Katherine's French Bakery & Café — Restaurant in Denver

I’m incredibly disappointed to write this review, but I feel obligated to share our recent experience at Katherine's French Bakery, which was nothing short of appalling.

During our visit, we were excited to enjoy the highly recommended pastries and atmosphere. However, our experience was overshadowed by the outright rude and unprofessional behavior of one of the associates working there. From the moment we walked in, it felt as though our presence was unwelcome.

Unjustifiably Rude and Dismissive Behavior The associate barely acknowledged us when we arrived, despite the bakery being relatively quiet. When we approached the counter to ask a couple of simple questions about the menu (such as dietary options and recommendations), the associate rolled their eyes and gave curt, one-word answers that didn’t address our questions at all. It was clear we were being brushed off. When I asked for clarification about an item, they sighed loudly and muttered something under their breath—it was so disrespectful that I felt embarrassed just standing there.

Disrespectful Communication As if the initial rudeness wasn’t bad enough, their tone grew increasingly hostile when we took a moment to decide what to order. They openly expressed frustration, saying, “If you don’t know what you want, can you step aside? You’re holding up others.” Keep in mind, there was no one else waiting behind us at the time. It was an unwarranted attack and felt completely unnecessary.

Possible Racial Undertones What really took things over the line was when I noticed subtle but undeniable moments of microaggressions. My friend and I, who are people of color, were treated far more dismissively compared to other customers. While others received warm smiles and friendly service, we were met with cold stares and hasty, borderline hostile treatment. At one point, the associate even mumbled something that sounded like, “Of course they’d ask that.” This comment was vague but clearly derogatory in nature. It left us feeling humiliated and unwelcome.

Lack of Assistance and Solutions On top of being rude and disrespectful, the associate was entirely unhelpful. When we asked for guidance on a particular menu item, they snapped, “Everything is listed, just read it.” This lack of basic courtesy made it clear they had no intention of providing a pleasant customer experience.

Overall Impression This experience left a sour taste in our mouths—literally and figuratively. It’s baffling that such an associate is allowed to work in an establishment that claims to represent the sophistication and charm of a French bakery. Hospitality is supposed to be part of the culture of any café, but we were treated as though our business was a burden.

Conclusion: I won’t be returning to Katherine’s French Bakery, and I caution others to think twice before supporting a place where employees feel comfortable treating patrons so poorly. Management should seriously consider providing proper training to ensure such experiences do not...

Chef Mario has expressed concerns about being under-staffed since 2020, which seems to be impacting how he treats his customers. His inability to maintain a well-staffed establishment stems primarily from his negative demeanor towards clientele. This attitude permeates through his team, as he sets the tone for the entire restaurant.

With a rating of 4.3 stars that reflects insufficient service and subpar food quality, this restaurant is on a precarious path. The state of a business is often a direct reflection of its leadership. Unfortunately, it appears this establishment is suffering due to Chef Mario's presence. His disrespectful and entitled behavior creates a toxic environment not only for customers but also for his staff. They deserve better and should not be held accountable for his negativity. It's evident that one toxic influence can adversely affect the entire team.

When feedback is offered to improve the food and service, Chef Mario reacts angrily, losing his composure and yelling in front of patrons. Attempts to address his behavior only escalate the situation. His inability to remain calm and professional reveals deep-seated frustrations that seem to drive him. It's clear he struggles with his feelings towards his customers and his role in the business, and that dissatisfaction is palpable.

Take, for example, the reviews highlighting how he reacts harshly when asked to warm a croissant—it's disheartening. I encourage you to visit this establishment to witness firsthand the sad reality behind Chef Mario's operation. The potential for this restaurant to thrive is undeniable if he steps aside in favor of a more capable owner or manager.

A 4.3-star rating in a dessert-focused business signals significant issues ahead. It's only a matter of time before overdue notices arrive and renewals become a challenge. Without change, the once-promising offerings of French pastries may become a thing of the past under Chef...

No idea on food. So upset at the customer service. I went in to get a coffee and some cookies for my toddler. I stood at the fron no greeting for about a minute or 2. The man who took my order pulled out a cup for my large iced coffee and I’m not kidding the size was literally comparable to a medium or even small at any other coffee shop which would have been ok but the cost on that was over $7 and he filled the cup to the TOP with ice Which is more than almost anywhere else for what I ordered and smaller. Before he started actually making the drink I stopped him said “actually I’m fine on the coffee I’ll just get the cookies I just can’t justify paying that price on a coffee.” I tried to be as polite as I could about it because I was genuinely sticker shocked at my $16 and change bill at the register for 2 cookies and an iced coffee. when I can go across the street and have Better options at ink for less money or the same in a bigger size. When I told the man this he was ok with it but didn’t know how to adjust it on the register. He went to grab another gentlemen for help and that man was on his phone. The other gentlemen without helping told the guy helping me to wait and walked out of the room on the phone. I just stood there shocked. Even the guy helping me looked at me and gave me a look like I’m sorry and confused too. At that point I just said nvm and walked out. Like I said I have an antsy toddler. I just wanted something nice before I took him to therapy. (He has special needs) and I don’t have much time before he’s not calm often. So that was so inconvenient and rude to me I just left. So please next time be mindful of others. Some people are struggling, just want something nice, and when treated like they don’t matter because they just couldn’t justify getting more than the cookies for her son at that cost be...