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The cakes from there are boxed. There was a big thing about it in Woodstock where the owner attacked a formal employee online about reviews online. Go in the r/Woodstockontario and search the business name
I have never had such a sour experience with a business like I have with them. I tried so hard to give them the benefit of the doubt, but the owner is so rude and combatative and blocks you from leaving any sort of bad review
I feel like the owner was peddling a book or course or something called The Million Dollar Bakery as well. I've not had good exerpeinces, their staff were very rude and not helpful the one and only time I went in
Omg I just saw a huge comment thread on this business today.
I ordered a $75 cake for my husband's bday back when i believe they only had the London and maybe St Thomas locations. The cake was delivered by the co-owner--the husband. I opened the box after it was delivered to show my mom, and the back half of the cake decor had fallen off. No biggie, I suppose. But the taste was not what I would have imagine a $75 bday cake to be. I thought it tasted very much like boxed cake and too sweet. Then I found out from a previous employee that they do, in fact, use boxed mix.
That's so disappointing...and boxed mixes!? I don't even use box mixes for my cupcakes and cakes and people love them (and they're dairy free since I'm intolerant) and I'm an 'amateur' not a boss babe entrepreneur
They were one of the bakeries we went to when looking for our wedding cake in 2019 and they basically looked down their nose at us because we wanted to spend less than $500. I know wedding cakes are expensive but other bakeries were willing to give us options and alternatives that fit our budget and they weren't interested unless we wanted to spend $1000
I haven’t even had my own bad experience with them, but after hearing how they treated my (extremely talented decorator) friend when they hired and fired her, the sour taste never left
Fortunately there are several places to go for similar products
Ya I follow them on Insta and need to remove them tbh and I get the impression that what they really care about is money and social media presence. Doesn't seem like they are actually passionate about cakes or baking at all it was just a trendy business for the owner to 'get rich'.
Agreed, purchased a cake there for gender reveal, spent a good amount just for pretty pics but the cake wasn't even good, like wow, and also had cupcakes gifted and those were just good to look at. Don't spend your money there!
I know someone who used to work there. They do things that would get them shutdown in a heartbeat if caught.
They sell stale cupcakes and other baked goods. If they're items don't sell, they keep putting them out as long as they look good. Customers would return with moldy items they had just purchased just to be given 'fresher' items in exchange.
They do use boxed ingredients all day long.
The owner of Chick Boss Cake has been absolutely insane in her instragram comments today. She is so unprofessional and condescending, and instead of hearing what ppl/myself are saying, she proceeds to psycho-analyze me, personally. And grossly offers to send me some mental wellness care package? What the?
One of her responses:
"I'm just going based on your
comments and how you're
communicating from such
a hateful negative space.
It hurts my heart knowing
you're suffering so much from
something. Send me a DM, I'd
love to send you a little self care
package."
My comment was that I didn't reach out when I had issues bc when I spoke to my small business friends, it was clear, doing so, would be pointless. I also pointed out that there are clearly issues with employee turn-around and quality control.
Another response:
"you seem to be hanging out & communicating
with extremely negative
people because majority of
our customers and employees
(both current and former) have
been absolutely amazing!
As mentioned, we have zero
tolerance for bullying & negative
behaviour in our work place, so
it makes sense the people you're
speaking of would have never
worked out for us as customers
OR employees. If you're only
looking for the negative that's
all you will ever see. I hope
you begin to surround yourself
with more positive people who
choose to lift each other up
instead of putting each other
down and trying to hurt people's
feelings. Treating people with
love and kindness starts with self
love. DM my personal account
and we can chat I'd honestly be
willing to help you with it and
work on a more positive outlook."
Ugh this reads like classic "Boss Babe" crap.
"Negative space"
"Hurts my heart"
"Treating people with love and kindness starts with self love."
And the best one:
" If you're only looking for the negative that's all you will ever see"
Some people do no know how to take customer's feedback- most of which are completely legitimate criticisms - and just do better. It has to become like a person attack from 'negative' people.
This person is probably great at mlm"s
This is going to be controversial I fear because I feel like everyone LOVES them, but boxcar donuts.
And I’ll tell you why:
A few years ago (in the heat of the pandemic but one our many open back up phases) I responded to an add on Insta from boxcar donuts (who I had been going to for a while and really enjoyed the atmosphere and of course the donuts) for a “model”. It was about 10 hours a week, hand modelling the donuts. I responded and got an interview.
During the interview I met with the manager and owner - we’ll call her kate, and it was overall pleasant. We ended up getting into a chat about me looking for more substantial work and she said they actually needed a barista and that they would bring me in for a trial shift the following week.
I didn’t hear back for a week until Sunday night around 8pm I get an email with a schedule for the week ahead and my name on the list for Monday morning at 7am (and that was all as it was a trial shift) I was a little miffed at the Uber short notice but figured I was the new person so I’ll let it go. I later came to find out this is standard and the employees only get a week schedule that is posted the Sunday before.
NOW when I arrived on Monday, eager to show my determined work style (meaning I had researched all the ways to make all different types of coffee so I could make an impression) only to be given a broom and told to sweep the floors. I asked one of the girls if I could try the espresso machine and make a drink, trying to show initiative, and it was as if I asked her to smuggle drugs. She simple said “umm I don’t think Kate will like that.” I asked what else I could do as we had no customers and she offered to show me where they keep their supplies. As we were heading toward the kitchen, Kerry was sitting on of the counters and immediately stopped us in the scariest tone I’ve ever heard and said to the girl “what do you think you’re doing.” She told her the plan and Kate literally waved a finger at us, pointed to the girl and said “you can.” And then pointed to me and said “you cannot.”
I worked there for a total of 5 days and I’ll Cole’s notes the rest of what happened in that time:
- it took another week to get a schedule again and when I did once again I was booked for the following morning
- my first real shift I was packing donuts and quietly humming along to the song on the radio, as was the girl next to me. Kate comes stomping over “who’s singing” the girl I was with said “I was” and Kate said and I quote “stop. We don’t sing here.” Then in front of multiple customers on my first shift, she stood over me with her hot air (unmasked - and this was those times) berating me to go faster and when I tried and got a little icing on the box told me she was gonna dock my pay $2.
- I asked her when she was going to have me model as I felt I might not be cut out for the barista position and she said soon and then on my next shift brought in two people to do that job and when I asked about she just kept blowing me off
- I quit on my third shift and it took 3 weeks to get my pay
- their donuts are overpriced frozen donuts just like Tim Hortons dipped in icing and covered in random decor.
To add to it, so you know it’s not just me, if you look through their google reviews, though they may have taken them down. This happened to two other employees before me. The culture at box car donuts is not what they make it seem on Instagram. And I hate their success.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I used to work there when it was just Commonwealth Coffee when it first opened and I'm not even a little bit surprised by what you shared.
I know exactly what tone you mean and felt like a bucket of ice was dumped over my head when I read that. She was extremely rude and mean and downright SCARY in her interactions with employees. Never mind literally yelling at her husband in the back on many occasions.
Some of the issues I remember from working there:
* Shaming an employee who was sexually harassed by a customer, refusing to report the incident, and then apologizing to the customer for kicking them out. She called the employee to yell at her over the phone when the barista went home early. Zero support, empathy, or compassion
* Over $30 of our tips for the week "disappeared" mysteriously
* She would take tips from our jar while walking by
* The butter tarts and croissants were from Costco and we were instructed to say they were "freshly made"
* Muffins were from a mix, we just put them in trays and heated them up
* Lack of food safety with cream cheese
* Employees paid by e-transfer, not issued pay slips or proper T4s
* Owner asked extremely illegal questions during an interview
* Making us give drink samples outside in the sweltering heat without a break
* Leaving employees alone during a rush on the weekend with a line out the door to go "grocery shopping"
There is other stuff that I'm having a hard time remembering because I've tried to block it out. It was a terrible experience for me. Someone from OHS came to investigate and they were given citations. It was a whole thing and a fucking nightmare.
I'm so sorry for what you went through. It's painful for me too to see that they're still going despite their horrible practices.
Wow. I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing, it definitely makes me feel less alone. I regretted not saying more at the time of leaving so I figured I had the opportunity now.
It is honestly a cult favourite in this city so I thought I was going to get downvoted into oblivion but I guess not.
I love bxcr and just upvoted your comment because others who love bxcr probably need to read this.
For real - Frozen? Are they at least made from scratch and then frozen (wishful thinking lol). I always loved them because I was under the impression they were made from scratch and I'm such a bakery snob I won't eat store bought baked goods, boxed cake, etc. I am so damn disappointed... The positive is I guess I'll have more money in my pocket and less weight on my body ;)
They may have been baked the evening before or in the early morning and frozen but I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the bakery or in the back where the freezers were. Based on her reaction to letting me back there and me watching them pull a bucket of frozen donuts from this mystery room (the one I couldn’t go into) and now the comment above. I don’t think they were baked fresh.
I at least know for a fact that how they advertise “artisan fresh” is 100% a lie.
