Kneaders Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in San Antonio

Unfortunately, we are having to update our 5-star previous review here as this location has slowly gone downhill over the past year.

Recently, I placed a $60 online order for pickup that was supposed to be ready between 10:45 and 11am. I arrived at the restaurant at 10:54am and texted as instructed, confirmed the name on the order and the make/model of my vehicle.

At 11:08, my order had not arrived, so I texted again and was informed it was still being worked on. At 11:18am, still with no order delivered, I entered the restaurant and was waves toward the counter by am employee who was on the phone.

I was not acknowledged otherwise or assisted until 11:24am. At that time, the employee checked an order sitting on the counter and told me it was mine. I asked how long it had been sitting o the counter and was told since 10:45. I asked why it had not been brought out and was told they were waiting on drinks (3 ice teas and a soda) and that they were shorthanded. I asked if they would remake the order and was told yes, "but it would take a really long time" and the food "was still pretty warm - it will be okay".

This employee then walked away and proceeded to fill out some kind of paperwork and ignore me for rest of the time I was on the store. A couple minutes later, another employee walked by, set my drinks on the counter and walked off. Given no other option, I picked up my food and left, intending to call and speak to the manager. I called the store number and waited while the phone rang unanswered for 6 minutes.

This location used to be great, but the employee attitude and lack of management have really caused it to decline.

I tried to reach out to the customer service line and leadership and the response I received was just as mediocre as the food/service.

Here's what I got: "Hi Amanda - We are so sorry to hear your recent experience was not excellent! We strive to always be improving our stores. I will share this with our team to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We appreciate your support. I have added loyalty points to your rewards balance. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention."

So overall, the response for the mess up of a $60 order was - sorry and a few points towards a $5.00 future...

2 stars because I use to love this place and I'm not sure what's happening. The salads have changed. The last couple of times my lettuce was old and the chicken just doesn't look right. So because I didn't want to give up, I figured I'd continue going, but just stick with the breakfast. I usually get the plain oatmeal or the sausage croissant no egg. Today, I waited in line for quite some time only to get to work and see an egg sandwich, which I get it, people make mistakes..but it was not what I paid for. I was willing to forgive that until I tasted my coffee. Omgosh. I drink it black, no additions. When I tasted it it was cool, warmish and had a weird taste. So I attempted to pour it in my white mug and heat it up once I arrived at work. What came out was greasy and thick like. It was disgusting. A couple of my co workers was surprised that I had just bought it. It looked, smelled and tasted old. I'm a big fan of Kneaders as I would often go there very early on the last Saturday of every month and buy enough food to feed my employees breakfast to show my appreciation for them coming in on Saturdays. The food and coffee was always good, hot and fresh and my employees loved it. Until something changes, and hopefully it does I will put this place on pause for awhile.You guys have a great product, providing fresh food for consumers. I don't mind the expense, as long as I get what I pay for. Hopefully things will change back to the way it was.. but I'm done for...

Today I had a combination lunch. I chose the 1/2 portion of their Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad along with a cup of their San Marzano Tomato Basil Soup. To wash it down, I had a glass of their unsweetened Organic Black Tea.

This salad is nothing compared to any other salad I’ve had. It boasts a great grilled chicken (sliced), Roma style tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onions, tortilla strips and sliced avocados topped with a great tasting barbecue sauce as the dressing. If your feeling spicy, you can add the Cotija Cilantro Dressing that comes along in a sealed one ounce container.

The soup is equally pleasing; bursting with flavor just as a tomato basil soup should be.

Now, I’m a steak and potatoes kind of guy, but this combination lunch I just had left me filled up without that bloated feeling.

Although this establishment is a great place to eat healthy, they have the guilty pleasures needed just in case there’s that one person in your party that faints at the sight of healthy food.

For a limited time, you can indulge in their Irish Stew and Irish Specials. There are also a variety of great tasting sandwiches and sweet deserts to go along. If you’re wanting to take any of these guilty pleasures home with you, they have these sweets available in whole quantities.

Looking for something to give as a gift? They have a gift wrapping center so that you can have your loaf of bread or sheet of sweets...