What A Bagel - St. Clair — Restaurant in Toronto

So there are quite a few What A Bagel locations, and we assume all of them have their own synergy and charm. But we must mention that This location’s staff members are incredible! From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed. We were asked if it was our first time in and given information about how it all works. You can simply order a bagel and cream cheese, you can add veggies to this bagel, or you can go all out and order freshly made entrees! We absolutely MUST mention that this is wayyy more than a bagel and breakfast/lunch shop. It’s also a beautiful bakery, with incredibly delicious and authentic must-get baked good items, which include: freshly baked muffins, croissants (get the butter croisant, because it’s the best I’ve had outside of Paris), unique chocolate croissants called Buffalo croissants, loaves of bread and challah (which they only have on Fridays), cookies, etc. They also have lots of grab and go options and when we were there, right at opening, this included: bagel chips, iced cookies individually packaged, baked goods such a packs of butter tarts and beautiful shortbread cookies with sprinkles, mini sandwich trays called “Party Sandwiches” haha, and spreads and cream cheeses, fresh juices, and this list goes on and on, all made in house. You can also pick up a small variety of grocery items. This is more than a bagel shop, it’s more than a bakery, it’s more than a restaurant, it’s a place where we saw staff members who looked like family, taking care of each other while taking care of guests. We watched in amazement as they all worked together in this synchronized effort. The guy baking off the bagels, sweating in the July heat, in front of a very hot bagel oven, was the loveliest! As we stood in front of the to-go bagels, wondering what we should choose, he gave us some awesome advice and he was right! Anddd he even pulled hot bagels for us, when we were going to grab the ones in the baskets (even though they were all also fresh and would’ve been amazing!) The service we experienced, across the entire restaurant won’t soon be forgotten and we’ll make the 3+ hour drive to...

WORST EXPERIENCE

Today I went in to order a chai latte, something I have ordered a half dozen times and it has been pretty good.

Yesterday, when I came in, I noticed the barista used 2-3 squirts of syrup for the sweetener, and I thought it would be nice to try a half sweetened chai latte.

Today I asked 3 baristas, for "chai latte and half the usual amount of syrup".

None of them new what I was talking about and spent 5 minutes going back and forth trying to figure it out.

I then asked the manager, who then told the staff the same thing.

They ended up making the chai latte extra sweet and luke warm.

He asked them to make it again, and I watched as the barista used 3 pumps instead of 1.

After I brought that to the managers attention, the barista said "the chai mix has sweetener in it".

Manager came back and asked if I would like zero sweetener. I said, "No, whatever your normal process for making the chai latte and half the pumps."

I watched as the barista then poured half or more a large coffee cup of the chai mix in the cup to measure, and then top up with milk.

She then got the chai hot enough...

...but the amount of chai mix was obviously WAY more than your procedures indicate as it was EVEN SWEETER than before.

The Owner then came out and when I brought the situation to his attention he said that "Well it seems like we can't make it how you like so we won't try to make it again."

...and then didn't offer a refund!

Absolutely ridiculous.

This is the same location that has a sign out front that literally says "We know our lines are slow and inefficient...so order online!" (something I have experienced before... on multiple occasions)

I don't blame the baristas.

And I have been to other What-A-Bagels before so I know corporate training must be good enough.

This location's ownership is obviously incompetent or greedy that they can't hire and train people effectively on a simple proven system, and then blame the customer when their baristas can't get a simple order straight.

They should have their...

Well,

First of all. I am very shocked at how poorly bagels are made at What A Bagel since making a superb bagel ain't DAT difficult.

Please consult NYC for that perfect bagel.

Ok. The bagels sold at this place, aren't really bagels at all. All they are are round pieces of bread. And they have the audacity to charge a lot for them as well.

What A Bagel, take it from a true NEW YORKER DAT AIN'T A BAGEL. SO STOP CALLING DAT A BAGEL. OK? Oy.

To make homemade New York-Style Bagels you’ll need:

water liquid honey yeast flour salt an egg boil the bagel in water for two minutes on each side before placing in the oven

If you're not willing to make a proper bagel then don't call them bagels. Because what you're selling is not a bagel. It's not even good bread. Sorry, but hey call yourself a bagel and you don't deliver you're going to get the NYC treatment.

But there sweets are very good though. I'd give them.

The Challah Bread was horrible. Not even good enough for French Toast. That's how you can really test the quality of a good Challah, if it's good for French Toast then you know you have a good quality Challah. This place certainly didn't.

Overly prices and just not worth it. When I asked the cashier why was it so expensive after he rang up my order, he had nothing to say to me.

Um ok. I guess that's the last time I ever give What A Bagel my business again.

Perhaps put some prices up for your items. So we're not so shocked when the cashier rings up the items next time.

And when we ask 'why was it so expensive' READ OFF THE RECEIPT TO THE CUSTOMER.

IT'S CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE.

You all should take notes what customer service means and how to make a decent bagel.

Just saying. It might just...