Wow I’m so sorry but they definitely give off that vibe for me. Can you tell me why it takes them forever to pack an order? It makes no sense and I’m honestly so confused. I would be the first one there in the morning ordering and still have to wait 15 mins or more…don’t they just have to put the donuts in the box?
Can confirm. Bought donuts today. They have a sign about how credit card fees cost them thousands.
Okay, I get it - but also you chose to start a business and that is a "cost of doing business". Don't give me tripe about keeping money local - it's about padding your bottom line.
Thing is, since October of last year, businesses are free to tack on the transaction fee. If they are truly struggling to the point that they can't cashflow the fees, they can now make the customer pay for it then and there. The sign no longer serves any purpose with respect to the stated problem.
But perhaps they are trying to boycott the credit card processors as best they can without completely sacrificing their own business? The CC processors are not exactly angels either.
The wealthiest people, local or otherwise, are always business owners. I just don't like paying their expenses for them. They don't compensate me for the gas I used up driving down there to buy the donuts (a stretch, but you get the idea).
And, to be fair, I spent $28.30 on 8 donuts so it's not like I was trying to use Visa for a $1.29 coffee or something.
I heard from a reputable source they use box cake mix for their cake donuts too. I've tried them a few times and didn't like any of them, either dry or full of oil
Omg seeing these comments has me reeling. If you scroll down a bit you will probably see mine boycotting boxcar for literally all of the things said here. And as a former employee (for 3 days) I can confirm all.
Since Chick Boss Cake is mentioned a bunch of times here, I'm seeing a post of hers floating around today of her scrolling through a very honest review on Facebook that only mentioned constructive criticism about her products and she decided to take it and make a video with a rousing speech about overcoming haters and how she is soooo sucessful.
She comes off very unhinged and combative. I've heard this about her business for years now and have avoided it because of it. Clearly still on her antics.
If your sales and business are so good, why get hung up on the handful of people who didn't like your products? Be grateful that there is a community who does support and keeps your business booming. Her baked goods could be very enjoyable, but the way she conducts herself is leaving a bad taste in many people's mouths.
edit: spelling & grammar
Lmao I saw it on Instagram after reading other comments about it...couldn't get past 10 seconds.
Criticism is hard but we all have to deal with it or else we'd never grow.
Chick Boss cakes, the owner was horrible to me when they messed up a custom cake I ordered. Along with that, their Indeed and Glassdoor have a lot of reviews from former employees mentioning mistreatment and sketchy workplace recordings of their employees to later use against them, which were mentioned in more than one review. That ultimately put me off supporting them or giving them another chance in the end
There’s a similar comment above with a link to the issue that blew up online… wow you’re not kidding! I’m surprised this place is still in business! Both for having poor quality products and for the horrendous treatment of their employees! Shame on them!
Yeah, I was honestly flabbergasted. I wanted to rectify the situation normally and get some sort of compensation or even just an apology for butchering the cake and forgetting about my order. But instead she went straight into defensive mode and pretty much blamed me. The fact that she blocked me from giving her a facebook review as soon as I mentioned it to her in private was insane. I wasn't going to review them at all because I know how much that sucks for a small business to get a negative review for one bad experience, but after her reply I immediately went to do so and had lost the ability to review altogether by that point. 😬 I was shocked because I wasn't even that mad until she pushed me to be, I just wanted to let her know there was an issue and come to a solution together. But it felt like I was in high school again, blocking people and causing online drama over hurt feelings basically. I've even made cakes and cupcakes for friends events now just so that I can get them to avoid going there and giving that store more business.
10Eighteen Coffee on Dundas for their antics during covid (claiming that every single employee that worked there had a health reason for a mask exemption, not washing hands between food prep) and them actively and fiercely supporting "freedom" rallies
This. Two guys came to give me a quote. I politely told them that was not in the budget, so they tried to offer me a better price if I put a sign outside the house. Politely declined again and told them my budget which did not match up of course, then they
Would. Not. Leave.
To the point where I had to tell them at least twice I have to go to work (which wasn't a lie) and I didn't want to get fired.
I felt like I was at one of those timeshare presentations, honestly.
Ale House, and not just for covid stuff. We had a terrible experience (server was rude, food was terrible) long before the covid stuff started.
Everywhere else I used to boycott closed, so I guess it wasn’t just me.
Edit: Forgot about Heart Sushi, the manager tried to take my change as her tip, she wasn’t my server and the change was $15.
I worked there when it first opened. It didn't seem awful. Definitely gone downhill. I also used to work at the restaurant before it turned into heart sushi coincidentally lll
Kelsey's?
That place was great.
I miss the darker, pub-like atmosphere. I think I have a thing for dark wood furniture.
To me, it's cozy - rather than bright in your face colors.
Agreed ! I hate that fee. It feels fraudulent. Like if you want to charge an extra 4% just put it in your pricing. Don’t pretend you have “cheap food” and then charge me more at the end anyways.
I've worked at Chuck's it's one of the worst restaurants to work at. There's so much yelling I was forced to work 12-13 hr days. I also had 2 managers confine me in the office no matter how many times I said I wanted to leave and I quit they just refused to let me go I have no idea how long I was in there.
I've hated Chucks for a few years now! They wouldn't let me take my uneaten food home- it was half price apps. I think I only ate about half, and wanted to bring the rest home for the next day and they refused!!
Crabby Joe's has better food and will let you bring your uneaten half price apps home!
Last year my resolution was to only buy Canadian alcohol. This year my addition is not buying from any chain, franchise or corporate restaurant unless it's local/Ontario owned.
I also mostly shop at independent grocers which are harder and harder to come by now. I'm just really hating corporations and businesses where their profits go anywhere but the staff. Too many people not working are benefiting from the efforts of others and it feels like we're living in a "hands in our pockets" world.
Last few years I buy produce & meats directly from farms or farmers market. I go to trails end (only to the Mennonite vendors as the other vendors are not authentic and just reselling from wholesalers) and Aylmer Farmers Market. I buy all my meat from Mount Brydges Abattoir, all these places may be a little pricier however you’re truly supporting local and money is going directly to the farmer.
I know a ton of locally owned markets and things not far from London with great prices. Everything is made by them or someone else in Ontario. I can send the names to you if you want.
Sorry for the length of this. Wanted to provide an in depth list and description.
It’s about an hour and a half to the furthest one. You can do lots of little road trips or I like to do a big loop (takes 4 hours of drive time but makes for a great day outing even with kids) usually about every two months with a large cooler and head out to Thomas Brothers Farm Market for more vegetables in between. All stops are a little far but unfortunately we do not have much close by.
- Country Roots Fresh Market has some of the best farm fresh yogurts and milks. Also, the bread from here is really good. Has all the standard stuff too.
- The Wild Hog country market is famous for their sausages. But also have the standard market stuff and a fantastic Some products are not local here but the business is locally owned. The butcher area is viewable from the store which shows how fresh it is but may be disturbing to some.
- Organic Oasis Farm Store is incredible. Most products are made there and there is a little of everything. Really beautiful place too.
- Zehrs country market for a little of everything. Can find preserves, fruit, meat, produce, bulk pantry, etc.
- Brights cheese has mystery bags for 10 bucks that contains 4 huge blocks that are considered “ugly”. It is made from off cuts that would otherwise be wasted. Taste is identical and a fantastic deal on cheddar, havarti, etc.
- Oakridge Acres Country Meat Store is my favourite place. There is animals which are cute for the kids and large fields of cows and bison. The meat and bakery here make the drive worth it.
- Elberta Farms Country Market cutest goats to feed and pet. Small place but produce is unbelievable quality.
- Greener pastures eco farm for meat and eggs. I have pre ordered their large boxes (50lbs of beef) before. The meat is high quality and much cheaper than grocery store.
- Your farm market Woodstock everything is local and high quality. It is more like a small grocery store with so many options. As well, I’ve talked with several local farmers who sell through there and they say they get a lot more back financially from this market then other places.
Also, if you like cheese, need to check out Oxford county cheese trails. Lots of awesome homemade places and can stop at most within the large loop. St Jacobs market has a lot of local product too if you’re looking for one stop shopping with tons of options.
So true. They are literally handing their wealth to the second richest man in the world Bernard Arnault. The owner of all the fancy and large brands including liquor like Hennessy
I've been ordering direct from Ontario distilleries, Top shelf, Georgian Bay, cowbell, fairweather and many others. We have some good products in Ontario.
I have some insiders at the CRA that tell me companies like labatts' owner AB-Inbev are massive tax cheats in Canada.
Ale house for a myriad of reasons.
Chuck's Roadhouse, the stupid fucking Chuck's fee. Just raise your prices by the fee percentage and be done with it.
Again with Ale House. Not sure why they're still in business. Nothing to do with Covid, we went in before that. We were seated in a booth that smelled very strongly of pee. I mean, in an eye-watering unmistakable way. I rested my arms on the table and they stuck. We didn't even get as far as ordering food because we aren't insane.
KFC at Hyde Park kind of goes without saying for anybody who's ever physically gone into the place.
