Mark T.
Yelp
I have to start with the donuts, because later in the review I *might* launch into a mini-tirade. Well, no, that's not entirely true; the 'tirade' is already written, the only thing left to be seen is how you interpret it.
In my two visits here, I was able to try a Tiramisu and a Churro mochi donut. For both, the dough part was okay. It had a bit of that lovely chewiness great mochi donuts have, but seemed to lack some of the moisture and fluffiness amazing mochi donuts have. While perhaps they weren't at peak freshness, what can one expect an hour to closing time.
The tiramisu had a lovely namesake-inspired cream. It had good flavors, and while it was very sweet, this was balanced by the rest of the donut. The Churro was close to a plain - while the coating had some impact, this was minimal.
Ambiance-wise, I walk in and say "this is cute" at the Cherry Tree decor. They have these little metal-framed alcoves (for lack of a better term) with tables, chairs, plastic cherry trees, and posters that give the idea of a window. While the two times I stopped in, it was a grab-and-go affair, I can appreciate the thought.
What wasn't well thought through was the ordering system. Maybe I am becoming a luddite or just a curmudgeon... still, I want to be able to order my donut with the clerk. Instead, I have to use a big touchscreen which asks for my order, my name, and my phone number. That last one is sneaky! The screen contains fine print stating that the number will only be used for order notification... HOWEVER, there is a box checked off that you consent to receiving marketing and promos that must be manually unchecked. Thus, I am forced to ask: which one is it then?! There is no way to skip giving your number, but the system does accept all zeroes or fives. As a final nail in the coffin, the order was called out by number, not name. All this leads me to ask: what's the dang point?! Is it really easier and better for customers to jump through these hoops? I'm going to say "no."
Thus, we are left with average donuts, unnecessary technology, and prices that are a little on the steep side at $4.15 for a single donut, but that is forgivable for a specialty item. Now, because my annoyance at the tech and belief that the more I give out my phone number the more calls I get about my spaceships extended warranty is more a 'me' thing, I decided not to count it against them too heavily, and left the review at a three-star level.
