Second Cup Café — Restaurant in Pickering

UPDATE: I re-visited 3 more times (for a total of 4 visits), in the last 2 weeks; one in store takeaway, and two drive through takeout. The quality of the hot chocolate was impeccable, you could taste the cocoa and fresh local milk, which was well balanced and just the right temperature. I came to learn that this location is owned/managed by an older BIPOC couple and though I still found the husbands service a little abrupt (likely a difference of cross-cultural communication), the wife is warm, friendly and provides quick and efficient service.

As most Canadian businesses are struggling because of COVID-19; I wanted to be sure that my review was accurately reflecting the establishment and their service. Though the first visit left something to be desired, every subsequent visit has been, what one can expect from local mom/pop business owners, stressed during a major recession.

So in light of all of my new findings I have subsequently changed the rating to 4 stars from the initial 1 star (would have given them 3 but half ratings are not allowed). Please try them out for yourselves and enjoy a well made and truely Canadian beverage.

ORIGIONAL: Really was craving a second cup hot chocolate and I am all about supporting Canadian business every chance I get. Was utterly disappointed by the experience, particularly during COVID where everyone is being fiscally sound. The owner served me and though my drink was well made. The customer service was beyond sub par, and left something to be desired. I needed to use the facilities and he made me feel less than welcome and was extremly rude. Will not recommend, rather than put your money towards large franchises lets all support small, locally owned businesses within our communities....

Atmosphere: (8/10) Is great, and the place is kept neat and tidy. I also really enjoy the music that is played.

Menu options: (8/10) The menu features a wide array of hot and cold beverages to choose from. Baked treats (always well stocked and appear fresh), specialty bottled drinks and pre-made wraps/sandwiches are also available.

Affordability: (6/10) Decent. Worth it in my opinion if you indulge here a couples times a week. Periodic specials are offered.

Service: (6.5/10) Most of the employees are pretty nice, but there are two in particular that are very unfriendly, and both have an attitude problem or seem like they are always in a bad mood. Furthermore, there are not enough employees on the floor to ensure fast and efficient customer service both in-store and for the drive-thru. When the drive-thru has at least three cars in line, the wait times in-store drastically increase (this should not be the case).

My advice to the two unfriendly employees would be, acknowledge customers who are directly in front of you in a polite and friendly manner. If you are busy with an order, inform the customer that you will be available to serve them shortly.

The reasons I keep going back are because it is conveniently located, it has a great atmosphere (minus a couple of unfriendly employees), and they have a nice selection of hot beverages to choose from.

Would I recommend this place? Yes, but only if you will be able to not let a couple of moody employees ruin your enjoyment of the place and are willing to wait a while when the...

I’m a local high school student in the area so this Second Cup location is very close by, but everytime I’ve come here I’ve had a terrible experience, as well as other students. One time that particularly stuck with me, was when I went to the store and quickly ordered a matcha drink, knowing that they’d kick me out of the store if I didn’t buy anything as fast as possible. I was going to leave the store to go to the library but decided to sit down since it was raining heavily outside, with high winds. I wanted to eat my cinnamon bun from Cobs Bread I bought before entering the store, so I pulled it out. However, before I could even take a bite, the older couple immediately said to me in a very hostile tone that I can’t eat my food and must leave the store. I understand most places don’t allow outside food in the store, but it was a small bun, I bought a drink from their store, and the weather was also terrible. I was super uncomfortable and upset, so I headed outside into the storm eating my bun in the rain. Overall, I’m just offended how inconsiderate these workers are and everytime I come here they have a scary presence, towards students specifically. I know my school isn’t the best but damn they hate all of us, since all my friends have had a bad experience with this older couple and told me stories. I refuse to come back or spend money on overpriced items with terrible customer service and lack of empathy. Save your...