Mountain Fresh Grocery — Restaurant in Highlands

I've always appreciated this establishment, but my recent experience was disappointing due to unfriendly service. This market has a nice place in the back where you can order drinks, food and etc. I had an encounter with a bartender who seemed unhappy and overly authoritative, akin to Barney Fife. Despite approaching an empty bar and being face-to-face with the bartender right in front of me, I was instructed to move and order from a different location which was less convenient for both of us. (note: I ordered from this same place a year ago from a bartender who was very friendly and normal acting). Not wanting to cause a scene, I quietly obliged with a smile on my face and ordered from the requested location. Once I paid for the drinks, I was ordered to move to yet another location to pick up the drinks. I once again obliged, but it seemed overly procedural given I was the only person ordering anything at the time. I ordered two drinks and wanted to share them with other family members since we were in a bit of a hurry, as we expected to be called for a dinner reservation within the next 20-30 minutes at a nearby restaurant. My 81 year old mother-in-law requested a plastic glass so we could share the drinks. Upon pouring part of a drink into the plastic glass that we were given by a member of the store’s staff, the person who gave us the plastic glass was scolded by the bartender. He then tried appease the agitated bartender by attempting to confiscate the drink from my elderly mother-in-law. This was both confusing and embarrassing for her. Ultimately, she talked the person into letting her finish the drink and we promptly left thereafter as we were called for our reservation. As we walked out, we noted the two staff members talking about us as if we had committed some sort of a felony. The whole episode was strange and surreal. Unfortunately, we will probably not return on our next visit to Highlands. Bye, bye...

While the food provided is not bad, DO NOT USE their catering services! The entire experience working with them was a nightmare. I planned on using them for my wedding and after working to build a menu I drove over 9 hours to do a tasting with them, as the event was out of town for me. They constantly ignored emails and notes I had to let them know what I needed, They showed up late for the event causing my wedding to have to be delayed until they could move their truck, they did not deliver all of the food I ordered and the things they did bring were NOTHING like what I had at the tasting which they chalked up to a new chef. The comparison between what I paid for and what I received is laughable. I had to pay for a bartender and they did not send one, instead I had a chef and a helper arrive and because the helper was working with the chef to get food out, she was unable to serve my guests. I emailed again after the event to give them the chance to make the situation right as I was disappointed in paying several thousands of dollars for their services and then to not get what I ordered and after three days, I am still being ignored. So i suggest even if you've scheduled something with them, you stop! Stop payment, back out now and for those that haven't had to suffer through their mess, don't even give them a second because things may look great upfront but they do not deliver, steal money and ignore you!

*Edit: While I appreciate finally being communicated with, I will not get into a he-said / she said argument on Google reviews, instead I have attached the photo of the outdoor tent they said, "they had not rented a tent at an outdoor venue and therefore they had delayed the wedding." because I feel this speaks for itself in terms of their excuses. I hope that anyone reading this takes my review into account and also looks at the way I have been treated...

Very upset with the behavior of the staff. My family had dinner with local friends that we havent seen in a long while. We arrived at 6:30 and the entire time we were eating the staff was frantically cleaning up around us and kept obtrusively leering at us. At one point in a span of 5 minutes, three different staff members repeatedly looked in on us and it was definitely not to see if we needed anything. There was banging of dish tubs, frantic table cleaning and aggresive trash bag changing. We just couldn't believe it. Each one of us ordered a hamburger and french fries which was $15 each and that's how we were treated. The food was excellent, no complaints there, but you pay for the service as well. If you are going to be that overpriced in the first place the service should be 5 star! Our plates were rushed off and asking if we wanted a box was a forced afterthought from the waiter. The restaurant still had patrons eating in the main dining area. Most of whom were in their golden years and more than likely spent a pretty penny there as well. As we said our goodbyes to our friends outside we watched as whole desserts were being boxed up that people paid to enjoy there. One of the staff waited over the shoulder of one woman in particular to take her last bites so her tray could be bussed. Highlands is a vacation town, you would expect the service and hospitality to be on point. The service at the waffle house in my podunk hometown in Georgia far exceeded our experience tonight. We have frequented MF for years and would still suggest their breakfast. The staff has always been focused and cordial during the breakfast rush and their french toast is amazing. However, I would suggest if you want a nice dinner with friends and family to go elsewhere as the night staff is eager to...