Kitanda Espresso & Açaí — Restaurant in Lynnwood

This company raked me over the coals and exploited me for over a year (15 months). They are toxic, racist, and unapologetically selfish in how they treat their staff.

I stayed far longer than I should have - not for them, but to protect the younger employees from the abusive behavior of upper management.

Please do not support this company. Here’s why: • There was an active predator on staff for months. Management knew about him. Multiple formal complaints were made - yet he was still allowed around young female employees and even tasked with training them. With no real HR, he faced zero accountability. • I worked an average of 120 hours every two weeks. I was routinely underpaid and was only compensated for overtime after directly confronting them. • Paychecks came late and inconsistently. I never knew when I’d be paid or if it would be correct. • The warehouse and shipping departments constantly made critical errors that impacted the ability to run the store. I was blamed every-time - despite having proof and receipts showing it wasn’t my fault. • I was missing hours on nearly every paycheck. But I couldn’t leave because I needed the income. • I ran the store without an assistant manager for 14 months, doing the work of multiple people with no support. When I announced I’d be leaving, I was asked to train my replacement. • despite receiving numerous complaints from both customers and staff, certain employees/ managers still work there - disregarding rules, regulations disrespecting the team, and treating employees like disposable robots.

This is not just mismanagement. It’s systemic exploitation and a deeply harmful work environment. Don’t support it. Don’t apply. You...

I was here about a week ago, and it wasn’t a bad experience. Some of the best sandwiches in the area, especially the bread. Cheese rolls were also remarkable to say the least, if you’re going there, it’s a must-try. My only problem with the establishment is the service. Not generally, but the guy in the purple shirt that was serving me was neither fluent in English, nor basic manners. When I am placing my order in a civil manner, I expect at least same treatment, not passive aggression mixed with not even understanding what I’m saying, no matter how much I simplify it. Then, when he finally got my order, after it was done, turned out it wasn’t even my order — he got it all wrong. So I started to try to place my order again. And after not being able to get it this time either, he just called another worker to help him out. The place is great, both vibe-wise and food-wise, but please, just make sure you give your newbies proper attention and training, not just send people with clear lack, or even absence whatsoever of basic...

Hello, this is regarding your store located in the Alderwood mall in Lynnwood, Washington. I wanted to complement two of your employees,

Names Dasha and Yineth!

UPDATE: 8months ago, I left a 5 star review. I am now updating review to 1 star after a rude interaction. Service today sucked, (for no reason) I understand people have bad days, but I felt the person behind the counter was unkind and unprofessional from the first moment.

Not interested in coming back. I hope other staff gets trained and comes in. When asking for a managers email or help, the person just walked away from me.

They were both so very helpful, so very kind, and more than average employees. They assisted me in getting some desserts for a family birthday gathering, and made sure that they were ready for me to pick up on time. I think that someone in management should know how great of a job they’re doing, and how well...