Wright & Co. — Restaurant in Hawke's Bay

What a Horrible Experience My wife and I went for breakfast about 9.30am this morning.We were given a menu told to find a table and come to the counter to order.We found a table, decided what we wanted and I went to order the food.My wife then left the menu on the table and came over to the till to give me her card to pay. In the meantime a local part Maori woman sat down at our table (she said she came regularly).The cafe was full apart from a couple of stools near the window.I mentioned to the guy on the till that the woman had taken our table and he said "no problem she's just ordered a take away coffee, I'll ask her to move" Despite his attempt to get her to move she said "she wouldn't", so we sat on the stools hoping once she got her take away coffee she would go and we could sit at the table.Instead she got her coffee in the takeaway cup and contnued to drink it.We then decided to ask for our money back and to move on. However, the table adjacent to her table became free and the occupants,who had seen her behaviour told us to take their table. She then started taunting us and said "we were foreigners" (I'm kiwi and my wife is Chinese). At this stage as there was no action from the staff I got my phone out about to take a photo of her to advise/show the Police,if necessary. One of the staff told me not to take her photo, so I didn't. She then ordered a cheap snack and purposely stayed and taunted us. Finally after a long delay our breakfasts came,I had the full breakfast which for $25 was overpriced for what I got and lacked taste and my wife had French Toast, which she said was ordinary. I gave the food 4/10 and the cafe/staff 1/10. The woman continued saying weird things and after she visited the toilets twice with a lipstick in her hand,she left. My compliants/suggestions are: The staff knew what was going on and ignored the stuation.I don't think they had the experience or training to know what to do. Had it gone on much longer I would of called the police. A practical suggetion for the future might be to have a sign saying "Takeaway coffee customers are not occupy or drink takeaway coffee in the cafe". 2.I don't understand why she was allowed to order a cheap snack and prolong her stay at the table,drinking her take away coffee, after the staff knew what was going on? 3.The staff need to have training in how to handle this type of situation for the future. 4.Have staff take orders at the table and pay later, that way customers would not need to leave their table. We were not the only customers who were upset by what she was allowed to get away with. We...

Subject: Wright & Co Café, Havelock North

On Saturday, the 11th of January, I, along with three companions, ventured to Wright & Co Café for lunch at approximately 1 p.m.

Upon perusing the menu, I ordered the smoked fish, priced at $29.00 When the dish arrived, I was taken aback. Before me were two small lumps of plain white fish, accompanied by hash browns and two poached eggs—a far cry from the smoked fish I have enjoyed elsewhere, where it is traditionally integrated into the potatoes or served as a kedgeree.

Tentatively, I tasted the fish, only to find it devoid of any flavor. After a couple of reluctant bites, I found it inedible and pushed the plate aside.

When it came time to settle the bill, I expressed my dissatisfaction, offering a suggestion as to how the dish might be prepared more appropriately.

I also requested a discount, given the circumstances. At this juncture, the proprietor appeared—a man of considerable arrogance. He brusquely declared that I ought to have voiced my concerns immediately, rather than waiting until payment. I replied that I would write a review to express my grievances, to which he responded with an air of utter indifference.

Upon departing, I thought the ordeal concluded, yet worse was to come.

Upon returning home, I fell dreadfully ill, feeling as though the very earth had turned against me.

Even the following morning, as I journeyed back to Wellington, I remained queasy and unwell.

I am now lodging a formal complaint with the Hawke's Bay Medical Association regarding this...

Such a shame.

Good food, good coffee (even though it's mojo) really good vibe and interior but the customer service was very poor. Not a hello or welcome comment from either of the 2 ladies me and my wife passed as we stepped foot into the establishment. Every other staff member looked very unhappy and as if they had somewhere better to be. Food was served too us and my wife's plate was placed in front of her and mine was place an arms length to the side as the waitress turned and walked away. Even though I cleared the table for her to serve the plate. I'm sorry but it's the small things that count!!

I understand it's a public holiday, but as someone who works in a cafe, leads a team, makes coffee and runs the front of house myself, be grateful that you work for a cafe/restaurant that is able to afford to open on a public holiday and pay you time and a half. Made for a very awkward vibe.

I strongly believe in customer service with a smile wins a customer time and time again. Be mindful that your cafe serves lovely food and good coffee and be proud of that. If you're proud the customer will be proud and will be proud too tell there friends!!

Unfortunately when I'm next in the hawkes bay region I certainly won't be going back to Wright & Co. Which is a shame as me and my wife enjoyed our...