la Madeleine — Restaurant in Sandy Springs

It was pretty apparent the cafe had been "commandeered". This was evident by the employees intentional acts of clowning or lack of training and thus incompetence. I mean who serves an expresso in a jumbo mug, or freezes a carrot cake to keep the powder sugared Crisco icing from coming undone unless they are trying screw with your head and give you heart attack at the same time, OR trying to scam for a profit and don't know a thing about running a business.

Not to mention, the ill-preparation of the regular coffee. But even that was suspect, too.

I shall revisit to see if the experience will repeat itself. Because even businesses deserve second chances.

UPDATE (24.10.01) A revisit provided an improved experience, though staff were loud in conversation and The Experience tracked its way inside and across the lot outside. Still, my creative session was complimented by good company and good food from the cafe\restaurant.

Ia Madeleine earns another two stars overall and an additional one star for the improved quality of its food (though it really needs to improve its coffee quality and its self-service). Another star given for the service of its staff; but it loses a star due the unusual loudness of the atmosphere despite its cleanliness and relative orderly state.

UPDATE (24.12.11) It was one of those days for La Madeline. The heat was boiling cold, the avocado toast came with a drizzle of oil—which was described on the menu—and the setup of being near patrons to hear a conversation about real estate. Not to mention the obviousness of some other patrons.

About the only thing good had from today's visit was the coffee and pastries, but then for a French styled cafe, it's curious why they can never serve "French" coffee. "American" coffee? Okay. "Decaf"? Okay. "French" coffee? No. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I think I have given up on...

This was my first time visiting this restaurant, and unfortunately, it will be my last. Eunice, the host, was rude and condescending while wearing a hidden Bluetooth device and seeming more focused on her personal conversation than on customers. She gave no greeting, no eye contact, and no courtesy. When I asked about the specials, she never explained the menu options or how the specials worked something that’s important for a first time customer. After I ordered my food, I tried to check in with her because it seemed like a lot was going on and she might have been overwhelmed, but she was so wrapped up in her conversation on her hidden bluetooth that she never acknowledged me. She also didn’t explain how long my order might take. At one point, she placed a plastic cup on the table without explaining it was for me again, something a new customer wouldn’t automatically know. When she realized I hadn’t touched it, she was dismissive and rude. I ended up waiting an unusually long time for a simple chicken croissant sandwich with already prepackaged field green salad. Eventually, I spoke with the manager on duty about her behavior. For some reason, he had her come out to speak with me while I was waiting for my friend to finish eating. Instead of apologizing, her first words were, “Did you talk to my manager?” an unprofessional and defensive approach. This led to a back and forth exchange while the same manager stood by the door, allowing her to continue being rude without addressing her behavior. There was no accountability, no professionalism, and no sense of customer care. Based on this experience, I will never return to this establishment. The negative energy was so overwhelming that I didn’t even eat or drink my order, it went straight to the trash, as they don’t allow refunds....

I've been to this location on two separate occasions now, with both visits being seated within the restaurant.

Now, the bad - this restaurant is chaotic! Extremely so, there is no rhyme nor reason to the layout, with confusion occurring from the onset. Ideally, per la Madeleine's hope perhaps, a customer would walk in, be greeted, pick-up a menu and tray, provide their order to the first line employee, continue walking down their conveyer belt type system, receiving their ready made items, until they reach the cashier, who would request drink types and take payment. You would be handed receipt, your cups for your drinks, and continue on to filling your drink at their self-serve counter and adding bread, butter, and jams to indulge in while you wait for the rest of your order. Your order would be brought out to you and once completed, would be cleaned from your table.

This is the ideal structure. This does not happen. Rather, there is mass confusion at the front. The employees do not care. They do not ask what you would like nor do they explain the options or sequence of events to an ideal visit. They indicate that you must go behind the counter to get your cup. There is no bread or tongs. The food is haphazardly given, with some coming out in bunches and others being neglected and forgotten to be provided. Their system just doesn't work!

The good - the food is actually really good, almost incredibly so. The bread is soft, the croissants are flaky, the chicken salad is oozing with flavor. I actually really enjoy the food, but the service is horrendous.

Will I go back? Probably, but I caution others on...