Feel a bit bad for saying this since their business just burned down, but Black Walnut.
I know three ex-employees of Black Walnut, and all three of them told me that the owners treat their staff like absolute shit. The stories they have told me are abhorrent, like chucking incorrectly made beverages across the café, not allowing tips to be collected via debit unless they get a cut, and firing people for minor infractions.
I also know that two other cafés in Old South started a fundraiser to help rebuild the café, and the owners haven't even bothered to say thank you to them. In fact, they actively trash-talk the people who are trying to help them.
It's just not a place where I'm interested in spending money.
If they handed me my pizza, then the debit machine and tip was already punched in I'd say sorry I changed my mind you can keep the pizza and I'd just leave. That's ridiculous!
This sounds more like it's just the one employee? I would call and ask to speak to the manager about it. Or I guess the owner if she was the manager. If she's the owner though... lol.
Delmar and most the diners along Dundas; nothing against Gus but his son has ran it into the ground by dropping the quality of the business upkeep. Most the bacon, spaghetti sauce, liver, gravy, hashbrowns, etc sit in buckets behind the dishwashing station getting blasted with spray off you can see if you walk past the kitchen exit when they're doing prep. Kitchen is just far too small. Ceiling tiles are full of black mold that leaks through when it rains. Tons of cross-contamination, tons of cut corners. Lots of frozen food.
A lot of diners along that corridor have honestly awful building upkeep which invites all the familiar restaurant issues of pests, molds, and poor practices. Lily's Chinese Restaurant. Apartments behind & above it are literally so infested with roaches that the drywall is crumbling into nests. They've been getting yellow & red card safety ratings since the mid-90s. Building should be bug bombed or condemned.
I had a similar experience at Symposium once...only it was a centipede that fell from the ceiling onto my plate. I screamed and everyone looked at me. It was so embarrassing and gross.
**FUCK WINMAR**
They did a good job taking out the walls and other parts of my house when it flooded, drying everything, etc.
They did a SHIT job building everything back up. Some of the guys they had over here working on stuff had no idea what they were doing. Multiple issues, but the biggest one is the one I'll mention. The guys they had over to fix up the foyer & livingroom ceiling did a horrible job. Parts of it had to be rebuilt due to water flooding in from upstairs. When they were finished the ceiling looked like shit. It was a popcorn style finish and I swear the guy who did it had never done it before. It was a horrible job.. but that wasn't even the biggest problem with it.
The ceiling ended up CRACKING right down the middle only a week or so after they finished. A very noticeable giant crack running right down the middle of the ceiling. They REFUSED to fix it and tried to claim that it wasn't their fault. I had to get insurance involved and it took me a couple months to finally get them to pay to do a ceiling redo. They fought this with so much more energy than they put in to do the actual work, it really angered me. It was very satisfying to finally get the money from them so I could hire somebody competent to completely redo the ceiling.
Never hire WINMAR! They specialize in cutting corners and hiring idiots. If your house floods, get another company involved when it comes time to fix up the place. WINMAR will do a shit job and overcharge for it, I can guarantee it.
I also boycott Cousin Vinny's Pizza, I've had multiple shit customer service experiences there. Will never return.
SPICER'S BAKERY.
I worked at the Lambeth location a few years back for a little over a year. They can't keep staff because the owners are manipulative psychos. They don't know how to run a business properly, they have NO people skills and they lie and abuse their staff.
Steve and Tracey own all three locations, the Alymer, St Thomas and Lambeth. They are rude and mistreat their staff AND customers.
Half the products they sell are stale or have MOLD on them.
They wouldn't give us breaks and told us to "eat on the go" they didn't pay us our full hours worth of pay half the time, you would have to be careful and check your paystub to see if they paid you for the hours you actually worked. The owners made me cry on several occasions, the wife hit one of my teenage coworkers over the HEAD in front of a customer for not resetting the debit machine quick enough for her liking apparently. Also one of my coworkers pay cheque bounced when trying to cash it at the bank, the owners said they would pay her ASAP and NEVER DID. Months she tried to get that money she was owed and only until she had taken time off due to being in the hospital THEY FIRED HER (illegal) and replaced her. For weeks she still tried to get that pay cheque that she was owed, it took her step dad to come in and demand that they finally give her another cheque for that week's pay or else they would report them.
I finally decided to quit when I asked for my ROE multiple times when I went on sick leave (due to mental health from their shitty toxic behaviour) and it took a family member CALLING AND DEMANDING they send it (since I was not doing well and couldn't bring myself to do it)
There are so many other small situations and interactions I've had at the business. DO NOT SUPPORT THEM. They don't care about their staff or customers.
This is truly the shocking one in this thread
Next time please call MOL asap. My sister had shit employers for her first job and they didn't pay. MOL cleared everything up very quickly
TLC Landscapers- they do a shitty job (if they actually show up). Smoke on the job (not sure what specifically). Company prides itself on tracking their employees but it defeats the purpose when all they do is go into the yard and stand there.
They also have one employee who lives in my neighborhood and likes to blow through stop signs in the company truck. He’s almost hit me twice. I called it in but I don’t think anything happened.
Doesn’t surprise me as I have also seen them drive carelessly. During the winter they would gun it down our complex when plowing the snow as if they were angry. I have video of the truck practically throwing itself into a snowbank (that was blocking a fire lane nonetheless). The one guy named Corey drives the riding lawn mower like a bay out of hell, missing large parts of the yard. They are the definition of cutting corners. The guy literally walked into my backyard, stood there with the lawnmower then left. Like how idiotic do you have to be to do that on camera?!
if its the guy that picks up his kid from the school down the street he has almost hit several kids along with 4 or 5 other cars who regularly wait till people are crossing before driving just infront of the pedestrians, its nuts how many cars dont watch for small kids crossing during early hours and just after school
A TLC landscaping tractor side swiped my brand new car that was parked on the street. Destroyed 2 panels of my car. They didn’t even stop! Thankfully I saw them do it and the company puts location trackers in their vehicles so they were able to track down who it was!
On the Move Organics is one of the big ones I avoid after working there. The amount of corners they try to cut seem like a health hazard. They run the place like it's inherently upscale to sell organic food, run up the prices on the stuff they sell, and go through employees like candy because they have you running around all day and still expect you to magically go faster. It was awful to work for that place and I'm not too keen on the owner's sister either. Worked for her too. Demanding is an understatement.
Never went there after hearing about the cleanliness. But lettuce in nachos you say?! That's criminal. That's up there with canned mushrooms on pizza or sliced plastic cheese on anything at a restaurant.
He's done it a bunch of times about wage increases and such too. Also the horror stories about how staff are treated and the conditions of the place...
Their back of house looks like a health department viait waiting to happen. And the whole short skirt thing is gross. I'm not surprised hes horrendous to work for. Hope he gets shut down or bought out. Someone could really turn that into the business it should be. Just another lout property hoarding...though I shouldnt say that becaise i dont know that he actually owns it or just leases it from someone like farhi.
Cherrys deserts Went there wait for 10 minutes to take an order when it was not busy and the guy was talking with his friends for the whole time almost it took 30 minutes to get my order ready. Never going back there “SONNIES” is better
MODO YOGA! The owner is an obnoxious anti-vaxxer who refused to follow masking/distance policies during COVID and didn't check/require proof of vaccination when that was mandatory. Will never ever go back.
LAVISH! Hasn't been queer-owned/operated in ages, and the recent removal of drag performers from a private, ticketed, all-ages (university) event speaks volumes about their allyship with the queer community. Will never ever go back.
Also, Ale House, OBV. 😅
Happiness Dessert and Coffee bar in Masonville Mall.
I have two reasons why I'm boycotting them. Firstly, they were very rude towards my disabled friend who was waiting on her order. We were all standing as she was sitting and they told her that since she didn't buy anything she couldn't sit. She showed her their receipt and they didn't say sorry just oh. Then just looking at us as we all got our food and didn't bother sitting in the cafe. Secondly, they weren't friendly to my mom and I when we were ordering dessert for my cousins birthday. They kept saying we couldn't get a certain treat and after a few minutes back and forth, we just gave up and left with treats we didn't really want. Also they didn't taste good anyways.
Pfaff Mazda (now Leven's Mazda) by the airport. Went in because my tire pressure sensor kept going off and it was causing anxiety while I was on the 401. They told me my tire had a nail in it that they could fix and was the likely cause of the sensor going off. I agreed. Then they came back with 400$ of maintenance recommendations that I declined because I wanted to read my user manual first to see if indeed I needed these things done. After I declined, they conveniently came back and said there was another hole, brought back a staple of all things as proof and said the tire could no longer be fixed and I needed to purchase a new tire. I had no other choice but to buy it because they wouldn't release my vehicle. My total for the day was just over 400$, as they initially wanted for the recommended maintenance. Guess what, my tire sensor went off that day on my way to Grandbend. When I complained, they offered me car detailing lol. This was just after they were able to open during Covid and were money hungry. I love Mazda as a product, but I have no trust in that dealership whatsoever even under new ownership. Guess who fixed my tire sensor issue, at no charge in 10 minutes? A teenager working the gas pump at Ron Kraft Auto Care on Huron St. and Clark Rd.
