Renaud's Bakery — Restaurant in Long Beach

Saturday, December 2nd, I was in a beautiful mood and was craving a few sweets. So, I quickly searched for something near me while in the shopping center next door. Surprisingly, I found Renaud's right next door inside of Gelson's. I only have my groceries delivered from Gelsons, so I have never been inside.

Well, I arrived with my friend and was like a kid in a candy store! Everything looked delicious and amazing, so when the woman at the counter came to assist, I said, "OMG! Everything looks so delicious, I may have to buy them all"! She responds with a very unpleasant look and tone, "Well, that would be VERY expensive for you." My friend and I looked at each other in disbelief, and the woman kept the same bland, serious look on her face and never smiled or anything. I was so in shock that I couldn't even react to it. I went forward and purchased two desserts, but the more it replayed in my mind, the more I didn't want even to eat something that someone with such horrible energy and intentions had touched.

My friend stepped away to shop in the grocery area, and I went to find a manager. I asked a cashier if a manager was on duty, and she pointed someone out. Unfortunately, she was rude as well. When I spoke with the assistant manager, he was pretty dismissive of the issue. He stated the company is a third party, so they don't have control.

I am the last person to want to even think about race issues, but it was pretty obvious what was happening there. This situation is very unfortunate, but also it's my fault because I forgot where I was. I've been traveling the world for the last two years and just returned. I enjoyed myself immensely and entertained the company of many different races and cultures without one issue. Racism is worldwide, but the funny thing is I only experience it when I come home to America.

Everyone has a right to be who they are, except when they decide to serve the public. I should not have to pull out a bank statement or look a certain way to be treated with respect, especially when spending MY money. Needless to say, I won't be back nor will I be ordering groceries from Gelsons...

Update! I went back Sunday November 5th to get my fiancé a birthday cake. 2 people behind the counter. No other customers. I stand there waiting politely looking at them waiting for them to stop what they were doing to help me. That didn’t happen though. But another customer with lighter complexion came up and they instantly helped her. I pointed out that I was next in line and the cashier raised her voice at me. So I said “never mind” and left. That puts the nail in the coffin. I will never under any circumstances ever go back there.

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I like this place but the items are very delicate. I noticed some of the items were placed on their side and now unpresentable. The service here doesn’t match the quality of food. Especially if you’re a minority the service seems to go down more. I’ve been coming here since it opened but last few trips are going to keep me away for a bit. Very...

If you are looking for some of the best pastries, this is your place. I have tried the eclair, exotic (mango mousse on top of pistachio cake), bomb (chocolate mousse), Rasberry tart... all of them are extremely delicious. The pastries are not overly sweet or heavy, hitting the right fruity note for the exotic and rasberry tart. The tart crust is light, flaky and buttery but melts in your mouth. This is the best gift or end to a delicious meal. I also tried the Chocolate croissant, it is very light, rich buttery smell and very flaky, the way it should be. It is not overly sweet...