Frothy Monkey — Restaurant in Franklin

I went to Frothy Monkey for a coffee date. When we got to the counter and placed our order, they served our coffee in to-go cups. My date wanted a ceramic mug and mentioned it to the cashier. She explained that we needed to be seated and have a server bring it to us. We told her we planned to have our coffee inside, but she reiterated that Frothy Monkey is a full-service establishment, so ceramic mugs are only available through table service.

I responded, “I didn’t know that. There wasn’t a greeter at the door, and no one explained the process to us.” She seemed unsure if there were seats available, so she went to the back to check. When she returned, she told us we could sit upstairs at the bar.

At that moment, the manager came out and asked if there was an issue. The cashier quickly said no, though I felt like she didn’t want the manager to know what was happening. I didn’t think it was a big deal, but I wanted to understand the policy better. I asked the manager if this was a full-service establishment and pointed out that we hadn’t been greeted or informed of the process. He confirmed that Frothy Monkey operates as full service nationwide, mentioning that this approach likely generates more revenue.

When we went upstairs, we noticed what appeared to be a banquet room. It looked quiet, so we decided to sit there, even though we weren’t sure it was allowed. When the casher brought our coffee and cookies, she told us we couldn’t stay there because the area needed to be cleaned. However, the room already looked clean to us. Reluctantly, we moved to the bar.

I’m writing this review because customer service should be a top priority. I understand that every establishment has rules—I work in customer service at a deli, so I get it. However, if a customer at my workplace requested a ceramic coffee mug, I would have politely said, “Sure!” while explaining our policy. I also would’ve asked if there was anything else they needed. Unfortunately, no one at Frothy Monkey even greeted us or said, “Welcome in.”

The cookie was good—frozen and baked in-house like most places—but good. However, the customer service was terrible. Leave your bad day at the door and greet people with a smile. Welcome them in and assist them with their needs. Go out of your way to help—it makes a huge difference. This is something that needs to be emphasized and trained...

I was a bit saddened by our disappointing experience given the fantastic reviews this place gets. We arrived in Franklin and wanted to try this place for breakfast as someone recommended it - we went for Sunday breakfast. The vibe seemed great and the menu looked good online so we thought it was a perfect spot. We came in and no one really spoke to us at all so my kids and I stood by the door for a while until eventually we were told it would be about 15 mins for a table (although we were happy to sit outside but I wasn’t sure whether that was only for takeout). They seemed moderately busy as it was late Sunday morning so I thought it maybe this was the result of being too busy. Thankfully the very friendly guy behind the coffee counter let us peruse the menu while we waited (he was very friendly).

When we were seated eventually, it was in a back room and it took a while for the young lady looking after our table to approach us. It was just me and my kids so they got two kids breakfasts (a French toast and a kid’s bacon and scrambled eggs meal), and I got an omelette. The food took so long to come out that my kids were getting very restless and really wanted to go elsewhere - it was around 30 minutes between ordering and food coming.

The food was okay - my omelette had big chunks of pepper, bacon, and onion inside but they were very oily so I just ate the eggs. The kids were super hungry by that point so they ate!

Despite the incredibly slow service (even getting water refills took ages), I found the guy at the front behind the coffee counter to be the nicest out of everyone in the place. There were a few other guys walking around (maybe going upstairs to clear tables? Not sure) and when I accidentally got in his way while looking for the bathroom he was very unhappy with me.

Lastly, coffee-wise, I wouldn’t recommend the Golden Monkey unless you like your coffee very heavy/sweet - the blend of flavors just didn’t work very well for me personally (and I normally love cinnamon in my coffee but this had turmeric, cayenne, etc). I did ask if it would be sweet and was told no but it turned out to be quite sweet.

I was quite sad about our experience as it came recommended but perhaps it was an off day. Maybe a non-Sunday is a better...

OK, well I don't leave many reviews, but I returned today for the second time. I don't live in Franklin, but I travel all over America for work and eat out 95 % of the time, so I think I pretty good grip on food and an overall take on things. The first experience was a good part of a year ago and overall very good so I was looking forward to returning for a solid breakfast on a day off. I do now recall on my positive experience it was not too busy and my server made some substitutions that seem to be painful for here to make, but anyway my memory was that it was good food so I returned today.

First odd thing is that it was 62 degrees outside, plenty of people outside on the porch but it was not open for service. Anyway, it's hard to find good help, so I was patient and waited for a table. I finally got seated in a back room facing the bathrooms. Just no..... I let the host know that was not willing to sit in a dark back room and no other options, no apology, nothing at all Like very very poor consumer service........

I had waited I long time and was very hungry so instead I then ordered food to go instead, so I could eat it on the porch with natural light and fresh air.

The other issue is the menu. Its odd. There are few options, not offering any substitutions. Its Just off for a breakfast place.

Like somebody vision but not in time with peoples varying tastes and preferences. The food was actually good, but very very small portions, over priced and I will not return.

Overall experience, bad slow service, poor communication, weak menu choices and small portions with decent...