The Sunflower Cafe — Restaurant in Mobile

I have been in medical sales for over 15 years and have done a LOT of lunches over the years. I ordered food for pick pick up at the Mobile Sunflower Cafe in Mobile, AL. First, I tried to order online and the ASAP service they use couldn’t process my order. I called the order in and placed it. I ordered pick up for 13 to go orders for sandwiches or salads. I paid by credit card over the phone. When I got to the business to pick up the food and went to sign the receipt, I was automatically charged a gratuity of $40. Now, I’ve worked in hospitality and restaurants before, but I’ve never been automatically charged a gratuity for orders TO GO. That would be something I would write in myself. It clearly doesn’t state anywhere on their site nor did they notify me over the phone that they will be charging an automatic gratuity. I can see paying 18% - 20% if we decided to dine in but that wasn’t the case. When I addressed the management, they said the server gets that amount because he doesn’t get paid a wage. “So wouldn’t that be illegal?” I was given a very vague response. The server told me later he has never worked at an establishment where they didn’t automatically charge. What?!? On top of everything, they couldn’t even give me a clean copy of a receipt!

I will never order from this restaurant merely based on how shady this...

The food was so good I forgot to take a photo before scarfing it all down. Located at the back of the store, this hidden gem was packed for lunch time and I can easily see why. Lots of delicious options that can be adjusted to dietary needs including gluten-free. Had the Turkey and apple sandwich on GF bread and it was outstanding. The spinach artichoke dip was super tasty and very good portion size. There was a little more than could fit in one to-go box; my favorite part is the staff wrote “spinach and artichoke dip part 2” on the outside of the box and I giggled when I opened it to see “Electric Boogaloo” written on the inside. It’s the little things, ya know? Will definitely return when I’m...

I ordered two drinks and a plate of hummus and pita bread.

The drinks were incredibly disappointing. One of them tasted like cherry jello, which makes me think it was just a powdered drink.

The food was good, but I believe it was store-bought.

The server looked at my receipt right after I signed it and asked if there was anything wrong with the service. Well, a tip is a reward for exceptional service, not payment for a mediocre service, and I didn't feel like my experience called for a tip at all. I just answered that the service was okay and she made a salty face. I didn't like the slight feeling of harassment at that moment. Asking for feedback is acceptable but the face...