The Coffee Club — Restaurant in Bay of Plenty

A friend suggested I post here as I still feel upset at what happened a few weeks back at this store. Driving my Mum from Whakatane to a 1pm eye appointment in Tauranga we had stopped at Bayfair, where I did a quick shop. Later after the appointment we both hungry & decided that a sandwich would do for lunch, and I told Mum about this coffee shop I'd seen at Bayfair, just before the exit. So I drove to Bayfair and as Mum wanted to wait in the car, I went into Bayfair with my Debit card and $20 that she'd given me for the sandwiches. When I arrived there were no sandwiches, but the receptionist said they would make them, and what would we like? so I gave 2 different choices, out of what she had offered. (Mum's one had bacon, I thought they would cook it) I then went to pay but it was $22! So I paid with my card. OK , this is where it gets interesting! I was thinking quickly ...Oh...I can't tell mum they were $11 each, I know, I'll go and split the $20 then tell her they were 5 each, and give her back $10... So I told the receptionist that while I'm waiting for my order, I'll go and change the $20. After doing that I arrived back and waited. Nothing seemed to be progressing so I said that I'd go to the car and check on Mum, which I did and apologised to her for taking so long, as we were both very hungry by now. When I went back into the store, ....the staff were all looking at me...I couldn't understand what was going on...I asked about my order, and she said I hadn't paid! A man came out from the back of the shop, and, even though there were other people in the eating area, he stood there and said that the staff were not going to do my order till I had paid! I said to him that was he sure, as i thought I had! It was horrible! I was confused, I couldn't remember by now as there had been so much happening , so under duress I went to the counter and paid. Then they started making my sandwiches. I wondered around in a daze of unreality. Later I collected my order, and headed out to the car, & Mum. So as she stated eating hers I could see a rasher of raw of bacon in her sandwich! A few days later, I happened to be on internet banking & noticed that I had paid twice, thats $44! so found the phone number and rang. No answer. Eventually I left a message , but still no response. Then i found their email address, so emailed them with my phone number. After the boss man rings and still makes it sound like im making it all up! Any way it goes on and on.

Of course in hindsight I should've checked my internet banking straightaway.

And asked for cooked bacon.

Eventually I was credited $22.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

NO APOLOGY...

Went in today for drinks only. Ordered 2 coffees and an orange juice. Was relatively busy but what mall cafe isn't. After 30 minutes of waiting we asked a passing worker where our order was, she said she would find out. She never came back. After almost 40 minutes and after seeing a lady who had only been there for several minutes get her drink and cake, I went to the counter to cancel our order and asked for a refund. The manager said our order was almost ready to come out and that all orders are done as they come in, however people who came in after us were being served first. I said no thanks I don't want to wait any...

Unfortunately this lovely place suffers from lack of staff. Only one cook at lunchtime is not enough. Although the staff did their best, the place was full and everyone had ordered food. I watched as people gave up waiting, some over 1hour 45 minutes walked out without informing the staff. Therefore food was wasted. Yes I was informed it would take 1 hour and yes that was fine for me, but as a cafe which had such a large menu there needed to be another cook or a limited menu. The food was good and I will try again as I feel they deserve another Chance. I just hope my next experience is much better so I can upgrade...