Zola's Avondale Cafe — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Where do I start? I'm a business owner that support black businesses. We'll let me start at the beginning. I came to your grand opening and at 5pm you were out of food with the exception on wings, beans and rice. I said wow, however I didn't hold it against you. However, I was disappointed. I came back weeks later and was greeted by a very distinguished gentleman, I shared with him my prior experience and he apologized and shared with me why he was there. He had a lot of great ideas and he ensured me things was going to turn around. I came back 3 more times on his word and thing got better, food and customer service. On a scale from 1 - 10 it was 9 and the reason I didn't give it a 10 was presentation, food served on plastic plates and utensils. Well, since then I went back a few more times and the food was absolutely horrible I had to have my meal compt. I waited for over 20 minutes and when I received it the food was cold...smh...REALLY! Not consistent, always out of food advertised on the menue. Now you're advertising soul rolls. Well I tried them! The first time it was OK, the second time was to greasy or something. I ask staff what happened to the gentleman I spoke with weeks ago when things were headed in the right direction, who was very professional and appeared to know what he was doing. I was told he was no longer there. I said WOW! Everytime I'm there the owner is never there. I guess she lives out of state according to the workers. My suggestion to the owner. Shut your kitchen down until you can get a chef or better cooks. Find that gentleman and bring him back or someone with experience. I've read your reviews before I wrote this one, so whoever reads these reviews know I'm not trying to be mean. On the positive side, you have a beautiful place that could really serve that community. Great event space however, if you're counting on your food to keep you open, you MUST make some serious changes. Start with management and oversight to make sure you're serving a quality product. Also, limit your menu until you master it, and when you're ready expand it to what you're trying to brand, because it doesn't reflect Afro Latino Cuisine. You have a short window of time to turn it around because word of mouth travels fast.... I...

Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to try the food. I heard so many wonderful things. My first visit wasn't pleasant. Upon our arrival, the lady behind the bar stared at us for sometime. I was awaiting a greeting of some sort. I finally said hello and greeted with a pleasant hello back and was instructed to place order on kiosk. Other customers were visibly having struggles with the kiosk and no one offered any kind of assistance. When it was my turned, I attempted to order the salmon meal that comes with two sides. To my dismay, the kiosk didn't allow for selection of the two sides, only one. Additionally, the greens and green beans are cooked with turkey. Therefore, I was going to settle for sweet plantains and Mac and cheese. I really didn't want the Mac and cheese but was willing to settle. Again, I wasn't able to make the second selection and the lady behind the bar had left. The only individuals left were the patrons and the cooks. Out of frustration and lack of customer service, we decided to leave. I was very disappointed.

The facility itself was very beautiful. The music was at the right volume. Unfortunately, the service hindered us from getting to...

I like to support blacked owned businesses and was eager to try Zola’s, however I was disappointed as soon as I arrived when I was not greeted. It was Sunday afternoon (12:30). After looking at the menu a few minutes, the waitress informed me that there were items that were not available. We ordered 2 drinks (mimosa and a spiked lemonade) . One of the drinks our waitress informs me is now a part of the list of items that are not available. “We have no lemonade. “ I end up ordering the “sweet heat burger” that looked nothing as described. In the description it mentioned the burger comes with homemade pickles, onions, & peppers and a side of potatoes. I received a burger topped with picked zucchini, radishes, and onions as well as a side of uncooked potatoes. I only ate half of my burger with disgust and left my potatoes on the plate. Additionally, I ordered a side of mac & cheese and greens based off of the reviews. I should've noticed all the red flags then. Both sides were okay, a bit bland. Customer service got better during our stay, but first impressions mean everything. Staff would benefit from training in overall customer service and...