Brugge Chocolates — Restaurant in Redmond

While I've enjoyed Brugge's chocolates over the years despite their steep prices, this post concerns a recent incident. I mistakenly parked in their reserved spot when visiting a neighboring restaurant, genuinely overlooking the signage. As I left my car, I noticed a man from Brugge's watching me intently.

After briefly entering the restaurant, I returned to my car to check if something was amiss. To my surprise, the man from Brugge's was applying a difficult-to-remove sticker to my driver's side window. When confronted, he claimed I "looked like I didn't care" about the parking situation. This occurred at 6:57 PM, just before their 7:00 PM closing time.

While businesses have the right to address parking violations, placing a hazardous sticker on a vehicle is an inappropriate response. A simple conversation could have resolved the issue civilly. One wrong action doesn't justify another.

This incident reflects a broader decline in civility. Had the man approached me, I would have gladly apologized and moved my car. Instead, this unnecessary retribution has soured my relationship with a business where I've been a repeat customer.

I understand that Brugge's likely faces this issue regularly, hence their prepared stickers. However, there are better ways to handle such situations without alienating customers. This experience demonstrates the need for more understanding and communication in our community.

This portion of my comments is in response to Brugge's response below.

Thank you for your detailed response regarding the parking incident. I appreciate your explanation of the challenges you face with your reserved parking spot and understand the frustration of having it frequently occupied by non-customers.

While I accept my mistake in parking in your designated spot and recognize your ongoing parking issues, I remain concerned about how this particular situation was handled. The staff member's decision to watch me and immediately apply a sticker to my vehicle, rather than attempting a brief conversation, feels unnecessarily confrontational. This approach, especially when I was visibly present and nearby, seems at odds with fostering positive customer relations.

I'd like to emphasize that while convenient parking is beneficial, it's the overall customer experience and feeling of being welcomed that truly draws people to a business. There are many establishments I frequent despite challenging parking situations because I value the experience they provide. I encourage you to consider how you might balance protecting your parking rights with maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for potential customers.

It's worth noting that several reviews have mentioned concerns about "rude" customer service. This incident, unfortunately, aligns with those impressions. Focusing on improving customer interactions could significantly enhance your business's reputation and success.

The impression I was left with is that your staff was waiting for an opportunity to apply the sticker, rather than seeking a civil resolution. While I understand the need for deterrents, this approach seems unnecessarily aggressive, especially when the driver is present and approachable. I would encourage you to review relevant laws and best practices for addressing parking violations, keeping in mind that even law enforcement typically doesn't affix citations in a manner that could potentially obstruct a driver's view or damage property.

I hope you'll consider revising your approach to these situations. A business thrives not just on its product, but on the goodwill and positive experiences of its customers and community. I believe there's an opportunity here to address your valid concerns about parking while also improving customer relations.

I offer this advice...

If you're searching for the ultimate chocolate experience in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than Brugge Chocolates. This isn’t just any chocolate shop—it’s a haven of luxury, craftsmanship, and passion. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a world of indulgence where every detail exudes sophistication and quality.

The owners have truly outdone themselves, creating an unparalleled selection of exquisite chocolate truffles that you won’t find anywhere else in the region. Each truffle is a masterpiece, handcrafted with the finest ingredients sourced from around the world. Whether you’re biting into the silky smoothness of their dark chocolate ganache or savoring the delicate balance of flavors in their seasonal creations, every piece tells a story of dedication and artistry.

What sets Brugge Chocolates apart is not just the divine taste, but the passion and care infused into their craft. Their commitment to perfection is evident in every bite, making their truffles the epitome of luxury and indulgence. The shop itself is a reflection of their impeccable taste, offering a chic and inviting atmosphere where you can truly appreciate the artistry behind each confection.

Brugge Chocolates is more than just a shop—it's a destination for chocolate lovers who seek the extraordinary. The owners have created a haven where every visit feels like a celebration of the senses. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and have a penchant for the finest things in life, do yourself a favor and indulge in the unparalleled experience that is Brugge Chocolates. It's a place where passion meets perfection, and the result is nothing short of...

I'm from out of town and was passing through Redmond. I happened upon this place after grabbing something at Trader Joe's and I was really impressed. I see other negative reviews about price, treatment, and flavor and I am perplexed.

I have some very visible tattoos and was honestly looking a little ragged from driving a long way that day. I am a working professional with a doctorate level degree but am unfortunately accustomed to being judged negatively by certain personalities based on appearance at times. I was greeted in the store by what I assume was the lady owner and had friendly, great service - I did not feel judged, rushed, or unwelcome. The price is consistent - and even a little lower - than what I am used to paying for handmade truffles (I tend to seek out stores like this when traveling because I love them.) I bought 8 truffles here. I had been at a chocolatier near Pike Place Market the week before and paid about the same for only 4 truffles (ouch!)

As for flavor, I have had better/top of the line truffles and I have had worse. Overall, I really enjoyed the depth of flavor in these chocolates! I would rate 4/5 for this. I felt it was a great value for the quality, with a fun selection of flavor combinations for the adventurous.

So, I hope you give this place a shot despite negative the reviews. I'm glad I happened upon it and I plan to go back when I go through...