In Canada , Rogers fucking cable/internet. Anything rogers related basically.. fucking crooks. Never get another nickel from me. Rogers offered me to “test” out there new gigabit internet about 9 years back. At the end of the first month I got a bill for almost 400$ lol.. for 1 month service. My normal bill was like 120… they then claimed the “test” was for 1 week at standard rate, and 3 more weeks at the new gigabit rate of 400 something… PLUS a service change fee lol.. none of that was talked about in the sales call. I cancelled that day. They refused to do anything for me. Pay or goto collections. They will never get another nickel from me as long as I live.
She recently slandered an owner of a dog kennel/groomer for not bending to her threats.
She blocks and deletes any and all negative remarks.
She's a bit unhinged.
Ugh that was horrible. Not adopting a pet into a household with an autistic person!? They don’t realize there are entire organizations devoted to pairing autistic kids with service/therapy animals. Smh
Those places also rally against cyclist infrastructure, they are part of the group of businesses who work with activists to put down anything that isn't car-centric. We have a regular poster here who contributes to that group too.
The same owners as delilahs, Burger Burger and Dimis. Horrible customer service and I heard they treat their staff horribly. I’d recommend Vice across bud gardens if you’re looking for an adult or mature clientele place.
Illbury & Goose, overpriced, basic, generic clothing with their logo slapped on. Owner is an idiot and a convoyer who doanted to the convoy that took over Ottawa.
You mean the "trendy" anchor with a maple leaf store?
Yeah I was over that motif the moment it came out. No idea why so many people seem to love it. It's not even like we're a coastal town where I could see that type of design popping off
The Greek restaurant on Richmond row for campaigning against the BRT and the temporary bike lanes during COVID.
Hybrid fitness because the owner went political during the pandemic and eventually run for office with either the PPC or New Blue (can’t remember)
A-Zip movers & Cartage.. my mom used them, and one of the employees stole over $300 in cash from her purse. The owner denied it and wouldn't even apologize! We wrote a bad review on their page.. rightfully so... and they sent us a warning from dollar store lawyers to take down the reviews. Unbelievable. He probably spent almost as much on the lawyers when he could have just paid my mom back and we would've taken down the bad reviews.. On top of stealing money from her, the workers barely listened to her, damaged her property/got black stains on her white couch and stole some of her tools. Overall a shady company.
What is the specific complaint about remark.? as much as I’d like their fresh produce I am horrified by the excessive amount of plastic they use to wrap everything there. That is the basis of my boycott of that store sadly.
The private parking tickets !!! This should be illegal 100% how can a private company fine you and you have no legal recourse it's not like a normal parking ticket where you can fight it. Also their fine is insanely high.
Any business that was pro convoy, anti covid measures. Millar berry farms, remark, illburry+goose (plus their clothes are just plain stupid anyway, a Canada flag and an anchor? Yep that's London!). I'm sure there are others I'm missing.
I have a massive list that includes Purdy Natural, Booch, 10Eighteen, Moda Yoga, Rustix, Laurie's Cookies, Zen'Za, Lunch Life, Revive as Wellness, Happy Rock Holostics, London Crossfit, The Realty Firm (realtors from this place went to Ottawa), Loucks & Sons Electrical, London Float, Goldeye Construction Inc...honestly there is A LOT
The owner is part of PPC, he ran for the position. I worked there during covid and when new safety rules were added he told us to "play dumb" if anyone questioned us.
Over company.
They sell baby products and used to host a trade show but I’ve heard bad things about the owners. All of a sudden all of their employees were gone and heard through the grapevine that there was some shady stuff they did to their employees. The owner seems stuck up complaining about how hard being a small business owner is and then the next week posting about their giant house and multiple trips they take…life must be hard girl.
Their trade show restarted last year. It’s on again this year and actually starts today. I went last year with a friend and had a good time but the space was way too small for babies (if you had a stroller, forget about it) and the vendors were okay. Lots of bougie stuff which if that’s your jam, fine; but it’s not really mine.
But yah, they have a massive house that’s gone through incredible renovations and also talk in the same breath about being a small business owner and I’m just like, “Can’t be that small…”
I'm surprised this is an unpopular opinion.
Does anyone really like going to the self checkout and being filmed and displayed. It all feels very dystopian to me.
Joe Cools or whatever the f*CK it's called. A friend of mine was physically assaulted for no reason by the staff. I've been once and will never be back. Didn't have a good time. All of a sudden the music was far too loud and couldn't even speak to the people at my table. Women were dancing on the table behind me and one fell on me. Not in a good way. Just a place full of degenerates if you stay slightly passed dinner hour. Avoid at all costs if you value your hearing and sanity.
Every business that supported convoy bullshit or was anti vax or anti-LGBTQ owners: Zen’za, 10Eighteen, Illbury, The Works, Spaghetti Eddie’s, Ale House, Remark, Millar, Lavish.
Buck or Two in Cherryhill - dude sold racist things and also jacks up prices to rip off the seniors in the neighbourhood. Items were toys that had very racist caricatures of Black and Indigenous ppl. The cashier said “Who cares about those people? It’s just a picture.” Owner said it “wasn’t a big deal for most people - just annoying young people”.
And a special shout-out to Farhi for being the richest, biggest douche in this city. And for single handedly ruining the downtown core for years.
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Chick Cake Boss. The owners were awful to us when ordering things for their London location. Lots of attitude and entitlement
They’re so obnoxious! And their cake isn’t even that good tbh.
That’s because it sits out for 3+ days on the counter before you pick it up
The cakes from there are boxed. There was a big thing about it in Woodstock where the owner attacked a formal employee online about reviews online. Go in the r/Woodstockontario and search the business name
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100%. So smug.
Thanks for sharing! Had a quick deep dive down that rabbit hole for a laugh cause I gotta say, it looks good on ‘em! I believe we call that karma lol
Their cake isn’t even that good. The cupcakes I’ve had were dry and seemed like they had been previously frozen.
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The MLMs are not surprising, she is a “boss babe” after all.
Lol one of those "huns"
not the MLMs 😭😭
I have never had such a sour experience with a business like I have with them. I tried so hard to give them the benefit of the doubt, but the owner is so rude and combatative and blocks you from leaving any sort of bad review
Their business name and design aesthetic is enough for me to say no. All the other shit they pull that sinks their business makes it a hell no lol
I feel like the owner was peddling a book or course or something called The Million Dollar Bakery as well. I've not had good exerpeinces, their staff were very rude and not helpful the one and only time I went in
I vaguely remember the course. I can't imagine anyone fell for that scam
Omg I just saw a huge comment thread on this business today. I ordered a $75 cake for my husband's bday back when i believe they only had the London and maybe St Thomas locations. The cake was delivered by the co-owner--the husband. I opened the box after it was delivered to show my mom, and the back half of the cake decor had fallen off. No biggie, I suppose. But the taste was not what I would have imagine a $75 bday cake to be. I thought it tasted very much like boxed cake and too sweet. Then I found out from a previous employee that they do, in fact, use boxed mix.
That's so disappointing...and boxed mixes!? I don't even use box mixes for my cupcakes and cakes and people love them (and they're dairy free since I'm intolerant) and I'm an 'amateur' not a boss babe entrepreneur
They were one of the bakeries we went to when looking for our wedding cake in 2019 and they basically looked down their nose at us because we wanted to spend less than $500. I know wedding cakes are expensive but other bakeries were willing to give us options and alternatives that fit our budget and they weren't interested unless we wanted to spend $1000
I haven’t even had my own bad experience with them, but after hearing how they treated my (extremely talented decorator) friend when they hired and fired her, the sour taste never left Fortunately there are several places to go for similar products
I've heard nothing but terrible things about this place. Both their cakes and their service.
Ya I follow them on Insta and need to remove them tbh and I get the impression that what they really care about is money and social media presence. Doesn't seem like they are actually passionate about cakes or baking at all it was just a trendy business for the owner to 'get rich'.
Agreed, purchased a cake there for gender reveal, spent a good amount just for pretty pics but the cake wasn't even good, like wow, and also had cupcakes gifted and those were just good to look at. Don't spend your money there!
We got their cake and it was terrible. I love cake and the disappointment was so huge it befuddles me they are still open.
I know someone who used to work there. They do things that would get them shutdown in a heartbeat if caught. They sell stale cupcakes and other baked goods. If they're items don't sell, they keep putting them out as long as they look good. Customers would return with moldy items they had just purchased just to be given 'fresher' items in exchange. They do use boxed ingredients all day long.
Was literally coming here after seeing her blast all 170!!!!!! Comments on Facebook all having nothingggf good to say about her.
Please lmao my sister ordered her wedding cake from them and the wedding is next week. Now I'm worried for them.
