Fresh Start Cafe — Restaurant in Illinois

Dear Jackie or General Manager,

I would like to inform you of my experience today at FreshStart Cafe. Please note that I have been there on various occasions and never have I felt so unwelcome as today. At approximately 8:00am this morning (Wed, 11/8/23), I called to place an order for pick up. A lady answered the phone and I proceeded to tell her what I wanted and she told me to hold on and hung the phone up. I can here that it was an actual hang-up. I decided to take the drive to order in person. Upon entering I was greeted by a gentleman who said he would get someone to take my order. As the lady walk to the counter she was not at all smiling. Actually had a frown on her face. I picked up a paper menu, and waited for her to great me. She did not say Good morning, hello, or how can I help you. Her 1st words was "Do you know what you want". I was taken back by the lack of greeting, I started to order but then proceeded to tell her that I just called to place an order and I was hung up on. She looked at me and proceed to continue asking me do I know what I want. I said " I'm not sure if you heard me but I attempted to place my order over the phone and I was hung up on.". Her response was "Yea well I was busy". I couldn't believe the lack of care, concern, & professionalism. I said "You know what, you are extremely rude, that's ok I don't want anything" & proceeded to walk away. Then she yelled out "GOOD BYE". Amazing....I couldn't get a good morning but with pride she yelled out Good bye. So I turned back around and asked for her manager and her name. She said her manager's name was Jackie and her name was Sue. I am not certain if it was the color of my skin that irritated her or if she was just having a bad day. What I can tell you is I have never felt so unwelcome in a place, disrespected for no good reason, just down right inferior. All eyes were on us. I just shook my head and said that this was not right and walked away. I know that my choosing not to patronize anymore will not make a difference but I want the manager or owner to be aware of the type of person they have working for them. Feel free to contact me if you need more information Sincerely,

Charmaine J-

A...

Used to like this place. The last time I came in it was about 45 mins before they closed. As me, my guest and my service dog walked in, the 40 something female at the register immediately looked at the clock and never greeted us. After being told follow me, she stressed to us the time they close but then looked at my little dog (in her bag on my shoulder like a purse) and said we don't allow dogs. I told her it was my service dog and she said, we still don't allow them here. I informed her about the state law. She rolled her eyes and gave me a disgusting look as she went towards the kitchen.

With all the red flags, I stopped her and asked if eating here was going to be a problem. She responded saying, depends if anyone here (as she waved her hands at the mostly senior lunch-goers) complains.

At that point I made the decision to take my business elsewhere and never return. When you have a lazy hostess mistreating you from the beginning, it sends a strong message.

So, I drove 10 mins to the very nice and busy breakfast/lunch spot Rainbow Cafe. The food, customer service, and atmosphere were 100 times better than anything I got from this dying and over priced restaurant. I now eat at Rainbow...

An adorable little restaurant I've never known about that's been around for years. It's actually not little at all. Had brunch with my mom. First off I Love that both of us received our own little carafes of hot water for my tea and coffee for her. More places should do this. To me it created a more welcoming environment of knowing that you were going to be taking care of and also not going to be rushed out the door. For our meals we both tried the sampler. I had French toast, the mile high omelette & the fresh start crepe. Mom had the French toast, the ham and cheese omelette and the fresh fruit (strawberry) crepe. The French toast was delicious, I would definitely order that again. Not too thick and very flavorful. The mile high omelette was fluffy and delicious. The fresh start was good it came with hollandaise sauce. I've never been a fan of it but it was pretty good. Not overpowering like I've had. The creme had just the right amount of sweet my only issue was the bacon in the crepe was burnt. Mom had pretty much the same thoughts on her meal as well. Loved the fresh strawberries on her crepe. We will definitely be back again & we'll have to bring the rest of the...