Jennalee M.
Yelp
If it wasn't for one of the employees, Grey, I would probably give ABC 3 stars. He alone is worth 5 stars for his hard work in what looks like a challenging position.
We visited ABC twice during our stay in Mancos: once for a quick pick up of baked goods and lavender lemonade, and then to sit down for breakfast since our hosts raved about it.
The baked goods were all delicious, as was the lavender lemonade. I didn't know his name at the time, but Grey was working the counter when we came in (following the directions on the sign to go to the right, around the shelves, for carry out). He was very friendly and patient as we chose our treats.
My daughters and I came back a couple days later to eat breakfast. We stayed to the left this time, per the directions, to indicate our desire to be seated. After a bit of a wait, Grey left his position at the counter (taking orders, filling them, and taking payment for carry out customers) when there was a lull and greeted us and took us to a table. He then took our drink orders and left for a bit while we looked over the menu. At that time, I observed a larger party (maybe 7 or 8, including kids) giving their order to another young man.
Grey came back and took our orders. Then, while we were waiting, we watched him bring one coffee container to the self-serve station and told us he was in the middle of brewing the other kind. Meanwhile, he was also working the counter. A few more parties were seated during this time as well, some by the woman baking, some by another employee who was also working the counter. Grey took orders from other tables.
Our food came out relatively quickly, brought by Grey and the baker. We dug in. The food was good overall. Not absolutely fantastic, but decent portions (not too big, not too small) and filling. The breakfast sandwich was a hit for one daughter. The pancakes were different since they were whole wheat sourdough. The green chili on my Mesa Verde Stack could have used a little more flavor, maybe even just more salt.
As we started eating, it occurred to me that I overheard one of the women in the large party order the same thing I did before I ordered, but that party had not yet received their food. Sure enough, a few minutes later as more tables were eating and they weren't, one of the women from the large party went to check and came back angry, ready to walk out. Soon after, their server came out with a single scone and said something about how they're not used to serving large parties and how it was out of his control. He was not apologetic and really didn't help the situation. Luckily, Grey came out then with the beginning of their orders and seemed to save the day with his friendly attitude. We left while they were still eating so I don't know how it all ended up, but I was half expecting a scathing review left on Yelp by now.
We finished eating and put in an order for two lavender lemonades to go. Grey took the order and told me, when we were ready, to go to the counter to pay. I went to the bathroom and came back to the lemonades already on the table, so I sent the girls out to the car while I went to pay.
I ended up having to wait several minutes behind customers ordering for carry out. Finally, the counter cleared and was being worked by the other young man who had been serving the large, disgruntled party. He offered no greeting or indication that he was ready to help me, so I hesitated before going up to him. I let him know what table number and added a couple more things to the bill (a bag of granola and a Congo bar to try later). While I was working with him, Grey was at the other register at the counter entering in orders. I didn't know his name at the time, but I asked for it because I really wanted to leave a review for him.
Overall, the store is lovely and the food is good. It's their customer service system that really needs improvement. As it was, no one really knew who was doing what at any given time and customers were getting neglected.
Another issue with the system is requiring people who sat down to eat to get in line at the counter to pay. When there's a long line of people ordering food, it takes a long time to pay when you've already finished eating and want to clear out of the restaurant.
Finally, there is a sign saying that tips are shared by all employees. I understand that there are many hard workers in the whole cafe. However, when comparing Grey-who was constantly running around, taking orders at both the counter and tables, seating people, brewing coffee, entering orders, and being upbeat and friendly the whole time- to the other young man-who took one table's order, didn't try get their food out in a timely manner, was surly about it, and wasn't very polite at the counter- there's no question who deserved the better tips.
So, thank you, Grey, for doing your best in an inefficient system.