Red Owl Coffee Company — Restaurant in Chattanooga

I believe today was my last time dining at Red Owl on E. Brainerd.

I have been a regular for many months, going all the way back to just after the pandemic, but of late, something has definitely changed -- I'm not sure if it's "new / absent management" or what.

It's strange, because when I go to the STARBUCKS just down the street (their main competition), it's like a totally different experience . . .

I'm greeted when I walk in the door (sometimes they even remember my name.) I'm promptly waited on and they bring my food to my table when it's ready. They thank me as I leave. The music is even pleasant and well-chosen and there is a very relaxing atmosphere.

RED OWL: Totally different experience. The (largely unsupervised) staff all loudly gossip and cutup amongst themselves, lost in another world and totally oblivious to anyone waiting at the counter.

Their conversations usually (practically SHOUTED, mind you) over the topics of ex-employees and former customers.

(Today I even got "side eye" from the four employee gossip corner at the drive-thru window -- "How DARE he interrupt our little meeting!")

Their new menu board is an unreadable mess -- the earlier version was much better -- clearly organized into columns and categories.

Lastly, the music at Red Owl is truly horrible. (The employees even mock it, singing along in loud, bad falsetto.)

Not a pleasant coffee experience at all . . .

YES, there's a REASON that Starbucks is the go-to coffee provider for most people.

And THAT's where you'll most likely find me...

I have gone here quite a few times in the past. The first few times I went was when they first opened, and they were very friendly, greeted customers, and checked up on you time to time.

Therefore I continued to go back every once in a while, but the last few times I have had not so great service. The staff didn’t seem to know how to work the register well, so they would grab who I assume is the manager, but she didn’t know how to work the register either.

My most recent visit to Red Owl was to redeem my birthday coupon which was for “50% off my ORDER.” I tried to redeem it and no one there could figure out how to use it, nor seemed to care enough to try to, so instead of just giving me half off of my order because THEY couldn’t figure it out (and it expired the next day anyways) , they didn’t even bother and charged me full price. I am very upset and disappointed at this interaction.

The lack of management was astonishing. The “manager” always comes across rude, annoyed, and doesn’t even know how to do her job properly. Customer satisfaction was definitely not met or even...

Let me start this off by saying I was having a really rough week and today I had to get out and run some errands, I decided I would stop by the RED OWL to get me my Favorite drink the maple owl (It’s a fall seasonal And it’s DELICIOUS!!) I came inside because I felt like getting out of my car today, and let me just say I will forever be a RED OWL customer! Dakota And Aaliyah Were Working today and they made my day so much better!!! Dakota Asked me what my favorite fall movie was and we talked about practical magic and how good It is!!!

I left Feeling Very welcomed and appreciated, it goes to show that a little kindness really goes a long way!! Every time I go to RED OWL, I am left feelingg this way! RED OWL doesn’t only offer amazing drinks but they also offer amazing welcoming and comforting customer service!! I can’t wait...