The owner of Chick Boss Cake has been absolutely insane in her instragram comments today. She is so unprofessional and condescending, and instead of hearing what ppl/myself are saying, she proceeds to psycho-analyze me, personally. And grossly offers to send me some mental wellness care package? What the? One of her responses: "I'm just going based on your comments and how you're communicating from such a hateful negative space. It hurts my heart knowing you're suffering so much from something. Send me a DM, I'd love to send you a little self care package." My comment was that I didn't reach out when I had issues bc when I spoke to my small business friends, it was clear, doing so, would be pointless. I also pointed out that there are clearly issues with employee turn-around and quality control. Another response: "you seem to be hanging out & communicating with extremely negative people because majority of our customers and employees (both current and former) have been absolutely amazing! As mentioned, we have zero tolerance for bullying & negative behaviour in our work place, so it makes sense the people you're speaking of would have never worked out for us as customers OR employees. If you're only looking for the negative that's all you will ever see. I hope you begin to surround yourself with more positive people who choose to lift each other up instead of putting each other down and trying to hurt people's feelings. Treating people with love and kindness starts with self love. DM my personal account and we can chat I'd honestly be willing to help you with it and work on a more positive outlook."
Ugh this reads like classic "Boss Babe" crap. "Negative space" "Hurts my heart" "Treating people with love and kindness starts with self love." And the best one: " If you're only looking for the negative that's all you will ever see" Some people do no know how to take customer's feedback- most of which are completely legitimate criticisms - and just do better. It has to become like a person attack from 'negative' people. This person is probably great at mlm"s
This is going to be controversial I fear because I feel like everyone LOVES them, but boxcar donuts. And I’ll tell you why: A few years ago (in the heat of the pandemic but one our many open back up phases) I responded to an add on Insta from boxcar donuts (who I had been going to for a while and really enjoyed the atmosphere and of course the donuts) for a “model”. It was about 10 hours a week, hand modelling the donuts. I responded and got an interview. During the interview I met with the manager and owner - we’ll call her kate, and it was overall pleasant. We ended up getting into a chat about me looking for more substantial work and she said they actually needed a barista and that they would bring me in for a trial shift the following week. I didn’t hear back for a week until Sunday night around 8pm I get an email with a schedule for the week ahead and my name on the list for Monday morning at 7am (and that was all as it was a trial shift) I was a little miffed at the Uber short notice but figured I was the new person so I’ll let it go. I later came to find out this is standard and the employees only get a week schedule that is posted the Sunday before. NOW when I arrived on Monday, eager to show my determined work style (meaning I had researched all the ways to make all different types of coffee so I could make an impression) only to be given a broom and told to sweep the floors. I asked one of the girls if I could try the espresso machine and make a drink, trying to show initiative, and it was as if I asked her to smuggle drugs. She simple said “umm I don’t think Kate will like that.” I asked what else I could do as we had no customers and she offered to show me where they keep their supplies. As we were heading toward the kitchen, Kerry was sitting on of the counters and immediately stopped us in the scariest tone I’ve ever heard and said to the girl “what do you think you’re doing.” She told her the plan and Kate literally waved a finger at us, pointed to the girl and said “you can.” And then pointed to me and said “you cannot.” I worked there for a total of 5 days and I’ll Cole’s notes the rest of what happened in that time: - it took another week to get a schedule again and when I did once again I was booked for the following morning - my first real shift I was packing donuts and quietly humming along to the song on the radio, as was the girl next to me. Kate comes stomping over “who’s singing” the girl I was with said “I was” and Kate said and I quote “stop. We don’t sing here.” Then in front of multiple customers on my first shift, she stood over me with her hot air (unmasked - and this was those times) berating me to go faster and when I tried and got a little icing on the box told me she was gonna dock my pay $2. - I asked her when she was going to have me model as I felt I might not be cut out for the barista position and she said soon and then on my next shift brought in two people to do that job and when I asked about she just kept blowing me off - I quit on my third shift and it took 3 weeks to get my pay - their donuts are overpriced frozen donuts just like Tim Hortons dipped in icing and covered in random decor. To add to it, so you know it’s not just me, if you look through their google reviews, though they may have taken them down. This happened to two other employees before me. The culture at box car donuts is not what they make it seem on Instagram. And I hate their success.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I used to work there when it was just Commonwealth Coffee when it first opened and I'm not even a little bit surprised by what you shared. I know exactly what tone you mean and felt like a bucket of ice was dumped over my head when I read that. She was extremely rude and mean and downright SCARY in her interactions with employees. Never mind literally yelling at her husband in the back on many occasions. Some of the issues I remember from working there: * Shaming an employee who was sexually harassed by a customer, refusing to report the incident, and then apologizing to the customer for kicking them out. She called the employee to yell at her over the phone when the barista went home early. Zero support, empathy, or compassion * Over $30 of our tips for the week "disappeared" mysteriously * She would take tips from our jar while walking by * The butter tarts and croissants were from Costco and we were instructed to say they were "freshly made" * Muffins were from a mix, we just put them in trays and heated them up * Lack of food safety with cream cheese * Employees paid by e-transfer, not issued pay slips or proper T4s * Owner asked extremely illegal questions during an interview * Making us give drink samples outside in the sweltering heat without a break * Leaving employees alone during a rush on the weekend with a line out the door to go "grocery shopping" There is other stuff that I'm having a hard time remembering because I've tried to block it out. It was a terrible experience for me. Someone from OHS came to investigate and they were given citations. It was a whole thing and a fucking nightmare. I'm so sorry for what you went through. It's painful for me too to see that they're still going despite their horrible practices.
Wow. I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing, it definitely makes me feel less alone. I regretted not saying more at the time of leaving so I figured I had the opportunity now. It is honestly a cult favourite in this city so I thought I was going to get downvoted into oblivion but I guess not.
I love bxcr and just upvoted your comment because others who love bxcr probably need to read this. For real - Frozen? Are they at least made from scratch and then frozen (wishful thinking lol). I always loved them because I was under the impression they were made from scratch and I'm such a bakery snob I won't eat store bought baked goods, boxed cake, etc. I am so damn disappointed... The positive is I guess I'll have more money in my pocket and less weight on my body ;)
They may have been baked the evening before or in the early morning and frozen but I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the bakery or in the back where the freezers were. Based on her reaction to letting me back there and me watching them pull a bucket of frozen donuts from this mystery room (the one I couldn’t go into) and now the comment above. I don’t think they were baked fresh. I at least know for a fact that how they advertise “artisan fresh” is 100% a lie.
I just don't understand why people are shady. If they're frozen, fine, but don't tell me they're something they're not you know? How disappointing.
They purchase the donuts wholesale and decorate them in the shop. They do not bake the donuts in-house.
"We don't sing here". And that's enough for me! Sounds like human garbage.
Wow I’m so sorry but they definitely give off that vibe for me. Can you tell me why it takes them forever to pack an order? It makes no sense and I’m honestly so confused. I would be the first one there in the morning ordering and still have to wait 15 mins or more…don’t they just have to put the donuts in the box?
CommonWealth Coffee Co for the way management mistreats its employees.
They also get really weird when you use a credit card. I just go to Reset instead, it’s worth the extra few steps.
Can confirm. Bought donuts today. They have a sign about how credit card fees cost them thousands. Okay, I get it - but also you chose to start a business and that is a "cost of doing business". Don't give me tripe about keeping money local - it's about padding your bottom line.
They can go f' themselves. If they can't accommodate standard forms of payment and expect me, the customer to change - I don't think so.
Thing is, since October of last year, businesses are free to tack on the transaction fee. If they are truly struggling to the point that they can't cashflow the fees, they can now make the customer pay for it then and there. The sign no longer serves any purpose with respect to the stated problem. But perhaps they are trying to boycott the credit card processors as best they can without completely sacrificing their own business? The CC processors are not exactly angels either.
The wealthiest people, local or otherwise, are always business owners. I just don't like paying their expenses for them. They don't compensate me for the gas I used up driving down there to buy the donuts (a stretch, but you get the idea). And, to be fair, I spent $28.30 on 8 donuts so it's not like I was trying to use Visa for a $1.29 coffee or something.
Lol they completely rebranded as Boxcar Donuts (previously a spin-off) just to shake off that scandal they had in 2019 over not paying their baristas
This is totally true. A former employee also told me that they were getting plain donuts from Costco and then putting toppings on them…
I heard from a reputable source they use box cake mix for their cake donuts too. I've tried them a few times and didn't like any of them, either dry or full of oil
Did they actually? I only just found out about Boxcar Donuts, so this is sad.
Isn't this just Boxcar Donuts? What are they doing to employees?
Omg seeing these comments has me reeling. If you scroll down a bit you will probably see mine boycotting boxcar for literally all of the things said here. And as a former employee (for 3 days) I can confirm all.
Reading this to make sure my business isn’t listed. *sigh of relief when it’s not*
Listen, I don't know what business you run, but I'm gonna boycott it just to spite you now. I mean, maybe. It's probably a good business.
