I have to tell you, I was a bit skeptical of this place walking in. I had heard it was good, but something about it always seemed off to me. But some friends had suggested we meet here in the future so I decided I wanted to find out for myself. I will tell you I am a very basic guy, not into trying to reinvent the wheel. I mean eggs are eggs, it should not be rocket science. So I went in and confirmed with the hostess that the whole bit about a service charge was accurate, she said it was so I know going in there will be an unnecessary charge on my bill. I mean it is not my place to pay their employees. If anything they should pay their servers a livable wage and the tips should be icing on the cake. I chose to sit at the bar. My waitress/bartender was attentive and pleasant. I ordered a simple meal of scrabbled eggs, bacon, which I asked to be crispy, grits and white toast. I had unsweetened tea for a drink. My server was fast with the drink. It tasted a little different which is fine. I noticed the containers they use listed Red Diamond Tea, which is a cost effective (basic) brand. As I waited for my food I also noticed they use Conagra Hunt's ketchup and some brand that I have never heard of of mustard. Interesting the label only said package in IL, so you have to wonder what country it originated in. My food arrived, the eggs were perfect. good job to the person who did the eggs. The bacon was less that halfway cooked, definitely not crispy. The grits were horrid. The toast, which I assume it their Challah bread, was very heavy and tough. I was pleased with the eggs only. I inquired about the texture of the grits and was told that they are stone ground. That is fine but the use of cream to smooth them out does not negate the fact that they were under cooked. Grits if cooked correctly do not need cream at all. My server inquired into my satisfaction and did return with some crispier bacon. Which was both tough and flavorless. I can only assume they use a lessor brand of product. I had eaten a bite of toast, grits and bacon, I finished my eggs and requested the check. What I got was the manager who stated that they had taken care of the check since I was not satisfied. I presented my card and said that I was more than willing to pay for what I had eaten, she refused the card. I tipped my server the cost of the meal plus tip. Two thing bother me about this place, one of them a lot. I do not like a service fee added onto my check for services which might be clearly under par. I am a gracious tipper except in those instances where service should not be rewarded. Making me pay 18% for subpar service is an affront to me and an indication that you do not wish to pay your employees. you want me to pay your employees. I also noticed in their response to a previous review that the charge helped them cover increasing cost. I can only assume it means that they have cut the amount of money they are paying to their service team or not increased compensation to their service team in accordance with the rise in inflation. It is terribly unfair to quality servers. Secondly, calling it a commission is personally affronting to me. Price your product fairly and get rid of this hidden charge. Turning a $10.99 meal into $12.96 meal for a "commission" is ridiculous. This is a restaurant not a used car lot. Finally, the use of poor quality products and charging these prices are not acceptable to me. Thank you for the meal. I hope my server was pleased with the tip, but I would never, willing, step foot in this restaurant again.
Based on the response from Berry Fresh to my review. They have stated that it is a response to Florida's increase of the minimum wage. I guess as the years pass we will continue to see their commissions rise. I really wish I knew how their commissions work. Either way it does not matter to me, I won't...
Read moreBerry Café: How Not to Treat Locals
When I walked into Berry Café, I expected hospitality, warmth, and at the very least, basic courtesy. Instead, what I encountered was a stark reminder of how disposable some establishments treat the very people who should matter most to them: the locals.
The interaction that led me to walk out before even staying to eat was brief but telling. The hostess, Sherry, didn’t just fail to offer a greeting — she confronted me in a way that was dismissive, unfriendly, and almost hostile. As a single woman walking into a new café, I expected a neutral welcome at minimum, but instead I was made to feel unwelcome, as though my presence was an inconvenience. That moment of rudeness spoke volumes, not only about her own professionalism, but about the attitude that a business allows to set the tone for its customers.
Hospitality is built on the simple idea of respect. Every successful café, restaurant, or local establishment thrives because of the loyalty and goodwill of its community. Tourists may come and go, but locals are the backbone that keep the doors open year-round. To treat locals as though they don’t matter, as though they’re disposable, is not just poor manners — it’s bad business.
