Hanna's Creamery & Cafe — Restaurant in San Diego

A lot of people enjoy Hanna's cookies because they're soft, gooey, and sugary (e.g., Hershey Triple Chocolate Cookie is a fan favorite in my household). I understand why many teenagers, including my own, give Hanna's in UTC a solid rating. I deducted a star for the time it took to sit at my laptop this afternoon to share thoughts on my experience with the transaction. Today I used cash to pay for the cookie(s). I was trying to break a $10 bill, and the taped message on the front of the register said "Please no bills over $20" or something to that effect. "Great," I thought -- "This place still takes cash."

I didn't think using cash would elicit disdainful energy or tension, but it did. A cashless economy at Westfield UTC calls attention to class and classism within the realm of retail, apparel, and food. I see both worlds because I participate in both cash and cashless economies. The senior gentleman with peppery hair working the register seemed somewhat disgusted by my cash. It might be company protocol to pull out plastic gloves to conduct the transaction when someone uses cash. But he did not have to be so deliberate in his quiet disdain for my payment choice. Yes, I notice you. I noticed the gloves. I noticed it all in the most class-based ways because of what I do for a living in higher ed. Read more for my experience feedback and possible solution.

While Hanna's might still be one of the last businesses in Westfield UTC to accept cash, the gentleman made it clear that he was silently disgusted by my appearance and inconvenienced to take my cash around the baked goods. Pew Research Center released data in October 2022 about cashless economies, and research suggests that low-income communities are more likely to use cash than to go cashless. He seemed to have judged me as low-income based on my mode of payment. Or maybe it was my clothing.

It did not matter that I offered to use Apple Pay as he slowly pulled on one plastic glove. After declining my Apple Pay offer, following the transaction he then suggested I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in the future (assuming I return). Is that not why I offered to use Apple Pay, despite my hesitation about UTC Mall becoming totally cashless at some point? "I am trying to support a cash-based economy before it is totally obsolete," I stated. He thought that deserved a laugh. I don't laugh at cash, though. I worked hard for that $5 cookie. I use cash for meaningless treats like cookies, and I usually keep my mouth shut when I pay for meaningless treats because I know that cashless economies pose various risks, particularly for small businesses in high-end, corporate shopping spaces.

If there is an employee/company preference for cashless exchanges, communicate that in signage to avoid this type of feedback. "Digital currency/Apple or Google Pay Preferred" would not only suffice as signage but also communicate the message more efficiently. Class-based discirimination for cash payers is real. Buying a cookie should not be a classist experience.

The cookie I purchased for less than $5 was not even for me. The transaction left me wondering where the napkins were located because one was never offered. He did, however, ask the next lady if she needed any napkins. Maybe it was because of her designer dress? Or he assumed the toddler would make a mess? The napkin dispenser is behind the register. This makes sense when a business wants to reduce waste and napkin-hoarding.

Management can fine-tune how to determine best practices for napkin distribution. One napkin is enough. Ask everyone equally or no one at all whether they need a napkin. Picking and choosing who gets a napkin based on their appearance and mode of payment is not only classless but also reveals inconsistent customer service. That is what is annoying about Hanna's after buying cookies here for my teen the past year. "Vibe levels" can be classist depending on the people behind the counter. Heaven forbid you use cash. Ultimately, it is about the cookies, which seem to be worth it for many people, including...

I went to the pick up an order in the evening, maybe an hour or two before closing. The two young girls working there seemed to be tired and uninterested in providing good customer service. They sluggishly walked around, barely interacted with customers... I did notice there was (what appeared to be) a homeless gentleman who was non-verbal trying to order something. The employees kept giving each other looks like they wished he would leave, even when he was trying to pay for his item(s). I get that they may have been uncomfortable serving him, but if I were them, I would've just paid for the guy's stuff so he could be on his way. I doubt what he got was the most expensive item in the store, though a lot of the items are expensive for what they are.

In regards to how they're products taste. They're good. A luxury. I'm not likely to come here again unless I just happen to be at UTC with visitors who I might want to treat to this. But, at the moment, I don't even know if I would if the service is as poor as it was.

Food: 4/5 (cuz of price) Service: 1/5 Ambiance: 4/5 (service brings down...

This café in UTC is a nice little spot, though it can be a bit hard to find within the shopping mall. Once you do locate it, the atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable, making it a good place to take a break from shopping or to catch up with a friend. It’s not the biggest café, but it has a cozy vibe that works well for a casual stop.

They have a decent selection of coffees and teas, so there are options for whatever you might be in the mood for. The baked goods on display looked very appealing, with pastries that appeared both neat and sophisticated. It was clear that presentation is something they pay attention to, which adds to the overall charm of the place. I decided to try the lemon tart, and it was a pleasant surprise. The flavor was balanced, with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness, and the texture was smooth and refreshing.

Overall, while the café itself might not stand out as a major destination, it’s still a spot worth checking out if you’re in the UTC area. Between the pastry options and the drinks, it’s a nice stop for a light treat and a...