The Hidden Gem Treat Shop & Cafe — Restaurant in Victoria

I purchased a community bag. The wraps tasted bitter and peculiar with a terrible after-taste. I politely asked for a refund. The business-owner/ manager refused to refund the money as the food had already been discounted. I had eaten 2 bites of one wrap and had not eaten any of the second wrap. I indicated to the business owner that, that food has been discounted is not an adequate reason to not provide a refund. "Day-old" food typically tastes fine. If a product tastes poorly such that I do not eat it, and I have paid for that product, I should be given a refund. I indicated to the business owner I had eaten almost none of the product, and I had her discard the food. The business owner stated she would provide a refund; however, I would not be welcome back at her establishment. I have never asked for a refund from this bakery previously. I have purchased many baked products from this bakery.

I was polite and composed with this business person/manager while indicating the need for a refund. There was no valid reason for her to have taken the turn that she did: that if she provided me a refund, I would then not be welcome at the bakery.

I indicated to the manager that if she didn't provide a refund I would not be coming back regardless. She gave me a refund with a dismissive, condescending demeanor.

I have purchased baked goods from this bakery many times before. I have been decent and neighbourly. I have typically tipped well, as I did again today. The business owner felt a need to rigidly adhere to an unreasonable "policy". I have my own policy: not to allow people to steal my money through a bogus trade. I had eaten 2 very small bites of the product; the business owner was aware of this and discarded the food. The food tasted very poorly. I had paid for something I did not eat. Refund in such a case is of course reasonable.

I showed up late to the store the other day, intending to purchase something and was given 3 "community bags" for free, 2 of which I left at the Gonzales Community centre. The staff member who provided this pointed this out -that he had given me free food the other day. This was the only time free food had been given to me by the bakery. I have PURCHASED many items from the business. Regardless, that free food had been given to me provides no reason to steal from me another day. As well, I gave much of that food away.

I felt incredibly judged, including prejudged as though some unknown prejudice was being imposed upon me. I was offended. At one point, I returned the refund in reaction to the condescending, disrespectful demeanor of the manager. I then immediately changed my mind, recognizing that, of course, I should receive a refund. I reached back to collect the money I had just placed on a counter, and an employee grabbed my arm. I indicated it was not acceptable to grab my arm.

The business owner/manager at this establishment is an ugly, judgemental individual who attempted to steal my money via a bogus "policy". When I rightfully, and politely, insisted on a refund, I was told that if I was given a refund, I would not be welcome back to the store. This was a bizarre and inappropriate turn to take with me. I was very offended.

I indicated to the business owner that she had mistreated me and that there was no legitimate reason for her to have taken the turn that she did. I called the business owner and the employee jerks, flipped them the bird, and left.

Of course, I will be taking my...

The Hidden Gem is well named. Just around the corner from Kay's and up what may be an walkway/alley is an excellent place for tea, coffee, ice cream (with interesting flavours such as strawberry rhubarb and black sesame among the usuals). The highlight is the baking - cookies, scones, cakes are prepared by a talented chef or someone with the talent of a trained chef. I had the lemon cookie with a thin covering of lemon icing. Very tasty and since I am not usually choosing a cookie this one gets a 10 from me. My friend opted for the almond which was a bit crisper but excellent to dip into her tea. (this one was a perfect looking cookie) Lots of selection - double what we would expect. Urn of water to self serve. We arrived on a sunny day and sat in the outside area on chairs in the shade. A couple picnic tables nearby as well. It was the perfect setting and a good memory. Surprised to find that this place existed - Signboard on the street so easy to find. A...

Made my way here for the specific purpose of trying this place out .. twice.

The first time, I could not find it. It's really hidden.

Today, I arrived there almost ten minutes before closing.. two ladies are there that don't seem eager to assist me at all, despite having seen me walk back and forth trying to figure out where the entrance is. It's right where they are standing. They say that they are "CLOSED!"

So, I ask them what time they close. (I already know the answer.) They tell me they close at six.... I look at my phone.... It's like 5:50.....

And they continue standing there smiling at me, apparently not knowing the time, and also not feeling the slightest bit obligated to serve me. Within the business hours they had just clearly said to me out loud.

What the heck? It was so weird! I've never experienced that before anywhere else in my life.

It would be really nice to know what time you people ACTUALLY close. So nobody else has their time...