Ain't She Sweet Cafe — Restaurant in Lake Township

I rated this restaurant 3 stars not for the food but the customer service or lack there of provided by the Manager. I went to the Beverly location because of a good food review from my daughter. I love supporting my neighborhood shops, and if the food is amazing I spread the word and continue to go. The first time I went was a Saturday afternoon. The atmosphere, service, food and options were truly phenomenal for a local sandwich shop. I tried the Salmon Wrap and it was an instant hit in my book. I went back a week later a little earlier than the last at about 10:55am, they officially open at 11:00am. When I walked in I noticed other people there sitting at the coffee bar. I proceeded toward the counter but didn't go all the way because I saw the Manager/Supervisor (that had a crochet hat on her head) counting the drawer down...no problem. I stood and surveyed the menu and dessert cabinet never once interrupting her. She then looked up in mid count and mumbled something. I politely said "excuse me" and her response was "you got 3 minutes"!!! I was a bit confused not on what she meant but the statement alone. I'm a stickler for great customer service and this was an ultimate strike out for me. A better response would have been "I apologize for the wait, someone will be with you shortly to take your order ". When she was done, she never said anything else to me but instead turned to give her staff direction, then she walked away. I almost left but didn't, mainly because of my new friend...the salmon wrap.😋 I figure maybe she was having a bad day which we all do at times. I, however, hope that in the near future she is a bit more courteous, pleasant and mindful of her presentation...and it wouldn't hurt to smile. If it's hard to provide good customer service when technically the business is not open yet, then don't unlock the doors until the exact time.

Yours Truly Satisfied yet concerned...

I'm not one to leave reviews often but wanted to make a point of giving this restaurant the praise it deserves. I had been meaning to visit for a long time but I'm only in the area for work a couple times a month and usually pressed for time so had to cancel my previous attempts. I finally was able to stop in today and order carry out. I had heard great things but my experience was even better than I had anticipated. The space is bright, inviting, and relaxing. They have an extensive menu and the staff was welcoming, knowledgable, and patient with answering my questions and verifying ingredient information. When I opened the bag I was very impressed with the attention to detail given to packaging my order, not only the time and thoughtfulness it must have taken but having worked in food service where margins are thin, I know it comes at great expense to the owner as well. I appreciated the extra piece of paper between the pickle and my panini; the soup being tightly and carefully wrapped in plastic wrap; the chilled pie not being put in the same bag as the warm soup; and the utensils for both being placed in their respective interior bags. Last, but certainly not least, the food was phenomenal! I had The Spartan panini, tomato bisque, and sweet potato pie. The chicken on the panini had a wonderful unique flavor and was juicy even though it's essentially double cooked in the panini press. The bisque had a wonderful fullness to the flavor, and the pie was absolutely divine (and the icing is beautiful to look at, too)! Cheers to everyone who works here and compliments to the owner for cultivating such a wonderful environment and complete customer experience. I can't wait to come back for...

We have been supporters at this location since its opening. I had an issue with them a couple of years ago regarding how they process their gift cards, however it was settled after reaching out to the owners. I did stop visiting after that incident.

Recently we began visiting again and I do not believe they listen to their customers concerns. I visited on Thursday to order a bowl of soup and received one package of oyster crackers with my order. I requested two packages of crackers and was told I would have to pay for the additional package. I explained that the cup of soup comes with one package, so the bowl should have two packages due to the size difference (larger). "No problem, I was short on time for my meeting, I don't want the additional crackers and will bring it up another time." Two days later we visited, same thing: one package of oyster crackers with a bowl of soup. I brought it to a manager's attention and she did provide an additional package but did not understand that due to the difference in sizes- there should be an increase in the crackers. She explained the following: 1. They have always charged for additional crackers (we never had this occur prior to this) 2. Most customers don't request the crackers anyway and 3. Their costs have increased.

My husband suggested that if I was to invest in visiting again, just order two cups of soup (so that I can get two packages of oyster crackers). I wonder if the cost of the cup, plastic wrap and separate bag will equal the cost of one package of oyster crackers.

Either way, there are alternate options in proximity that serve what I ordered (smoothie, sandwich/wrap and bowl of soup) that will listen to what their customers...