Empire Coffee — Restaurant in Nelson

Before going to work I decided to get a quick bite. Went to empire to try and eat. I stood and wait in line but it seems like the lady behind the cashier just was oblivious I was next in line and was already about to entertain the guy after me. She apologized and so we are good. Ordered a steak pie and chai latte and in the end my food came out first than my drink. And the worst part is I had to see all those behind me get their to-go drinks before my chai. Since I’ve been standing for a while the lady in the cashier had to ask me if I am still waiting on anything. I said I ordered chai as well. In the end I had to ask the barista if there is any chai drink to be made. The guy just answered me nonchalantly with a poker face “it’s next.” Smile. Your guest’s reaction will mirror your reaction. If a guest is upset already and you show indifference the more it becomes upsetting...

Talk about vibes! The atmosphere here is legit, calm and clean with a little retro throw back. Well worth the wait in my opinion. The coffee came quite but the breakfast sandwich took a little more time. Worth it though, that tomato jam was to die for, I would highly recommend them bottling it and sell it, I would for sure stock up on that. As for the rest of the sandwich was just as good, back bacon was well cooked and the egg was perfect with just a little bit of runny yolk but no so much that you get it all over your hands and that aïoli was a nice touch! As for the vanilla latte I ordered it was the perfect temperature, I got two pumps of vanilla to balance out the tasty bitterness of the stumptown expresso. Looking forward to the next time I can come back. Next time I wanna hang out in the atrium, that...

I am done. Too many entitled computer campers taking up tables while paying customers stand holding their food wondering where to sit. Staff is oblivious.

Got a response from the owner, feeling my review was 'unjust'. I wanted him to know that, last time we were in (and it probably WILL be the last time), after waiting for a table for 20 minutes, while people sat on their computers, not drinking or eating at all - we finally had a discussion with the manager on duty. She explained that there was nothing she could do, yet she could clearly see that our complaint was completely justified. Too bad, because we've been coming here since it opened, and we love everything else about the venue and...