AJ's Coffee — Restaurant in California

I have been going to AJ’s for about 12 years. Today I ordered a large smoothie and asked if I could have a second cup because I have a 4 and 2 year old and they don’t both need a small 16 oz smoothie each. I was told they don’t do that here. I have always had a great experience with the young women that work here and today was my first bad one. It was the owner AJ that helped me. I over heard him talking to one of the girls inside about how he was an accounting major. I prefer to support small business owners but not when they manipulate you into buying two small smoothies so they can make more money. My kids didn’t even drink their smoothies. Plus he charged me $1 per smoothie for whipped cream. They have officially lost my business, my husband came here regularly as well, he said he will never again. He told me I should have cancelled my order and left. I wasn’t only ordering smoothies. I also ordered two large specialty coffees. My uncle frequented AJs as well, he said he will no longer go after I told him the story of today. I will be telling everyone I know this story. It’s sad when a business owner vs his employee are the reason you won’t support a place. In these hard times, a business owner should be going above and beyond, not being greedy. I would’ve even paid for the second cup, which he would’ve charged me $5 for probably based on his current up-charging and price gouging. By the way, two smoothies for my 4 and 2 year old cost me $14.50!!! I wish I had gone to McDonald’s where the smoothies are made with more fruit base and my kids actually like them. They are willing to give me a second cup always. If you like giving away your money to a greedy owner then AJ’s is your place!

In regards to not ever sharing positive feedback, I believe that being a loyal customer for 12 years that repeatedly and regularly visited your establishment speaks louder than writing you a positive review. I would like to point out that I was not offered a second cup. I asked exactly for a large with two cups and he replied “we don’t do that here. We have smaller sizes.” Now if I had the option of being handed a second cup, why would he not offer this option? I think it is clear why. I paid $14.50 for two small smoothies and whipped cream was $1 upcharge PER DRINK, he never told me this. He just asked if I wanted whipped cream and I said yes. So each small...

Unfortunately the 3pm experience we just had was so different from the morning times when I have visited before. The barista’s attitude was so poor! She did not greet us or make any eye contact whatsoever. She acted like we were such an inconvenience to her and was annoyed by our presence. When we mentioned that we would like to use our own cups she said that is not allowed despite the fact that I have used my own cup before several times. I understand if that is the policy but it was the way she said it. She also still handed us a completely unnecessary plastic straw. I plan to try to contact AJ to discuss the cups policy. . . I truly had hoped to give my local coffee shop my business but why should I when Starbucks and Peet’s have amazing coffee, customer service, and actual places to sit?! Can also use their mobile apps to grab a coffee when I am short on time and both are starting to use compostable cups!Come on AJ’s, let’s do better! Maybe consider compostable cups if we absolutely must use your cups? But if you let your customers use their own cup, it would save you money in the materials! 💰 This would also help reduce the plastic problem. 🌎 Also, train your employees to say hello even if they hate the world. It’s part of the restaurant experience. Any of us who have ever been a part of that world had to do it - especially with a tip bucket...

I won’t be coming here anymore because they don’t make their pumpkin frappuccino the same anymore. It doesn’t even taste like pumpkin, it tastes like a MILK Frappuccino! 🤢 Even looking at the advertisement picture it doesn’t even look the same!!! This has happened to me at least 6 times and I kept coming thinking it was a one time thing or maybe it was a new person making it but I’m tired of wasting my money for something that doesn’t taste good. I’m extremely disappointed because I loved AJ’s and would frequently come here and now I have to find a new spot. If you want a pumpkin Frappuccino just go to...