I recently placed a large order at Black Rose Bakery in Westborough, MA to celebrate my husband’s 57th birthday with over 250 guests. From start to finish, the experience was frustrating, unprofessional, and disappointing.
When I first called to ask if they could make a carrot cake without raisins or currants due to my husband’s allergy, the woman I spoke to—who I believe is the owner, Ms. Long—was dismissive, rude, and unaccommodating. Her response was a sharp “No, we make large batches,” followed by a rushed end to the call. I’ve never encountered a bakery unwilling to make such a simple adjustment, especially for an allergy.
Despite that red flag, I still placed a sizable order: • One 10-inch red velvet cake • One 7-inch lemon cake • 14 cupcakes • Several individual round cheesecakes • 6 mini cupcakes • Additional standard mini cupcakes
The total came to nearly $300—yet no one could give me a clear price breakdown in advance. I was told I’d receive the total only at pickup. That’s completely unacceptable for any professional bakery. Even our wedding cake, with all the extras, came with a detailed quote upfront. This lack of transparency left me feeling misled and disrespected.
To make matters worse, the staff was untrained and unhelpful, echoing the same unprofessional tone I received from Ms. Long. At one point she told me, “If price is the issue, we can work within your budget.” At no time did I mention being concerned about cost—I wanted clarity, accuracy, and good customer service, none of which I received.
I shared this experience with neighbors who had originally recommended Black Rose, and they were shocked. One even apologized on the bakery’s behalf, saying she had always been given an estimate upfront and never experienced that kind of treatment. Sadly, I can’t say the same.
And finally—the cakes themselves were a huge disappointment: • The red velvet cake was dry • The lemon cake fell apart when cut • The cheesecakes collapsed—despite being refrigerated until the last minute • The only items that held up were the mini cupcakes, and even those weren’t particularly good
With over 250 guests, it was embarrassing to present desserts that fell apart or lacked flavor. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was so poor that I felt it was necessary to warn others. As a Senior Vice President in a major organization and the wife of an executive, I expect a certain level of professionalism—and this bakery missed the mark entirely.
I do not recommend Black Rose Bakery. They need serious improvement in customer service, staff training, transparency in pricing, and the quality of their products.
There are many other bakeries out there that will treat your event—and your money—with the respect...
Read moreConveniently situated just off Route 9, Black Rose European Bakery, formerly known as Gerardo’s Italian Bakery, continues to be a cherished spot for those with a sweet tooth. While it’s unclear whether there’s been a change in ownership or just a rebranding, the quality of their offerings remains consistently high.
The bakery excels in creating delightful mini cannolis and cupcakes that have become a staple at various gatherings. Whether it’s a family celebration like a birthday party, a holiday get-together, or even an office event, their pastries never fail to impress. The rave reviews and compliments from guests and colleagues about the exquisite taste of their pastries are a testament to their exceptional baking skills.
One of the standout features of Black Rose European Bakery is its ability to cater to a wide range of occasions. Their treats are not just for special events; they’re perfect for indulging in a little everyday luxury with your family or treating yourself.
If you’re in search of delectable pastries that are sure to be a hit at any event, or simply looking for a delightful treat, Black Rose European Bakery is highly recommended. Their commitment to quality and taste is evident in every bite, making them a go-to bakery for any and...
Read moreI keep trying out the different Gerardo's locations and hope that I will get some sort of amazing bakery item. Today I decided to go to the one in Westborough right on route 9. I ordered a creme brulee at tiramisu a lobster tail and a bear claw. Figured I'd try one or two get a taste see what I thought. The cannoli was the first one I tried It was okay there was way too much powdered sugar on it. I don't understand why bakeries in general put that much powdered sugar on something because it makes it impossible to eat without making a mess all over the place. The next item that I attempted to eat was the creme brulee the creme brulee tasted like fake custard. There was no crunch on the top of the creme brulee making it basically a flan with no flavor. The tiramisu was so sweet that it just tasted like coffee syrup. All of the white whipped cream or whipped interiors of these desserts tasted exactly the same The lobster claw was one of the worst ones I've ever had It was stale it was chewy I only took one bite of it. I don't think I understand why everybody keeps going back here. Is it so hard to ask for different items in a bakery to have different fillings like they're supposed to. If you actually like good pastries just...
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