Tropical Smoothie Cafe — Restaurant in Battle Creek

This has been a reoccurring problem but my last two times were it, I don’t want to go back.

Their smoothies are not consistent. For example the watermelon mojito is mine and my mother’s favorite. It sometimes tastes good with proper pink color, but most of the time it is a very dark pink with it not being fully blended, I will add energizer in probiotic, and it will be full chunks at the bottom of my smoothie and they taste awful. I would be more understanding if it was the occasional thing because maybe somebody’s training. But this is nearly every time I go, and it taste like water and sometimes it taste like water and sweetener. The color is bad the taste is very poor. All within the same visits, I will wait at the speaker for about 20 minutes before I’m greeted. This has happened a A handful of times. Sometimes I’m greeted and put on hold but 20 to 30 minutes seems to be their average my second to last time going there was only one car ahead of me at the window. I was the only one at the speaker I pulled up, nobody responded for about 10 minutes then backed my car up to hit the sensor again at the speaker and waited another five minutes. I finally asked if anybody was there and said hello multiple times finally a girl greeted me and told me she would be with me one moment . I responded with thank you for greeting me and OK. I proceeded to wait another five minutes being a total of 20 minutes at the speaker to let her know that I was there to pick up my order. I swore that would be my last time going. My mother who really likes tropical smoothie and says she typically does not have an issue with the exception of the smoothie flavors Not tasting right and still being a little chunky was craving it one day so I went and picked it up for her. I waited at the speaker after being greeted for about 24 minutes Before finally being able to let them know, I was there to pick up my mobile order that consisted of two smoothies and two food items, I got to the window and the girl who opened up the window was confused on why there was a car in her drive-through and asked how she could help me. I let her know that a girl greeted me and I said I had a mobile order. I have attempted to go inside the store In the past, and when I’m there picking up my mobile order, I am ignored for about 5-10 minutes without being greeted or being acknowledged then, finally they will ask me my name and then get me my order, I have in the past seen other employees leaning on the counters and just socializing with customers what other employees are trying to make orders That right there is poor management. I understand when you are busy you are busy at the same time, It takes two seconds to inform somebody you will be with them in just a moment. I am a general manager at a fast food restaurant. If this is how my team acted, I would be disappointed. The service is very dry and looks almost like a miserable place to work, the smoothies are not consistent and do not taste good. My favorite food is the peanut butter, banana flatbread, and typically that is sopping wet with honey to the point where I can’t eat it. Their speed of service is beyond slow. If I am correct they are a QRS which means quick service restaurant. They are not quick. I have attempted to get a refund and it was a hassle to the point, I didn’t want it anymore. They seem like they are struggling for the past couple years and I’ve been trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and now I am just done, I am breaking up with...

If I could give a zero I would.

Me and my friend went in for lunch today, we ordered the same thing at the same time.  Her food came out within 5-7 minutes.  I waited about a half hour, trying to be patient and understanding about under staffing, however, when I approached the counter to inquire, I was left standing there for several minutes with no acknowledgment.  They saw me and just kept walking away.  I was very upset at this point.   Finally a worker came up and asked if she could help me, I explained to her about the situation and she inquired to the food area, one of them then pointed out my food at the drive thru area that had been sitting the whole time.  I was very upset and wanted my money back. She then said let me get my manager, which instantly made it worse because there were at least 4 or 5 workers and if they were that overwhelmed, maybe she aught to be out on the floor helping especially for lunch rush!! She wasn't.  Not only was I being neglected as a customer but there were other people that had been waiting for smoothies for over 40 minutes.  Absolutely not  cool.  My frustration was met with disregard and excuses.  I may have reacted a little harshly but this is unacceptable.  I got my money back only after the food was taken back.  Why?  Who will they serve it to?  Will it just be trashed?  What a waste.  I will NEVER be back to your store.  You may want to consider better training in the customer service of...

Not my best Tropical Smoothie experience. Customer service was great. I was greeted by every employee I could see when walking in the building. They acknowledged me quickly, went about their business while I decided what I wanted (loved this since my anxiety would have gone through the roof if they just stood and waited for me), and came back to take my order as soon as I let them know I was ready.

But the SMOOTHie experience was anything but smooth. Chunky crushed ice and blueberry chuncks I had to chew, nonexistent strawberry, and the banana wasn't ripe at all. The banana part tasted like they blended up the peel. Only got through an inch of the drink before giving up any hope it might get better. Now I have this awful taste in my mouth. What a waste of $7+. This I why I hate this new tip as you pay thing and since it's on the pinpad, anxiety guilts me into considering a tip every time, otherwise I'm an a-hole.

To combat this in most places with these setups, I tip the next time based on my last experience. Today, the experience walking in made me forget my own rule. Won't be doing that again. Not sure why these Battle Creek locations of major chains can't get the whole experience down. Customer service, convenience/speed, AND quality/taste. That's the point of paying people to do the things we don't want to. If I wanted a terrible smoothie, I would have...