We returned to Ben & Florentine today and felt compelled to down grade our original rating. Returning 11 months after our first visit and initial rating, we have found that the quality, quantity and service have all slipped. The prices, relative to the value for the portions and quality are not justified. It seems that everything is an extra charge. There also lacks a sense of urgency not only to seat people but also to serve and deliver food.
These are our tips for the owners......
1) include coffee with the breakfasts. You can keep all prices the same and including bottomless coffee will go a long way. Coffee costs next to nothing so it's an easy answer to the high prices
2). Increase the urgency when it comes to clearing tables. As soon as a table clears, get staff on it right away and with more jump in their step. You'll be able to seat people faster. Roll cutlery in napkins so that it's ready to go as oppose to setting out each place sitting individually each time. Your table clearly and setting process needs review -
3). Coffee top up should never have to be requested. Have someone dedicated to filling up cups so that your clients never have to ask
4). Put ketchup bottles on every single table. No excuses
5). Bring all meals out at one time. Ensure the customer has everything before moving on to serve another table. There is nothing worse than sitting looking at your food getting cold because something is missing or the other person your with has not received their's yet
6). Move the juicing machine to the back of the kitchen. We sat at the table directly next to the juicer and every time it fired up, we had to stop our conversation or yell across the table. Super annoying!
7). Take a good look at the portions and presentation of what you're serving. When we came the first time, the presentation and portion size warranted the price. This has slipped.
All in all, we are now on the hunt for a new breakfast place. We simply cannot justify paying the higher prices relative to the experience, quality and portion size.