ordering our coffee's and pastries, the lady who served me appeared to be unhappy in her job or struggling with something in her life, there was no smile, no greeting, nothing.... other than an abrupt..."yes...?" but, I thought to myself..... everyone has 'off days'.... made my order, paid my bill... with tip !... and then stood aside to wait/pick up my coffee. However, i didn't initially notice a sign advising customers "Do not wait here, we will advise when your order is ready"... (or similar). So I politely advised the lady i would be sitting outside and duly went outside to sit in their covered seating area. A few minutes went by, when the lady who served me, came out to where we were sat and then abruptly advised...." You're coffee's on the bar......" turned around and walked away.

Whilst I am not expecting table service.... in this situation, when you're coming all the way out to let me know my coffee was now ready...... would it have been too much to ask, for you to bring it out with you...? So, i duly followed her all the way back in, collected my coffee and back to my seat outside....

The coffee was absolutely fine, the pastries were also fine.... however, the service and staff were appalling... there was absolutely zero interest in any customer service here.... zero interest in the customers themselves, and zero interest in how their behaviour effects future business....

In such demanding times for smaller businesses, we as customers are looking to support such local businesses.... however, in this case, we will be going somewhere else next time. Somewhere, where the staff will greet you accordingly, be pleasant in manner, and at least...

I’m going to edit my review, the owner is very unprofessional and unpleasent.the young baristas are amazing ! But the larger blonde woman was very disrespectful today. I was the only customer in line for an americano and wanted an extra shot of espresso which I paid 8$ for with tip.

Besides the point, it nearly took 10 minutes because there was something happening with the machine leaking apparently. That’s all fine, I simply say to the woman “it’s fine I’ll just take the coffee the way it is without the extra shot as I’m going to be late for work” she completely ignores me and continues doing what she’s doing. All the while being completely miserable and can’t even crack a smile while I’m being very polite. Poor customer service on her behalf and that’s not the first time she’s been cranky and short. She is clearly working in the wrong business. Other then her misery the coffee has always been good.

to the owner of fresh cup who decided to unprofessionally respond to my review. Glitch or not it was 10 minutes and she was taking her time and no communication when I had informed her that I needed to leave and I would take the coffee the way it is. You are making excuses which is sad. Body shaming someone doesn’t include calling someone “Larger” when describing someone. I’m not shaming her for the way she looks I’m shaming her for the way she acts and clearly you are grasping at straws here. I am definitely not a key board warrior and would gladly say it in person but I’m not about to start a scene at 8:30 in the morning in your mediocre at best coffee shop in saanichton. Your reviews speak volumes to your business. Your attitude and response is very pathetic. Kind of like your...