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| - The service at El Almacen is very poor. I was suppose to meet with my friend at Star Bucks this morning and after I purchased my drink, I received a message from my friend to change locations to El Almacen so we can later have brunch there. I came in holding my Star Bucks drink with the intention to order a new drink but before I was able to do so, the owner came by and rudely said, "You have to toss that out or leave because I don't support that brand in my business". Then he said, "Are you staying or leaving? If you are staying, I am taking away your drink." My friend was already drinking a $5 cup of tea from El Almacen so I stayed but decided not to order anything. After my friend finished her tea, a waitress came over and asked us to move to a smaller table so a group of three can have brunch. We decided not to have brunch at El Almacen and instead went to Starbucks at Queen West and Ossington.
I understand that in some businesses, they do not allow outside food and that is completely legit. However, a more professional way of handling the matter is to approach your customers and say for instance, "I am sorry but we cannot have outside food or drinks in our cafe. Would you like to order something else here or place your drink somewhere out of view?" etc. The manner in which the owner handled the situation was very rude and disrespectful, since my friend had already ordered something and I literally just got to the place. Instead, his lack of professionalism lost him two customers who were also planning to have brunch there but will now boycott this place forever.
The ventilation system at this cafe is also poor since our clothes smelled like fried onions after we left. If you want friendlier and professional service, I recommend going to Starbucks across the street or many other lovely cafes on Queen West and Dovercourt.
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