Balzac's Powerhouse — Restaurant in Toronto

(This is my neighborhood coffee shop and normally I would give it 5 stars, but I had a bad experience with an employee there that could have been the franchisee owner (although she/ they seems awfully young  to be that, but I believe that the franchisee owner does work there )

9n Sunday August 11th 2024, I dropped my debit card inside of Balzac's coffee.  Someone must have picked it up and took it.  There is no other logical explanation.  As I was leaving after 6; I had this strong inclination to check my wallet, and it was not there.  The last time I saw my debit card was when I paid for my drink.

Good thing I had my tap turned off.  Everyone should have their tap turned off; and tapping should be illegal.  The convenience of speed is not worth people getting harmed.

I went back to the coffee shop, and the young woman or non-binary employee working there couldn't care less, and let me know.  She was more concerned about closing the coffeeshop.than a customer losing their debit card in her place of business: and that most likely it was picked up and stolen.

I forget her/their name.  I have been told many times because this is my local; around-the-corner coffee shop.

I grew inpatient with her (them), and said, “I don’t think you are taking this seriously.  Please act as if you lost your bank card / had it possibly stolen”.

*Instead of her response being of good customer service, “Oh I am sorry; yes this is a serious matter and you are right I would be alarmed if I had lost my bank card.  I will help you look for it after I finish wrapping up.”

** Her/Their response was instead, “How dare you speak to me that way” in a very Toronto, holier-than-thou manner.”

Because her response time lacked no customer service skills to make sure I was safe; saw me as less than, and was all about her / them,

Because that was her response  to me; I got angry and yelled at her.

I had to yell at her to check the lost and found because she was refusing to do so.

I don't like yelling at people.  I am one of those people who rarely loses their temper, but when I do it is explosive, and someone has to give me.a good reason.

She/They told me to leave; and I immediately complied because I didn't want her to feel like she was in danger.l or uncomfortable.  Even though she/they did not care about my feelings.  I did care about hers/theirs though;

I retraced my short steps to see if I had dropped the card on the way, but I doubted that because I am a 1000% that it dropped out of my wallet at the coffee shop (most likely just after I paid for my drink.)

I went back and apologized to her; and explained that I yelled at her because she did not seem to care that I lost my bank card there or that it could have been picked up.

But I could see on her/their face that my yelling at her/the was hurtful, and which I am very sorry for – I don't want to have a bad effect on other people

I truly am sorry that she / they felt threatened by my yelling, but I let them know logically, calmly and rationally that I yelled  because they were more concerned about themselves; and did not seem to take my losing my bank card in their place of establishment seriously or with great alarm.

But I could also see on her face that she / they only cared about how she /  they felt, and did not care about how I felt.

Nobody can deal with selfish people who only think about how other people affect them and they think they are above everyone else.  What is this person doing in customer service?

I should mention that a few weeks ago I had lost my keys (I rarely lose things btw) either on the way there or at the coffee shop.

But that was a different matter for two different reasons:.

I most likely lost them on the way there (my key chain had broken the day before).

The customer service experience was different.  Kevin was the employee wrapping up, and he / they showed me concern about losing my keys, and said the right things, and showed concern for me.   He /They said that he would wrap up and then help me look which is...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I can't speak highly enough about my experiences here. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warm, welcoming smiles of the staff.

The coffees are consistently excellent, brewed to perfection every time, making it a must-visit spot for any coffee enthusiast. Not only is the coffee exceptional, but the food offerings are equally delightful. Whether you're craving a light snack or a hearty meal, their menu has something for everyone. And let's not forget about the desserts – absolutely heavenly!What truly sets Balzac's Powerhouse apart is the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. They go above and beyond to ensure every customer feels valued and appreciated, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more.

The ambiance of the cafe is another highlight. With its clean, retro-inspired decor, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and comfort as soon as you walk in. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some downtime with friends or alone.But perhaps the best thing about Balzac's Powerhouse is the sense of community it fosters.

Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you're made to feel like part of the family. It's more than just a coffee shop – it's a gathering place where connections are made and memories are shared.

This place is not just a cafe – it's an experience. Whether you're looking for a place to hang out, work, or simply chill with a great cup of coffee, this is the place to be. Highly...

This cozy coffee shop, located in a charming neighborhood just off Lansdowne Avenue, is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, the inviting atmosphere captures your attention. The interior features vintage-inspired decor, intricate tile flooring, warm lighting, and a stunning display of pastries and coffee. The attention to detail in the design, such as the floral wallpaper and antique furniture, adds a unique and welcoming touch.

On my first visit, I tried their seasonal pumpkin spice drink, and it was a delightful experience—perfectly balanced and comforting. I also treated myself to a cherry scone, which was fresh, flavorful, and a great pairing with my drink. Their menu is diverse, offering creative options like sparkling lemonades in exciting flavors such as "Cherry Guava" and "Vanilla Honey," alongside classic coffee and tea choices.

The seating area is spacious, with a mix of large communal tables and intimate booths, making it ideal for both solo visits and gatherings. The shelves are lined with specialty products and coffee blends, giving the space a boutique feel. Their refrigerated section is stocked with fresh salads, sandwiches, and drinks, catering to a variety of preferences.

The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the overall great experience. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or spending a leisurely afternoon, this café offers something special. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu! Highly recommended for anyone...