Berry Café, at least in my experience, has missed that truth entirely. When I was dismissed so coldly, it felt like my presence was meaningless. This isn’t just about one rude hostess. It’s about what that behavior represents: a culture where customers are not valued, and where employees feel free to treat people without dignity because they know management won’t hold them accountable.
What makes this worse is the fact that hospitality is not difficult. A smile, a greeting, or even a neutral acknowledgment costs nothing. It takes no extra time to treat a customer with decency. Yet when a business allows its frontline employees to show rudeness instead of respect, they send the clear message that customers are interchangeable. If one leaves unhappy, another will walk in — and to them, that’s good enough. But it isn’t good enough for the people who live here, who work hard, and who choose to spend their money locally.
The danger of this attitude is that it erodes trust in the very idea of “supporting local.” We as a community are often encouraged to spend our money at small businesses, cafés, and restaurants because that’s how our towns thrive. But why should locals be loyal to places that show no loyalty in return? If Berry Café can’t treat a single woman with basic courtesy, why should she, or anyone else in her shoes, ever return?
To add insult to injury, businesses that behave this way often forget that word of mouth is powerful. A bad experience spreads faster than a good one. When locals feel disrespected or unwanted, they talk about it, they share it, and soon enough the reputation of a place becomes tainted. One rude hostess may not seem like a big deal in the moment, but it plants a seed of distrust that grows over time.
I didn’t even stay at Berry Café long enough to taste the food, and I don’t need to. A restaurant can have the best menu in town, but if the front door is guarded by rudeness, the entire experience is ruined. Hospitality isn’t just about the meal — it’s about the feeling a customer takes home with them. My feeling was clear: this place doesn’t care if I’m here or not.
And that is the larger problem. Too many establishments treat locals as replaceable. They forget that it is not just the tourists, not just the weekend rush, but the everyday regulars who keep them alive. A new café especially should be bending over backwards to earn goodwill, not throwing it away by allowing a...
Read moreBerry Fresh Cafe: A Sandwich Sanctuary Fit for The Eater of Death
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nestled in the heart of town, Berry Fresh Cafe is a culinary haven that beckons food enthusiasts from far and wide. Here's why my experience at Berry Fresh Cafe, crowned with a sandwich signed by The Eater of Death, deserves a glowing five-star review:
Sandwich Sensation: The star of the show at Berry Fresh Cafe is undoubtedly their signature sandwiches. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and bursting with freshness. But what truly sets Berry Fresh Cafe apart is their exclusive collaboration with The Eater of Death, whose signature sandwich elevates the dining experience to unprecedented heights. It's not just a meal – it's a culinary masterpiece, worthy of the most discerning palate.
Freshness Redefined: True to its name, Berry Fresh Cafe prides itself on sourcing the freshest ingredients available. From crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes to succulent meats and artisanal bread, every component of their sandwiches is of the highest quality, ensuring a dining experience that is both delicious and wholesome.
Warm Hospitality: The staff at Berry Fresh Cafe exude warmth and hospitality from the moment you step through the door. Friendly smiles, attentive service, and genuine enthusiasm for their craft create an inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you're guaranteed to receive a warm welcome at Berry Fresh Cafe.
Charming Ambiance: With its cozy interior, inviting decor, and laid-back atmosphere, Berry Fresh Cafe provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal or a quick bite on the go. Whether you're dining solo, catching up with friends, or enjoying a family outing, the ambiance at Berry Fresh Cafe sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
A Culinary Journey: Berry Fresh Cafe isn't just a place to eat – it's a culinary journey, where every dish tells a story and every bite is an adventure. From the moment you sink your teeth into their signature sandwich, signed by The Eater of Death, you'll embark on a gastronomic odyssey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
In conclusion, Berry Fresh Cafe is a culinary gem that shines brightly in the dining landscape. With its sensational sandwiches, commitment to freshness, warm hospitality, charming ambiance, and unforgettable collaboration with The Eater of Death, it's no wonder that Berry Fresh Cafe has earned a well-deserved five-star rating. Whether you're a foodie seeking the ultimate sandwich experience or simply looking for a delightful dining destination, Berry Fresh Cafe is the...
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