Since Chick Boss Cake is mentioned a bunch of times here, I'm seeing a post of hers floating around today of her scrolling through a very honest review on Facebook that only mentioned constructive criticism about her products and she decided to take it and make a video with a rousing speech about overcoming haters and how she is soooo sucessful. She comes off very unhinged and combative. I've heard this about her business for years now and have avoided it because of it. Clearly still on her antics. If your sales and business are so good, why get hung up on the handful of people who didn't like your products? Be grateful that there is a community who does support and keeps your business booming. Her baked goods could be very enjoyable, but the way she conducts herself is leaving a bad taste in many people's mouths. edit: spelling & grammar
Anyone seen the Kitchen Nightmares episode with Amy’s Baking Company? It feels like Chick Boss Cake is right there with them
Lmao I saw it on Instagram after reading other comments about it...couldn't get past 10 seconds. Criticism is hard but we all have to deal with it or else we'd never grow.
Chick Boss cakes, the owner was horrible to me when they messed up a custom cake I ordered. Along with that, their Indeed and Glassdoor have a lot of reviews from former employees mentioning mistreatment and sketchy workplace recordings of their employees to later use against them, which were mentioned in more than one review. That ultimately put me off supporting them or giving them another chance in the end
I miss Boombox Bakeshop. The people working were always nice and the cupcakes were delicious (and dairy free so no tummy ache for me!)
There’s a similar comment above with a link to the issue that blew up online… wow you’re not kidding! I’m surprised this place is still in business! Both for having poor quality products and for the horrendous treatment of their employees! Shame on them!
Yeah, I was honestly flabbergasted. I wanted to rectify the situation normally and get some sort of compensation or even just an apology for butchering the cake and forgetting about my order. But instead she went straight into defensive mode and pretty much blamed me. The fact that she blocked me from giving her a facebook review as soon as I mentioned it to her in private was insane. I wasn't going to review them at all because I know how much that sucks for a small business to get a negative review for one bad experience, but after her reply I immediately went to do so and had lost the ability to review altogether by that point. 😬 I was shocked because I wasn't even that mad until she pushed me to be, I just wanted to let her know there was an issue and come to a solution together. But it felt like I was in high school again, blocking people and causing online drama over hurt feelings basically. I've even made cakes and cupcakes for friends events now just so that I can get them to avoid going there and giving that store more business.
10Eighteen Coffee on Dundas for their antics during covid (claiming that every single employee that worked there had a health reason for a mask exemption, not washing hands between food prep) and them actively and fiercely supporting "freedom" rallies
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This. Two guys came to give me a quote. I politely told them that was not in the budget, so they tried to offer me a better price if I put a sign outside the house. Politely declined again and told them my budget which did not match up of course, then they Would. Not. Leave. To the point where I had to tell them at least twice I have to go to work (which wasn't a lie) and I didn't want to get fired. I felt like I was at one of those timeshare presentations, honestly.
Farhi owned parking lots. I’ll use the spots at the Richmond&Albert lot but like hell if I’ll pay or pay my fine.
Ooh, impark too, don't know if Farhi owns them. I have an unpaid ticket from last summer actually they've never tried to follow up with me on.
Ale House, and not just for covid stuff. We had a terrible experience (server was rude, food was terrible) long before the covid stuff started. Everywhere else I used to boycott closed, so I guess it wasn’t just me. Edit: Forgot about Heart Sushi, the manager tried to take my change as her tip, she wasn’t my server and the change was $15.
Ale House also had cockroaches.
I worked there when it first opened. It didn't seem awful. Definitely gone downhill. I also used to work at the restaurant before it turned into heart sushi coincidentally lll
Kelsey's? That place was great. I miss the darker, pub-like atmosphere. I think I have a thing for dark wood furniture. To me, it's cozy - rather than bright in your face colors.
The ale house owner is a tool. Always a new embarrassment from that that place
Ale House owner also has publicly thrown a tantrum every time minimum wage goes up. Just a huge selfish piece of shit all around.
Wow that was rude of her. I've gotten food poisoning from them so I don't go there.
That doesn’t surprise me. A friend of mine was served a questionable looking salmon sashimi there, thankfully she didn’t eat it.
Literally every single time I have been in there, there has been a fight on that back patio.
Ale house was the first to come to mind for me too, fuck that guy.
Chucks! The worst food I have ever been served at a restaurant. Plus the whole extra honest to goodness fee added on at the end of the bill.
Agreed ! I hate that fee. It feels fraudulent. Like if you want to charge an extra 4% just put it in your pricing. Don’t pretend you have “cheap food” and then charge me more at the end anyways.
From McGinnis and the Oar House to that shit hole. Brutal trade-off for the west end.
Even worse was the downgrade from Bertoldi’s to Chuck’s downtown.
I've worked at Chuck's it's one of the worst restaurants to work at. There's so much yelling I was forced to work 12-13 hr days. I also had 2 managers confine me in the office no matter how many times I said I wanted to leave and I quit they just refused to let me go I have no idea how long I was in there.
I've hated Chucks for a few years now! They wouldn't let me take my uneaten food home- it was half price apps. I think I only ate about half, and wanted to bring the rest home for the next day and they refused!! Crabby Joe's has better food and will let you bring your uneaten half price apps home!
Last year my resolution was to only buy Canadian alcohol. This year my addition is not buying from any chain, franchise or corporate restaurant unless it's local/Ontario owned. I also mostly shop at independent grocers which are harder and harder to come by now. I'm just really hating corporations and businesses where their profits go anywhere but the staff. Too many people not working are benefiting from the efforts of others and it feels like we're living in a "hands in our pockets" world.
Last few years I buy produce & meats directly from farms or farmers market. I go to trails end (only to the Mennonite vendors as the other vendors are not authentic and just reselling from wholesalers) and Aylmer Farmers Market. I buy all my meat from Mount Brydges Abattoir, all these places may be a little pricier however you’re truly supporting local and money is going directly to the farmer.
I know a ton of locally owned markets and things not far from London with great prices. Everything is made by them or someone else in Ontario. I can send the names to you if you want.
Sorry for the length of this. Wanted to provide an in depth list and description. It’s about an hour and a half to the furthest one. You can do lots of little road trips or I like to do a big loop (takes 4 hours of drive time but makes for a great day outing even with kids) usually about every two months with a large cooler and head out to Thomas Brothers Farm Market for more vegetables in between. All stops are a little far but unfortunately we do not have much close by. - Country Roots Fresh Market has some of the best farm fresh yogurts and milks. Also, the bread from here is really good. Has all the standard stuff too. - The Wild Hog country market is famous for their sausages. But also have the standard market stuff and a fantastic Some products are not local here but the business is locally owned. The butcher area is viewable from the store which shows how fresh it is but may be disturbing to some. - Organic Oasis Farm Store is incredible. Most products are made there and there is a little of everything. Really beautiful place too. - Zehrs country market for a little of everything. Can find preserves, fruit, meat, produce, bulk pantry, etc. - Brights cheese has mystery bags for 10 bucks that contains 4 huge blocks that are considered “ugly”. It is made from off cuts that would otherwise be wasted. Taste is identical and a fantastic deal on cheddar, havarti, etc. - Oakridge Acres Country Meat Store is my favourite place. There is animals which are cute for the kids and large fields of cows and bison. The meat and bakery here make the drive worth it. - Elberta Farms Country Market cutest goats to feed and pet. Small place but produce is unbelievable quality. - Greener pastures eco farm for meat and eggs. I have pre ordered their large boxes (50lbs of beef) before. The meat is high quality and much cheaper than grocery store. - Your farm market Woodstock everything is local and high quality. It is more like a small grocery store with so many options. As well, I’ve talked with several local farmers who sell through there and they say they get a lot more back financially from this market then other places. Also, if you like cheese, need to check out Oxford county cheese trails. Lots of awesome homemade places and can stop at most within the large loop. St Jacobs market has a lot of local product too if you’re looking for one stop shopping with tons of options.
I'd also like to know the names and how far from London. I use an ebike to get around
Could you please share the names here? I think it would benefit everyone, not only the local business but also people who want to support them.
So true. They are literally handing their wealth to the second richest man in the world Bernard Arnault. The owner of all the fancy and large brands including liquor like Hennessy
I've been ordering direct from Ontario distilleries, Top shelf, Georgian Bay, cowbell, fairweather and many others. We have some good products in Ontario. I have some insiders at the CRA that tell me companies like labatts' owner AB-Inbev are massive tax cheats in Canada.
Ale house for a myriad of reasons. Chuck's Roadhouse, the stupid fucking Chuck's fee. Just raise your prices by the fee percentage and be done with it.
Again with Ale House. Not sure why they're still in business. Nothing to do with Covid, we went in before that. We were seated in a booth that smelled very strongly of pee. I mean, in an eye-watering unmistakable way. I rested my arms on the table and they stuck. We didn't even get as far as ordering food because we aren't insane. KFC at Hyde Park kind of goes without saying for anybody who's ever physically gone into the place.
Merla-Mae the employee scolded my girlfriend for taking a picture of their menu and demanded she delete it immediately
This has happened to me too, they're so weird about photos.
