Christoff's Caramel Corn & Coffee — Restaurant in Helen

I am an avid Google reviewer and am typically pretty generous when it comes to leaving reviews however, my latest encounter at Christoffs Caramel Corn and Coffee in Helen, GA is one of the worst encounters I’ve had with a business owner/employee.

My family, my wife’s siblings and their families and my mother-in-law were visiting Helen and then taking a trip to Babyland General. My wife, two of our kids and myself walked into Christoffs and went on the back deck while waiting for the rest of our group. There were two customers being helped when we walked in.

When the rest of our group was close, my wife went out front to meet them. They were walking in and the young girl working the counter shouts “The deck is for guests only”. Keep in mind, they weren’t even all inside the door yet. My wife began explaining that we were all going to be purchasing popcorn however, after this young employees attitude, maybe we wouldn’t be. The young employee then began smarting off saying things like “well, you could’ve informed us” and “There are signs posted” I’m sorry ma’am - We weren’t even inside yet and you were helping customers. Not to mention, if someone walks into an establishment such as yours, it’s safe to assume they will be purchasing something.

I can understand how this young lady might have assumed we were there to use the deck because of the order of these events however, that is no excuse for treating and speaking to customers the way she did. It was evident to us at that point that this establishment is purely based on how much money they can make and not having happy customers. I would also like to mention that while all of this was unfolding, the owner was standing right there and didn’t say a word until my wife looked at her baffled and asked “What’s the deal?” The owner did not have much to say, she just repeated that the deck was for customers. That was

We have been to Christoffs before and have recommended them to many people due to their product however, after this experience, we will not be back and will not be recommending this place to anyone else.

I hope the young girl and the owner look back on this encounter as a learning opportunity and will learn to value customers (or even potential customers) more than they do currently. It’s a real shame that they have a decent product to offer but that it is outshined by extremely poor customer service.

Edit: In response to the owner, you have a playhouse on your deck, it is normal for children to be excited to play. Perhaps you should consider a “no children” sign as well. There were not other guest disturbed by my children as there was 2 when we arrived, who left. And no others arrived before my family, and the falling out occurred.

When your fall back for YOUR childish behavior is to blame a 3 year old, I think most will see what kind of person you are. I am local, and will make sure others know what to expect when arriving at Christoffs. I would hate to upset you further by sending paying customers to your establishment and...

Popcorn is good, customer service is terrible. I came to this place once and had a decent experience. You could tell it was just about money but it’s a tourist town - It’s mostly about money everywhere. Didn’t think much more about it. Recommended this place to many people but after my second experience, I will never send this place any more business.

To the owner, I hope that moving forward, you train your employees on how to properly engage with customers. I don’t care how well you are at your profession, horrible customer service is a quick way to lose customers.

EDITING TO REPLY TO OWNER

I could say the same about your poorly behaved child except mine were 3 and yours was over the age of 18, I’m assuming.

I genuinely have no words for your comment other than shame on you. You should be ashamed to call yourself a “business owner”.

As for the group who came in behind us who was glad we left… Stop lying to make yourself look justified OR credible. We did not SEE anyone on our way out much less interact with anyone. This is laughable.

Secondly, any other decent establishment in Helen (or anywhere else for that matter) allows you to have your table and then place your order… Pretty standard, huh? Although I assume you, up there on your high horse, think you’re special and shouldn’t afford customers that right?

Lastly, your response says more about your business than my review ever could. Your response to every single review on here that gives the slightest bit of critique is beyond passive aggressive and the most unprofessional thing I’ve ever seen.

Do better. In the meantime, I’ll be taking the necessary steps to report you and your business to the Better Business Bureau. I hope you learn to treat others AND CHILDREN with more respect than you have for your name, your business and any...

Popcorn lovers heaven! Ooh yum... You don't want to miss stopping in on this fabulous place where this lady who moved to Helen from Decatur, Ga makes this incredible caramel corn. We dropped in just as this lady was preparing a vat of caramel- smothered pop corn and she was mixing in pretzels and pecans and peanuts into a big pot and putting it in the oven. After it comes out of the oven, she drizzles it with chocolate just enough to make a scrumptious bite, then bags it up and labels it Deluxe Mix. While we were there, we saw the cheese popcorn mixed with caramel corn selling like hot cakes. Go in and try some samples. Be sure to try the Spicy Mix. We took home a bag of the Deluxe and it's already gone..scrumdillyicious!! Please note that she got a 100% on her health inspection posted on the wall. Do you know how hard it is to get a flat out one hundred percent? It's quite rare. You go girl, that means you're doing...