Hazukido Lite Cafe (Atrium) — Restaurant in Toronto

I normally don't write reviews and if I do not like a place, I usually just don't return. It takes a lot for me to write a negative review and unfortunately my experience at Hazukido warranted a review from me.

I attempted to buy the black Friday box online. I understood that online orders were to be picked up at least 2 days from date of ordering. However when I placed the order, the pick up date option did not show up. So I assumed it was a same day pick up. I placed the order at 10:00 am and called the store after 11:00 to see if I could pick up the order. They told me that I had to pick up 2 days later. I had thought that an exception could be made and I could pick up that day but the person I spoke to was not helpful and did not even attempt to resolve the issue. He insisted that it was 2 days to pick up.

I came back 2 days later, on Sunday at 10:00, all the way from Scarborough and I was told that my order was not ready and I had to specify a pick up date. Again, I tried to explain that that option did not show up. At least this time, the worker was more helpful and said I could pick up later that day. Unfortunately that was not possible for me to come back so I was told to email the orders department.

I emailed them after, on the same Sunday and received an automated reply that I would receive a response 24-48 hours. I did not hear from anyone at all. I tried calling the store to get a direct number to reach the orders department and the store didn't even know the number. So, I emailed again on Wednesday asking for resolution and all I received was a text message that my order was refunded.

This whole experience was extremely frustrating and disappointing. First of all, their online ordering and mobile app is far from perfect. What frustrates me is that if all online orders have to specify a pick up date and if the system had a glitch and it didn't appear, why would Hazukido still charge my card?

Secondly, the first person I spoke to had zero customer service and was not interested in helping me at all. I understand that the store has large amounts of online orders and the croissants are set aside to account for the orders, but aren't there croissants made for walkin purchases and would it really have killed them to set aside a box for me?

Thirdly, contacting the order department was just pathetic. The fact that no one took the time to even address my issue was really disappointing. Just acknowledging the situation would have made a huge difference.

I have worked in the food industry as well as customer service for numerous years and this approach and lack of customer service is not acceptable.

I wish I could have tried their croissants but I seriously have to consider whether they want my...

Wow! I’m so glad I decided to read reviews. WILL NOT GO BACK TO THIS PLACE!!! So good to know I am not alone with my issue! My first and last experience with them was not pleasant at all! I waited over 40 mins for 6 croissants and 1 lemonade. I wasn’t waiting for a croissant to be baked or anything, it was ready to grab and go. But my goodness the wait was infuriating! There was 2 customers ahead of me when I went one already order and one waiting and it still managed to take that long. The reason being is that the staff making the drink was moving soooooooo slowly. I timed her. It took her about 15 mins to make 2 lemonade. It took so long that the manager had to come help her make the 3rd one. The 2 lemonade was for an order before me and they too were still waiting for their order even after I left. The manager made the 3rd drink which was my drink but just left it there for the slow staff to serve, which was kind of odd, since she walked towards me but didn’t serve me it…Also the girl making the drinks her nails were had rhinestones or glitter or something. Working in the food industry, that is not acceptable and you should be more strict with your policy. Also long nails can get stuff trapped under it so easily, it’s kind of gross. That’s how long it took, I had enough time to stand there and look at her nails lol! And also no point of sending them an email for your complaint. I did that before writing this review and they don’t even respond. Being in the bakery business myself, I didn’t want to write a bad review but seeing that people have the same experience, I figure I should share mine too! Really hope you guys will improve your service and maybe you’ll gain for customers and win some old customers back!

Response to owner: I noticed the staff has a glove mandate, she had a glove on one hand and not the other, hence I was able to see her nails. You may wanna reiterate your mandates to the staff. Also, aside from an auto reply, I didn’t get any reply soooo, yeah no follow up. But realistically no responses is really needed. I’ve expressed my concerns. Hopefully one day your service...

I visited this location today around noon. There was one person before me. By the counter was a sign that said "limit 12 per customer." Despite it being Boxing day, there were still 3 employees behind the counter (1 baker, 1 order taker, 1 cashier). The display was less than half full, already a red flag.

I have read the article on BlogTO about this location, and with their eclectic variety of croissant flavours, I was definitely intrigued.

My original goal was to get at least 1 plain croissant as a base to judge the quality of their croissants.. but their plain croissants were all sold out.

They are noticeably smaller than your normal croissants, and are about the size of a normal mini croissant. That a plain croissant at Hazukido is the size of one that you would find in a President's Choice 6 pack of croissants for almost $3 is pretty insane.

Taste-wise, there is a distinct lack of butter taste. The texture can be described as soggy. The croissants were not crunchy, flaky, or crispy, but soggy and soft throughout. They taste very similar to the Irresistible brand of croissants which uses margarine instead of butter.

These croissants are a complete disappointment in all 3 of my requirements: price, quality, and quantity.

Doing a bit more research, you can see from their very own corporate website that they do not even have any locations in Japan, despite itself advertising as a Japanese bakery.

At the end of the day, do I care that this is a fake Japanese franchise with locations only in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong? Not really. I only care that they make bad product.

If you are on the West end, I recommend Extra Butter Coffee in Roncesvalles. If you are on the East end, I recommend Bonjour Brioche for a heavenly croissant, both butter and chocolate for $2.25 each. If you want something a bit more accessible in the city or a savory croissant, I recommend Nadege Bakery. You can get their assorted 6 box of croissants (which taste twice as good and are three times as huge) for roughly the same price as 6 of the soggy and tiny croissants served...