TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park — Restaurant in Hyde Park Township

Wednesday, August 11, 2020

Worst experience in Hyde Park ever!

The person behind the counter was chatting with a friend (who left her DIVY bike blocking the patio entrance) the entire time. I ordered an iced hibiscus tea. She told me it would be a few minutes to brew. I was fine with that. I was the only other patron in the place besides the friend. I turned and walked about 6 feet from the counter, I was checking some information on my phone when another employee confronted me. He stood about 2 feet from me and asked if I was looking for something in the kitchen. His tone was anything but professional. I told him that I was just waiting for my tea. It was about 30 seconds later that the person behind the counter told me my tea was ready. It clearly was not. It looked like a glass of water as it lacked the rich red color of hibiscus. She could tell by the look on my face that I was not satisfied. She apologized and offer to make me another and that I could just keep the first one. I had biked a few miles so I drank the beverage while waiting inside the air conditioned space for the correct order. She continued to chat with her friend and suddenly stopped. "You can wait outside if it's better for you."

Now I was very convinced that my black presence was not appreciated. I waited in the seating area in the front patio. I took my time drinking my tea, knowing I would never patronize this business again. I don't think any person of color should spend their money here.

8/17/20 Just an update.... I did receive an apology from Mr. Peters, one of the owners. He was the person who questioned me about a kitchen order. He said that he didn't mean to be abrasive and that he was just in a hurry. I am inclined to think this apology was genuine. I just think that some of the young people that work in these establishments need more training in the areas of sensitivity and...

COFFEE: This has become my favorite coffee shop in Hyde Park offering locally roasted, very reasonably priced delicious quality coffee. Thank you TNC for not overcharging your customers.

SERVICE: Samaya, Kailey, Zara all ladies who have gone above and beyond for me on different visits here. I am particular and these ladies have always been accommodating. A few times I called in last minute asking for a quad right before close. Samaya, Zara and Naomi all took care of my last minute order. This is how business should be done. Serve the customer to the very last minute until close. And customer’s thank them by tipping them for it!

I came in last week and witnessed the owner calibrating the espresso machine. I was excited to see the care and respect put into bringing us a quality product. I waited while he calibrated and it was worth the wait. I also had a pleasant exchange with the owner and shared with him the stellar customer service I’ve experienced on multiple visits from multiple staff members.

FOOD: I recently tried their Freakin Vegan tofu sandwich. It gave me sloppy Joe/pulled pork sandwich vibes. I would have liked a bit more of everything on my sandwich. Veggies, tofu, sauce. The bread took over the sandwich a tad, but I still thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich. I know to order with extras next time.

Looks like the majority of the bad reviews are old and the owner has turn this place around because I’ve experienced nothing, but good...

In this dimly lit cafe, stands a woman of middling years, her mane of black hair framing a countenance that speaks of indifference. She exudes an air of proprietorship, yet her demeanor belies any sense of hospitality.

Her gaze, cold and unyielding, sweeps past those who await her attention, as if the very act of acknowledgment were beneath her station. Minutes tick by, yet she remains ensconced in her realm, indifferent to the needs of those who stand before her.

Conversations flow around her, as she engages in idle banter with others or retreats into the sanctuary of the kitchen. It is a sight to behold, the owner of the establishment shirking the duties of her station with brazen disregard.

Should one dare to confront her with the audacity of their presence, they are met with a wall of obstinate silence. The defiance in her eyes mirrors the stubbornness of her character, while her countenance bears the mark of a mind untouched by the light of intellect.

In her realm of apathy and indifference, she reigns supreme, a monarch of mediocrity. And so, True North stands as a testament to the folly of those who would dare to seek solace within its walls, only to be met with the contemptuous gaze of its...