Thirteen — Restaurant in Fernandina Beach

My recent visit to this gluten-free bakery left me extremely disappointed, primarily due to the quality of their almond wedding cake and the unprofessional manner in which the owner handled customer feedback.

The bakery owner claims that her almond wedding cake was her bestseller, which was perplexing, as it turned out to be a complete letdown. The almond flavor in the icing was overpowering to the point where it felt like an assault on the taste buds. Not only was it unpleasant, but it was also so intense that it left a burning sensation in my mouth. It was far from the enjoyable experience I expected from a wedding cake. I also tried a carrot cake that was also displeasing and did not meet my expectations as far as taste.

Furthermore, the bakery owner went to Facebook in response to a negative review left by another customer, which further highlighted their lack of professionalism. I believe it is crucial for any business to realize the importance of accepting criticism, whether positive or negative. Unfortunately, the owner handled it poorly.

In addition to the disappointing cake and unprofessional behavior, I was taken aback by the presence of a dog roaming freely in the bakery. While I understand that some establishments allow pets, it is essential to maintain proper safety and hygiene standards. Having a dog loose near the food display area raises concerns about potential contamination and allergen cross-contamination.

The dog’s presence in close proximity to the open food items was a cause for alarm. It is crucial for a bakery to prioritize food safety by implementing measures to prevent any compromise in the cleanliness and integrity of the products. The bakery should have taken appropriate steps to ensure that the dog was kept away from areas where food was prepared, displayed, or stored.

Unfortunately, the combination of a disappointing almond wedding cake, carrot cake, the unprofessional behavior displayed by the owner, and the concerning presence of an unattended dog highlights a lack of attention to both product quality and safety protocols at...

I recently visited this gluten-free bakery, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. Not only was the quality of the products below par, but the unprofessional response to a negative review left me deeply disappointed.

Firstly, the bakery's gluten-free offerings did not meet my expectations in terms of taste, texture, and presentation. The almond wedding cake, which the owner stated was her best seller, was overwhelming as far as the almond flavor in the icing. The cake itself was dry. This was particularly disheartening as gluten-free options should strive to be just as delicious and appealing as their gluten-containing counterparts.

What truly upset me, however, was the bakery owner's response to a negative review left by another customer. It is important for businesses to be receptive to feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps them improve their offerings and cater to their customers' needs. Unfortunately, the owner's response was anything but professional.

Rather than acknowledging the concerns raised in the review and taking it as an opportunity to address them constructively, the owner reacted defensively and dismissively. Instead of exhibiting a willingness to learn and grow, they chose to take screenshots of the review and post them on Facebook, accompanied by negative comments about the reviewer. This behavior is entirely unprofessional and disrespectful.

It is crucial for any business, especially in the food industry, to have the ability to accept criticism, as it provides valuable insights into areas that need improvement. Responding to feedback in a respectful and considerate manner not only demonstrates professionalism but also fosters trust and loyalty among customers. Unfortunately, this bakery fell short in...

I don't know who left that throwup emoji, but he is DEAD WRONG. These were the absolute best desserts my wife and I have ever tasted, especially to be gluten free. We have traveled throughout the area, especially in St. Augustine, and we won't waste time driving there any more. The lemon cake at 13 was perfect, a harmonious balance between citrus and sweet. The Chocolate Peanut Butter cheesecake had us arguing over who got the last bite! We tried the Key Lime Cheesecake, which was a local specialty back when I used to work in the restaurant industry, and this one was better than any homemade or supplier bought variety I had ever experienced. My 9 year old daughter only eats chocolate cupcakes... except for the vanilla one from this bakery. It's kinda hard to make vanilla pop, but 13 crushed it. And the oatmeal cookie that was "left out to the elements" is now the only currency accepted for my honey-do list. I have had every oatmeal cookie ever made, and nothing can touch this one, it is in its own category with no competitors. Don't believe the hype that the hype isn't real, cuz it doesn't get any better than 13. Please do not take my word for it, you will thank me for telling you to go eat this food and judge...