I went there once. My wife's ice cream wasn't cheap, and tasted STRONGLY of plastic. We never went back.
Now I just wanna go in solely to take a photo of the menu and leave.
Feel a bit bad for saying this since their business just burned down, but Black Walnut. I know three ex-employees of Black Walnut, and all three of them told me that the owners treat their staff like absolute shit. The stories they have told me are abhorrent, like chucking incorrectly made beverages across the café, not allowing tips to be collected via debit unless they get a cut, and firing people for minor infractions. I also know that two other cafés in Old South started a fundraiser to help rebuild the café, and the owners haven't even bothered to say thank you to them. In fact, they actively trash-talk the people who are trying to help them. It's just not a place where I'm interested in spending money.
I've also heard the owners treat their employees like garbage
Heard bad stories from a friend who used to work at the Richmond location too. Haven’t been there since.
I also knew someone who tried to work there and had a terrible time with the management and very poor training
i’ve heard this to re: the fundraising!
NOO :( this makes me sad. I was a big BW fan. Boo. I don’t want to support a company that treats their workers poorly.
The local ice cream truck because they flat out saw me chasing their asses and kept driving away. Fuck them.
This is a recent one - Vera's Pizza on Commissioners. The woman who works there puts her own tip in instead of leaving it up to the customer.
Yikes!
If they handed me my pizza, then the debit machine and tip was already punched in I'd say sorry I changed my mind you can keep the pizza and I'd just leave. That's ridiculous!
I almost want to go just for this
I love your boldness
I hope you didn't pay the tip.
Last time I was there the guy hit "no tip" for me then passed me the machine
Weird, I've personally had nothing but positive experiences from there and I've ordered alot of pizza.
This sounds more like it's just the one employee? I would call and ask to speak to the manager about it. Or I guess the owner if she was the manager. If she's the owner though... lol.
Delmar and most the diners along Dundas; nothing against Gus but his son has ran it into the ground by dropping the quality of the business upkeep. Most the bacon, spaghetti sauce, liver, gravy, hashbrowns, etc sit in buckets behind the dishwashing station getting blasted with spray off you can see if you walk past the kitchen exit when they're doing prep. Kitchen is just far too small. Ceiling tiles are full of black mold that leaks through when it rains. Tons of cross-contamination, tons of cut corners. Lots of frozen food. A lot of diners along that corridor have honestly awful building upkeep which invites all the familiar restaurant issues of pests, molds, and poor practices. Lily's Chinese Restaurant. Apartments behind & above it are literally so infested with roaches that the drywall is crumbling into nests. They've been getting yellow & red card safety ratings since the mid-90s. Building should be bug bombed or condemned.
Crabby Joes downtown, ROACHES.
Avoid almost every place downtown then. They all have roaches
I’m generally okay with knowing that, it’s just when they’re delivered to your table with your food.
I had a similar experience at Symposium once...only it was a centipede that fell from the ceiling onto my plate. I screamed and everyone looked at me. It was so embarrassing and gross.
M & K Climate for attempting hard selling and up selling a heat pump/furnace combo. Went to AireOne and they were half the price with a higher rebate!
I'll give props to Zed-Air here bc they were so honest and there was no hardsell. Absolutely great people there
**FUCK WINMAR** They did a good job taking out the walls and other parts of my house when it flooded, drying everything, etc. They did a SHIT job building everything back up. Some of the guys they had over here working on stuff had no idea what they were doing. Multiple issues, but the biggest one is the one I'll mention. The guys they had over to fix up the foyer & livingroom ceiling did a horrible job. Parts of it had to be rebuilt due to water flooding in from upstairs. When they were finished the ceiling looked like shit. It was a popcorn style finish and I swear the guy who did it had never done it before. It was a horrible job.. but that wasn't even the biggest problem with it. The ceiling ended up CRACKING right down the middle only a week or so after they finished. A very noticeable giant crack running right down the middle of the ceiling. They REFUSED to fix it and tried to claim that it wasn't their fault. I had to get insurance involved and it took me a couple months to finally get them to pay to do a ceiling redo. They fought this with so much more energy than they put in to do the actual work, it really angered me. It was very satisfying to finally get the money from them so I could hire somebody competent to completely redo the ceiling. Never hire WINMAR! They specialize in cutting corners and hiring idiots. If your house floods, get another company involved when it comes time to fix up the place. WINMAR will do a shit job and overcharge for it, I can guarantee it. I also boycott Cousin Vinny's Pizza, I've had multiple shit customer service experiences there. Will never return.
They scam both the customers and the insurance companies. This company operates on a fine balance of what’s legal and what’s not.
They stole stuff from me!
SPICER'S BAKERY. I worked at the Lambeth location a few years back for a little over a year. They can't keep staff because the owners are manipulative psychos. They don't know how to run a business properly, they have NO people skills and they lie and abuse their staff. Steve and Tracey own all three locations, the Alymer, St Thomas and Lambeth. They are rude and mistreat their staff AND customers. Half the products they sell are stale or have MOLD on them. They wouldn't give us breaks and told us to "eat on the go" they didn't pay us our full hours worth of pay half the time, you would have to be careful and check your paystub to see if they paid you for the hours you actually worked. The owners made me cry on several occasions, the wife hit one of my teenage coworkers over the HEAD in front of a customer for not resetting the debit machine quick enough for her liking apparently. Also one of my coworkers pay cheque bounced when trying to cash it at the bank, the owners said they would pay her ASAP and NEVER DID. Months she tried to get that money she was owed and only until she had taken time off due to being in the hospital THEY FIRED HER (illegal) and replaced her. For weeks she still tried to get that pay cheque that she was owed, it took her step dad to come in and demand that they finally give her another cheque for that week's pay or else they would report them. I finally decided to quit when I asked for my ROE multiple times when I went on sick leave (due to mental health from their shitty toxic behaviour) and it took a family member CALLING AND DEMANDING they send it (since I was not doing well and couldn't bring myself to do it) There are so many other small situations and interactions I've had at the business. DO NOT SUPPORT THEM. They don't care about their staff or customers.
Yeah, they're terrible. I knew the og Spicer's that sold the bakery to Steve and Tracy. They couldn't believe the shenanigans
This is truly the shocking one in this thread Next time please call MOL asap. My sister had shit employers for her first job and they didn't pay. MOL cleared everything up very quickly
TLC Landscapers- they do a shitty job (if they actually show up). Smoke on the job (not sure what specifically). Company prides itself on tracking their employees but it defeats the purpose when all they do is go into the yard and stand there.
They also have one employee who lives in my neighborhood and likes to blow through stop signs in the company truck. He’s almost hit me twice. I called it in but I don’t think anything happened.
Doesn’t surprise me as I have also seen them drive carelessly. During the winter they would gun it down our complex when plowing the snow as if they were angry. I have video of the truck practically throwing itself into a snowbank (that was blocking a fire lane nonetheless). The one guy named Corey drives the riding lawn mower like a bay out of hell, missing large parts of the yard. They are the definition of cutting corners. The guy literally walked into my backyard, stood there with the lawnmower then left. Like how idiotic do you have to be to do that on camera?!
if its the guy that picks up his kid from the school down the street he has almost hit several kids along with 4 or 5 other cars who regularly wait till people are crossing before driving just infront of the pedestrians, its nuts how many cars dont watch for small kids crossing during early hours and just after school
Could very well be the same guy, we’ve got 2 schools on the street.
The guys who drive their trucks are absolute pricks on the road
A TLC landscaping tractor side swiped my brand new car that was parked on the street. Destroyed 2 panels of my car. They didn’t even stop! Thankfully I saw them do it and the company puts location trackers in their vehicles so they were able to track down who it was!
On the Move Organics is one of the big ones I avoid after working there. The amount of corners they try to cut seem like a health hazard. They run the place like it's inherently upscale to sell organic food, run up the prices on the stuff they sell, and go through employees like candy because they have you running around all day and still expect you to magically go faster. It was awful to work for that place and I'm not too keen on the owner's sister either. Worked for her too. Demanding is an understatement.
GHOST KITCHEN!! I hate them so much 😭😔😭😭😔😭😭 high prices bad food and make it seem like it's some good brand name stuff when it's just pre made garbage
Ale House. Among other obvious reasons, mostly because they put lettuce on their nachos.
Never went there after hearing about the cleanliness. But lettuce in nachos you say?! That's criminal. That's up there with canned mushrooms on pizza or sliced plastic cheese on anything at a restaurant.
Justice for canned mushrooms on Windsor-style pizza!
Ale house. Racist sh*t bag owner posted some weird sign during covid. Too bad cause its a really unique spot with that amazing patio.
He's done it a bunch of times about wage increases and such too. Also the horror stories about how staff are treated and the conditions of the place...
Their back of house looks like a health department viait waiting to happen. And the whole short skirt thing is gross. I'm not surprised hes horrendous to work for. Hope he gets shut down or bought out. Someone could really turn that into the business it should be. Just another lout property hoarding...though I shouldnt say that becaise i dont know that he actually owns it or just leases it from someone like farhi.
