Seven Stars Bakery - Broadway — Restaurant in Providence

So today I went to this place for early morning coffee. I used to go frequently but in recent years I haven't (for no particular reason). Imagine my surprise when I tried to pay (via card) and realized that you cannot pay unless you tip or bypass the tip screen by pressing 'no tip' with the barista standing there watching you! In recent years, the tip habit has gotten out of hand. And let's be honest; as nice as they are, the baristas don't serve you anymore than the employees at Dunkin Donuts. At 7 Stars, if you eat indoors, the customer clears the table. If you want a refill, the customer walks up to the counter; no one comes to your table and offers a refill like in a restaurant. To be honest, it's not the tip necessarily that's offensive (although I don't tip take-out anymore but I tip generously at sitdown restaurants) because when I used to go to 7 Stars, I always tipped. It's the 'emotional blackmail' tipping screen that is offensive. Extremely offensive. So I think this is the last time I go to 7 Stars. The pastries are nice but the place is loud, with music blaring, dishes slammed around in the back. And to the owners: PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES A LIVING WAGE AND STOP DEPENDING ON CUSTOMERS TO MAKE UP FOR YOUR CHEAPNESS.

REPLY TO RESPONSE FROM OWNER: Thank you for your reply. However, if you do not want your customers to feel as if they are obligated to tip, then change your checkout policy to the way it was previously...the tip option was at the end of the transaction, not a stop wall at the beginning of the...

If I could put my experience at this bakery, nay, sanctuary, into words, I would need the liberated mastery of language possessed only by great poets; alas, my limited linguistic powers will have to suffice: the task is too important for surrender. Frankly, I was transformed at Seven Stars. When I was first presented with a small assortment of breads and pastries, something inside of me ignited and I turned on the food like a wild dog. But even during my frenzy I couldn’t help but be astounded by the skillfully crafted bread; the flavorful and rich oils and butters; and, of course, the sugars, sweetly coating the already delectable pastries. Once it was all gone, I felt… full, certainly, but not uncomfortable. Rather I felt full in the way a glass of water or wine is full. Or a suitcase judiciously but not sparingly packed, just so the soft upper wall of the bag bulges slightly when zipped down – so completely and contently was I full. But this suitcase had places to go and needed energy to get there, so naturally I turned to the nearby café bar and ordered hazelnut latte. Friends, let me tell you I was stunned. I swear the floral image I saw in that milk foam simply blew me away. The milk was foamed perfectly: thick and smooth, like drinking a warm marshmallow, but with the bold and complex flavors of the café’s in house espresso roast. Before I knew it I was on my feet and ready to seize my day. Sad as I was to leave the home I’d found at Seven Stars, I was grateful for what it had given me, and I knew I...

Almost daily customer of Seven Stars. If I only came in once per month, my review would definitely be 5-stars because the staff are extremely professional, diligent and often kind, great atmosphere for conversation and high quality products.

However, as an almost daily customer, I find the strength of their member program lacking strength and ultimately value to sustain a long term relationship since coffee shops seem to pop up steadily (ie. Cafe Nero). Steady income is valuable and may have advantage over losing a customer. Yea, I may not switch to Caffe Nero on the premise that they are cheaper (pretty comparable), but I might like the change of scenery — and more food/snack options.

I would recommend an annual reward regimen based on accumulative amount purchased matched with % discount attributed to allocated thresholds.

For example, someone could spend $2k by six months from the renewal date. Perhaps once they reach $500, they get 10% off all future orders. Once they hit $1k, 20% off. That seems to have more value to me.

To integrate with current system, another idea could be:

Spend $100/mo get 5% back ($5) Spend $150/mo get 10% back ($15) Spend $200/mo get 15% back ($30) Spend $250/mo get 20% back ($40)

Retention + avg spend

All in all, I just don’t think there is as much incentive for longer term...