Seed to Table — Restaurant in Bonita Springs

First Visit: Amazing! It's a bit pricey, but amazing nonetheless! We ate at the restaurant upstairs, and the coconut shrimps were HUGE! We spent about 3 hours here during this first visit!

2nd Visit: I really like this place! The quality of the fresh food and vegetables is amazing, and the size of the cuts of meats are like nothing Publix or any other grocery chain in Florida can match! We ate here again, at a restaurant, and I ordered the The Mahi tacos. Beautiful and delicious! Can't wait to come back!

3rd visit: Not as impressive as the first 2 visits. I guess the newness and the initial 'awe' pf this place tends to wear off, the more you come here. We have to drive over an hour to get here from Sarasota County, which is worth it, if we are bringing family and/or friends for the experience. But I would not drive here for my regular grocery needs. I was SUPER disappointed during this trip, because I saw some nostalgic bulk candy for sale (some that you can't find in Walgreens or other stores anymore, like peanut butter logs and Mary Janes. I was so excited, and started filling up my little plastic bag full of these candies. I should have tried one first (they are $9.99 per pound, and since this is a trek for me, I got $5.99 worth of these little joys, to last a while. When we got home that evening, I tasted one of each, and they were both very stale. Not crunchy, but chewy (the Mary Janes are typically a little chewy, but not like this. The flavor was off, too. I understand that this store probably doesn't sell a lot of candy, especially with all of the healthy food options, but this was TOTALLY disappointing. Also, my mom purchased a salad that had an instant coupon on the bag that was not taken off or redeemed, as well. You'd think that they would know to check for things like this. Anyway, I am noticing that each time I come here, it becomes a little less exciting, and I notice a few more things that are not 'on point,' but I guess that's the truth about anything, the more opportunity you have to fail, the more likely you will, at some point. My mom ordered the smash burger this visit (her first time here), but it wasn't 'smashed'. It was huge, and she could barely take a bite, so she was disappointed to get a $17 burger that she couldn't finish. But other than that, she loved the place! I reordered the Mahi tacos again, and they were...

First issue: The cashier didn't acknowledge the fact that I was a first timer at the establishment. Never been here before. She took my order, asked if the order was for here or to go, and charged me for my meal. She gave me my receipt and a "tracker". I asked "where do I go"? She said find a table and "they" will take care of you. The place was very busy and there were very few tables or dining spots available. As I was walking around looking for a spot to sit down, a young man (one of the servers) who worked there approached me, and asked if everything was ok? I said yes, except I wasn't sure where to sit as I've never been here before. The young man told me to find any open seat. At which point he took my tracker and receipt, and told me "we will find you and bring you your food"! I found an empty seat and Sat and waited.

After about 30 minutes of waiting I asked one of the girls, does it normally take this long. She asked me for my tracker and I told her the young man had taken that and my receipt. She made an angry sound and called on her radio to see what's going on. 52 minutes after I ordered another young man brought my food. The food was cold and my order was incomplete. I found the girl.and asked.if I could speak to the manager.

Artie came over and told me that they tried calling me. I had no calls and showed him. He said that I left, I told him I went to find a seat as the young man had informed me. He was NEVER supposed to take the "tracker" from me. Artie mentioned that I should not have given my tracker to the waiter. At.which point I responded, as a first time patron, it would be nice to know this but I wasn't informed of that.

Artie asked if he could get me a gift card or anything else, I told him to please let this be a reminder and educational moment for him and his staff. With the hustle and bustle, I see how things can get missed. These are young kids, probably working their first job. I want them protected but a lesson is here for the teaching. There is always room to get and become better. I know my mistake for future reference, keep the "tracker".

"Your last mistake is your best...

Oaks makes ANY other grocery store look ANEMIC - including Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's. This venue is a unique experience - unlike anything I've experienced anywhere across 2 continents - either North America or Europe.

The atmosphere us appropriately described as "THE Disneyworld of grocery stores," or "The Bass Pro Shop of fresh & prepared foods." It's a marketing and architectural MARVEL. A visitor will immediately see and feel WHY that is upon entering through Oaks' welcoming entryway.

This is a fulfilling and totally effective sensory experience - be prepared to engage all 5 of your senses (and for some, all 6, lol) for overload. ;) Adults walk around in utter childlike awe, unsure which way to go for whatever adventure awaits them around the next turn!

As for VALUE - hands down the most exceptional value in Naples on any item of food, produce, wine, beer, etc. Oaks gives local wine retailers a healthy and welcome competitive challenge in the Naples and Southwest Florida market!

This is a DESTINATION and a unique EXPERIENCE. Allocate appropriate time (I recommend minimum 1 hour - I could easily spend several!), and plan several trips back to fully grasp the sensory intensity of this place!

Kudos to Alphie and team and competent staff!! Can't WAIT to go back and spend a few more hours, more frequently! Love, love, LOVE this place! I fully anticipate those in the grocery industry (within the US and beyond) to consider Oaks the new bar of highest standard for grocery shopping & "the food and beverage industry experience" not only this new decade, but for...