Grand Central Bakery - Wedgwood cafe — Restaurant in Seattle

I (still) really want to like this place, but... After having experience almost each time I place my order online, I felt it's time to speak up! I have been ordering online for almost two years now, and have noticed the difference how my order is handled, based on whether I included a tip in my purchase or not. So, every time I included a tip, my order was done right, was packed in both plastic and paper bags, respectfully. Any time I did not inlclude the tip, my order would be in the bread plastic bag (which is fine too), sometimes ripped, but also, on occasion, my order was simply "missing", not there on the shelves, where online orders otherwise would be. Then, I am asked to provide proof of purchase (email), and was looked at as if I am dishonest. Very unpleasant and completely unnecessary experience!!! My message to the management and the employees: Please, stop treating people differently just because they may not be ABLE to include tips in their purchases. People are struggling out there, and many of us are paid less than you may be paid. People live on a very limited incomes, and even small amounts of money affects their budget. Tips are good-will and ability-based actions - not a demand and expectations, so understand that. Us, customers, ARE your paychecks! Train your employees to treat all customers in the same way, regarless of who they are, tips or not... Kindness, compassion, and genuine love are true luxuries one can...

Imagine a bakery where half the time you order a sandwich, they either run out of the bread it typically comes on or some other ingredient such as tomatoes for a BLT. Yes, that would be Grand Central Bakery. In fact, a few years back I ordered their Blue Ribbon sandwich which usually comes with roast beef, but they ran out that day so suggested that I substitute turkey instead. As it turns out, I actually enjoyed that better than the normal one. So I have been ordering it this way almost weekly the past few years.

Last week, they informed me that they could no longer do this one single simple substitution because of corporate’s new policy (despite the fact that they like to claim their sandwiches are made-to-order). Additionally, that day they had also run out of bread for sandwiches so had to use their Bolo Rolls instead (something I’m all too familiar with). It’s sad to see that GCB no longer values good customer service the way they used to. Unfortunately, we will no longer bring our business there as lots of other great options in the...

So several things made me give this place a bad review. First of all absolutely zero pricing on any of their pastries on their front door because apparently they won't let people walk in only stand at a window. Secondly I was out on the sidewalk 10 ft away from their entrance and they came over and asked me to put on a mask in case somebody walked by. So apparently they felt the need. When I explained that I was not coming up to the window and that I was just standing out here he expressed unhappiness and anger. As I was getting the death stare there were two people about 8 to 10 ft away from me sitting at their little metal bench behind me without masks on, one was eating and one was drinking. Maybe it's because I'm from Portland but people don't generally walk around the streets wearing a mask I don't know why they would expect me to have one while I was on the sidewalk I feel it is unreasonable and the way I was treated after I politely declined being stared at and bullied was...