Birch Garden — Restaurant in Greater Strathcona

I was quite happy to discover this quaint neighborhood emporium and had been giving them business weekly when I'd go for acupuncture for the past 4 months however despite this contribution the last couple weeks the female owner has been very rude when I walked in with an outside purchase to order something to go. Before I could even get a word out or even before there was a hello she very rudely just stated no outside food or drink allowed. Now I understand if I was staying why that would be a policy but it seems a little unnecessary to be so abrupt and rude when one is just coming to order something to go. Last week I said nothing even though I was gab smacked by the cold abrupt "welcome" salutation but when she did it to me again in the exact same abrupt fashion I decided to recommend that perhaps her approach to letting people know she doesn't allow outside food or drinks could be improved and a little less hasty and cold because as a customer (who had turned regular) it felt very off-putting and it made me not even want to order something for take out both times. When I tried to let her know how off-putting her approach is and suggest that before she says no outside food and drink as her introduction to a potential customer and maybe find out first if people are ordering take out or to stay then softly mention unfortunately if you are staying we request no outside food or drink be consumed on the premises but instead she out right told me I could go eat someplace else next door and obviously didn't give one ounce of concern that I had spent a significant amount of money with her weekly for months now. And she certainly didn't care if I ordered take out that's for sure with her reaponse. Maybe she was having an off couple of weeks mood wise I don't know but I will no longer promote this business to my friends which I had been doing because it is a very cute ambience and offers a lovely variety of products. But the attitude of the business owner is not something I can continue to support since she had such little respect for what was attempting to be a constructive suggestion. Instead she was condescending and dismissive to the feedback no customer appreciation what's so ever. Her ears were closed right from the start. And I attempted twice to communicate my impression because I know I might not have reacted patiently at first the second time it happened because I found it so utterly rude and off putting to greet a customer in that fashion. Who needs to support that bad attitude in this...

I don't live in the area & the only reason I stop in Birch Garden is because I am already picking up my weekly coffee order next door at their competitor. That said, each time I visit Birch Garden, I spend $15-$20 on coffee, crafts or both to support their business.

The most recent visit, I got the impression my business at Birch Garden was not appreciated, as the woman behind the counter didn't greet me, didn't smile, & didn't thank me for my purchase. Reading reviews here, I realize she was probably frustrated that I was carrying packaged coffee & a wrapped snack from the competitor.

Please understand that Birch Cafe does get some cross-over traffic from the competing cafe, because people want to support small shops, but they will stop coming if they feel that support isn't appreciated. In these days of increasing competition & costs to run a business, a smile and hello are still free to offer customers & can come with...

Amazing hidden gem! I love coming here whenever I can. Her whole place has such a welcoming atmosphere and she is also just a very kind and generous hostess. I come for the coffee, it is SO good! I've also gotten flowers from her - we had a last minute request and she just put something together on the spot and it was the most beautiful arrangement! (Sorry the picture doesn't really show it best) She really has an artist's touch, the whole coffee shop is full of beautiful creations, I love to browse through all the handmade jewelry and pottery and things she has on the shelves. This coffee shop is the highlight of the...