Michelle C.
Yelp
I've been visiting the different Asha spots (Oakland now closed :( and SF) for years. I LOVE their drinks!!! Since working in the downtown Berkeley area, I've visited the shop on University Ave a few times. Interestingly, every time I go, it's the same cashier. The last couple times, I thought, oh maybe they're just having a bad day, and just carry on. However, this time, I must make note of the extremely rude interaction. This is not how you treat customers!
When I was ordering my drink, I asked a couple questions (about the matcha grade, etc.). Each answer was given with disdain, rudeness, and a condescending attitude. It seemed like they were short-tempered and very annoyed. I thought, come on... it's a couple questions about the tea! If you can't stand a mere simple 2 questions, YOU SHOULD NOT BE WORKING AT A TEA SHOP!!! Furthermore, as someone who has worked in the service industry for 12+ years, and still works with customers every day... YOU CAN NOT have piss poor service, especially when it's simple inquiries, like, "can I do light ice?" I don't consider these questions to be difficult, or needing much more than a couple seconds to answer. I really feel sorry for this person's incapacity to field simple questions that 100% pertain to their role, and the product that I am purchasing and about to ingest!
Because of this interaction, I asked, "Can I ask your name?" They seemed appalled and answered. Another barista overheard my asking and they went behind the other side of the counter to talk. This is the area where I would have to go to pick up my drink. I overheard the other barista say, "Oh yea, I just tell them my name is Charlie hahaha." At hearing this I thought, ok, so you're basically making fun of things and telling your coworker to lie whenever people ask. So I asked the other barista, "And your name?" They just said "NO!" And walked away.
This was an extremely discourteous and rude experience. I feel sad for these folks who feel that simple questions about the product are way too much to handle. And then feel threatened when I ask for their names.
Ariana, I don't know who hurt you, but I hope you can take this as honest feedback about the way you treat people. Working in customer service is not for everyone, and that's ok. But if you do want to pursue anything in life that deals with people, please see this as a kind note to reflect on how you wear your emotions and project onto others. People don't deserve to deal with what you're dealing with. I do wish you well, and hope you can find some peace and happiness.
I highly recommend the drinks at Asha, however, I think this location is in dire need of customer service training for ALL staff.