Gibran H.
Yelp
I visited Makers and Finders on a date, February 8th at 11:00 AM--a detail I mention because I can't quite recall the name of the waitress who served us. She had dark hair and glasses, so perhaps that will help pinpoint her. I have to say, the ambiance of the place is spot on, the menu is full of tempting options, and the empanadas and drinks are absolutely delightful. I'm a frequent visitor to the Arts District location, and up until now, I've had no complaints. However, my experience this time was a bit... off.
When I ordered a half-caf matcha latte, I was met with an unexpected level of sarcasm. The waitress, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, scoffed and asked, "Have you never had a matcha latte before? It doesn't come in half-caf. It is what it is." She then proceeded to explain--rather condescendingly--how I could possibly be ignorant enough to ask such a thing, as if I should have been born with an intimate knowledge of matcha culture.
Now, I'm all about good vibes and positive energy, and when the service comes with a heavy dose of negativity, it disrupts my experience. So, I ended up ordering only the latte (which, to be fair, was still enjoyable) and a side of fries to share with my date. But I couldn't manage more than three, as the waitress' gloomy aura made it hard to enjoy anything else.
Despite the less-than-pleasant interaction, the rest of the date, the crowd, and the general vibe of the restaurant were lovely. As someone who trains companies and employees on scaling through culture and socialization, I'd recommend reconsidering the hiring process for certain staff members and fostering a more positive, welcoming atmosphere. Love and good energy go a long way--especially in the service industry.