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Bad Service at Banana Bean Cafe

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Started 4 years ago by NikosFyodor
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NikosFyodor
Victorian Village
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I went to the Banana Bean Cafe today for lunch. I've been meaning to go there for almost a year because it got such great reviews. We got there and walked in at the same time as another couple. We had to wait at least 15 minutes for a table, which wasn't that big of a deal. Then we got seated at a table that had not been wiped off. We didn't receive menus for at least ten minutes after we had been seated. I ordered coffee, and it came in a dirty mug (there was lipstick on the rim), the server said he was going to bring me another cup of coffee. Nearly half an hour later no one had taken our order, the dirty cup of coffee was still in front of me, and the couple that had arrived at the same time as us was paying their bill and leaving.
After nearly an hour of being ignored we put down $2 for the iced tea that my girlfriend had drank, got up and left. I don't think I've ever had as bad an experience at a restaurant. I was sufficiently pissed that I almost made a scene. I was really looking forward to trying their food, but I doubt I'll be going back again.
Has any body else had this kind of "service" there? Or, was it just our lucky day?

Posted 4 years ago #
lilbit
GV
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Wow, that's awful. Had it been me, I wouldn't have even paid for the drink! I've been to BB several times, and the service has always been fine. And the food is great.

Posted 4 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Yeah, that's terrible. I've never had bad service there, and haven't heard anyone else say anything similar, so it sounds like bad luck?
I probably would have walked over to the waiter/waitress and said something. Not bring rude or anything, but trying to figure out what the deal was.
Sorry to hear about that. Should have came to the Warehouse Cafe this morning and had breakfast with about 13 other CU'ers. ;)

Posted 4 years ago #
Coremodels
Really close to Explorer's Club.
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I think they hate you.

Posted 4 years ago #
NikosFyodor
Victorian Village
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I should have said something, but I was just so frustrated and hungry, that I really just wanted to avoid causing a scene and get the hell out of there! Maybe I'll give it another try sometime when I've calmed down a bit about the incident.

Posted 4 years ago #
lisathewaitress
SoHud
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Coremodels wrote I think they hate you.
Core - I think I really like you as a no-drinking, no-bacon-eating, non-smoker. I can't quite explain it, but it suits you.
as a side note, I quit smoking cold turkey a few years ago. I exchanged my cig breaks for "deep breathing" breaks. Not in an TM enzo way, just in that I would go take a break with the smokers and stand a few feet away and take deep breaths instead. Because you do have to replace the smoking with another way to reduce stress.
And yes, on April 10th I will be 4 years as a nonsmoker.

Posted 4 years ago #
BreakfastwithNick
Clintonville
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Thanks incredible! I've been their twice, and the service has always been fast and attentive. It's bizarre that they would do so poorly, with only nine tables in the place. How do you overlook someone there?
Once you're ready, though, I would try heading back. It's worth it. Excellent and unique menu.

Posted 4 years ago #
caskey1
Columbus
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In my position of Cafe Manager for the Banana Bean Cafe I, too, was shocked and saddened to read your posting. This is certainly not the type of guest experience we want to leave our customers with nor the type of service we strive to provide. Without offering any excuses I offer my personal apology to you as well as the entire staff of the cafe. If you would be willing to show us the condsideration of a visit again, I can assure you that it will be much more enjoyable and up to the standards of service for which we are known for. Again, you have our humblest apologies.
Angela Caskey

Posted 4 years ago #
Coremodels
Really close to Explorer's Club.
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lisathewaitress wrote And yes, on April 10th I will be 4 years as a nonsmoker.
LOL...well, I had bacon yesterday at the Warehouse, but I'm still "no carb eating" ;)
As to the smokes, it's still a battle, I'm down to about 15-18 cigarettes a day (down from around 70!) so I"m getting there!

Posted 4 years ago #
Manatee
The eternal present
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Yay, Core!!
Now you will be around to make your like 17,376,285th post!!!
... and I'll probably be around for that too :lol: :lol:
Nice job on the cigs reduction.
AND I still need to try Banana Bean.

Posted 4 years ago #
Coremodels
Really close to Explorer's Club.
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Manatee wrote AND I still need to try Banana Bean.
If you've waited this long, tough it out for another month until it's warm in the morning so you can sit outside!

Posted 4 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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caskey1 wrote Again, you have our humblest apologies.
Angela Caskey
Hi Angela! Welcome to the site and thanks for taking the time to post! :D

Posted 4 years ago #
drew

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My experiences at BB have generally been good... Servers have always been very friendly. Occasionally it can be a bit slow (though nothing like the OP described) but it certainly wasn't because the wait staff was slacking... just busy!

Posted 4 years ago #
KSquared
Literally Hell
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I was there for brunch on Saturday and our service was top notch. I ordered the beignet special and they were not cooked perfectly. I am really not one to send food back, and I really was not feeling all that well, so I just nibbled on them and let it go. When they got back the kitchen, the chef noticed and the server came out to apologize, asked me if I wanted something else, and comped them.
You really should give them another chance. That sounds like an anomaly for them. Also, reservations really help since the place is so small.

Posted 4 years ago #
NikosFyodor
Victorian Village
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I think that Angela has more than rectified the situation, and I'm very glad to know it was just a fluke. Meghan and I will be returning to Banana Bean much sooner than we thought because of her apology! I can't wait to actually try the food, especially since I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Posted 4 years ago #