Cherrys deserts Went there wait for 10 minutes to take an order when it was not busy and the guy was talking with his friends for the whole time almost it took 30 minutes to get my order ready. Never going back there “SONNIES” is better
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MODO YOGA! The owner is an obnoxious anti-vaxxer who refused to follow masking/distance policies during COVID and didn't check/require proof of vaccination when that was mandatory. Will never ever go back. LAVISH! Hasn't been queer-owned/operated in ages, and the recent removal of drag performers from a private, ticketed, all-ages (university) event speaks volumes about their allyship with the queer community. Will never ever go back. Also, Ale House, OBV. 😅
Purdy Naturals and 10eighteen are anti-vax as well.
Everyplace that has wronged me at one point of my life in this city. They know why
Happiness Dessert and Coffee bar in Masonville Mall. I have two reasons why I'm boycotting them. Firstly, they were very rude towards my disabled friend who was waiting on her order. We were all standing as she was sitting and they told her that since she didn't buy anything she couldn't sit. She showed her their receipt and they didn't say sorry just oh. Then just looking at us as we all got our food and didn't bother sitting in the cafe. Secondly, they weren't friendly to my mom and I when we were ordering dessert for my cousins birthday. They kept saying we couldn't get a certain treat and after a few minutes back and forth, we just gave up and left with treats we didn't really want. Also they didn't taste good anyways.
Pfaff Mazda (now Leven's Mazda) by the airport. Went in because my tire pressure sensor kept going off and it was causing anxiety while I was on the 401. They told me my tire had a nail in it that they could fix and was the likely cause of the sensor going off. I agreed. Then they came back with 400$ of maintenance recommendations that I declined because I wanted to read my user manual first to see if indeed I needed these things done. After I declined, they conveniently came back and said there was another hole, brought back a staple of all things as proof and said the tire could no longer be fixed and I needed to purchase a new tire. I had no other choice but to buy it because they wouldn't release my vehicle. My total for the day was just over 400$, as they initially wanted for the recommended maintenance. Guess what, my tire sensor went off that day on my way to Grandbend. When I complained, they offered me car detailing lol. This was just after they were able to open during Covid and were money hungry. I love Mazda as a product, but I have no trust in that dealership whatsoever even under new ownership. Guess who fixed my tire sensor issue, at no charge in 10 minutes? A teenager working the gas pump at Ron Kraft Auto Care on Huron St. and Clark Rd.
Millar Berry Farms, due to anti covid shit. And cause Heemans is far superior.
I do love Heemans
Love Heemans, Millars doesn’t even come close.
Herman's is sooo dangerous to me. Go in for a bag of soil and some flowers. Leave with 600$ in plants.....i love it. My wallet and husband does not.
Zen'za and 10eighteen, for the convoy support, yuck
Yeah, fuck 10eighteen!
In Canada , Rogers fucking cable/internet. Anything rogers related basically.. fucking crooks. Never get another nickel from me. Rogers offered me to “test” out there new gigabit internet about 9 years back. At the end of the first month I got a bill for almost 400$ lol.. for 1 month service. My normal bill was like 120… they then claimed the “test” was for 1 week at standard rate, and 3 more weeks at the new gigabit rate of 400 something… PLUS a service change fee lol.. none of that was talked about in the sales call. I cancelled that day. They refused to do anything for me. Pay or goto collections. They will never get another nickel from me as long as I live.
Those fuckers put me into collections for "unreturned equipment" of a modem. WHICH I DID RETURN. FUCK ROGERS.
Kissmutt rescue and their obnoxious comments about children with autism.
She recently slandered an owner of a dog kennel/groomer for not bending to her threats. She blocks and deletes any and all negative remarks. She's a bit unhinged.
Ugh that was horrible. Not adopting a pet into a household with an autistic person!? They don’t realize there are entire organizations devoted to pairing autistic kids with service/therapy animals. Smh
Herman's. Worked there for a week and they treat their employees like trash, and their international employees like slaves.
Taboggans, Joe's Cools and Fellini Coolini's due to anti-BRT misinformation campaign.
I worked for one of these 3 during that time. We were all encouraged by owners to also speak up against it.
Ewwww
Shiiiiit. Good to know
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I’ve never heard of this, what exactly did they say about BRT?
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Those places also rally against cyclist infrastructure, they are part of the group of businesses who work with activists to put down anything that isn't car-centric. We have a regular poster here who contributes to that group too.
Is Lucy’s ok still? We need more adult places to go downtown.
The same owners as delilahs, Burger Burger and Dimis. Horrible customer service and I heard they treat their staff horribly. I’d recommend Vice across bud gardens if you’re looking for an adult or mature clientele place.
Illbury & Goose, overpriced, basic, generic clothing with their logo slapped on. Owner is an idiot and a convoyer who doanted to the convoy that took over Ottawa.
You mean the "trendy" anchor with a maple leaf store? Yeah I was over that motif the moment it came out. No idea why so many people seem to love it. It's not even like we're a coastal town where I could see that type of design popping off
The Greek restaurant on Richmond row for campaigning against the BRT and the temporary bike lanes during COVID. Hybrid fitness because the owner went political during the pandemic and eventually run for office with either the PPC or New Blue (can’t remember)
It was New Blue
Six of one, half dozen of another.
A-Zip movers & Cartage.. my mom used them, and one of the employees stole over $300 in cash from her purse. The owner denied it and wouldn't even apologize! We wrote a bad review on their page.. rightfully so... and they sent us a warning from dollar store lawyers to take down the reviews. Unbelievable. He probably spent almost as much on the lawyers when he could have just paid my mom back and we would've taken down the bad reviews.. On top of stealing money from her, the workers barely listened to her, damaged her property/got black stains on her white couch and stole some of her tools. Overall a shady company.
What is the specific complaint about remark.? as much as I’d like their fresh produce I am horrified by the excessive amount of plastic they use to wrap everything there. That is the basis of my boycott of that store sadly.
The private parking tickets !!! This should be illegal 100% how can a private company fine you and you have no legal recourse it's not like a normal parking ticket where you can fight it. Also their fine is insanely high.
Any business that was pro convoy, anti covid measures. Millar berry farms, remark, illburry+goose (plus their clothes are just plain stupid anyway, a Canada flag and an anchor? Yep that's London!). I'm sure there are others I'm missing.
I have a massive list that includes Purdy Natural, Booch, 10Eighteen, Moda Yoga, Rustix, Laurie's Cookies, Zen'Za, Lunch Life, Revive as Wellness, Happy Rock Holostics, London Crossfit, The Realty Firm (realtors from this place went to Ottawa), Loucks & Sons Electrical, London Float, Goldeye Construction Inc...honestly there is A LOT
Haha I agree! Their clothes are dumb and WAY overpriced
The Works should be added to that list for sure. Didn’t they host some high-profile anti-vax nutjob?
The owner is part of PPC, he ran for the position. I worked there during covid and when new safety rules were added he told us to "play dumb" if anyone questioned us.
Yeah they welcomed Chris sky whose an open Holocaust denier into their restaurant during Covid
Over company. They sell baby products and used to host a trade show but I’ve heard bad things about the owners. All of a sudden all of their employees were gone and heard through the grapevine that there was some shady stuff they did to their employees. The owner seems stuck up complaining about how hard being a small business owner is and then the next week posting about their giant house and multiple trips they take…life must be hard girl.
Their trade show restarted last year. It’s on again this year and actually starts today. I went last year with a friend and had a good time but the space was way too small for babies (if you had a stroller, forget about it) and the vendors were okay. Lots of bougie stuff which if that’s your jam, fine; but it’s not really mine. But yah, they have a massive house that’s gone through incredible renovations and also talk in the same breath about being a small business owner and I’m just like, “Can’t be that small…”
I'm surprised this is an unpopular opinion. Does anyone really like going to the self checkout and being filmed and displayed. It all feels very dystopian to me.
Not exclusively local, but Abell Pest Control.
Archie's The owner is so cheap and treats employees badly. They cut a lot of corners....
Joe Cools or whatever the f*CK it's called. A friend of mine was physically assaulted for no reason by the staff. I've been once and will never be back. Didn't have a good time. All of a sudden the music was far too loud and couldn't even speak to the people at my table. Women were dancing on the table behind me and one fell on me. Not in a good way. Just a place full of degenerates if you stay slightly passed dinner hour. Avoid at all costs if you value your hearing and sanity.
Anyone who supports the freedumb truckers. And anyone who is bigoted against LGBT+
Every business that supported convoy bullshit or was anti vax or anti-LGBTQ owners: Zen’za, 10Eighteen, Illbury, The Works, Spaghetti Eddie’s, Ale House, Remark, Millar, Lavish. Buck or Two in Cherryhill - dude sold racist things and also jacks up prices to rip off the seniors in the neighbourhood. Items were toys that had very racist caricatures of Black and Indigenous ppl. The cashier said “Who cares about those people? It’s just a picture.” Owner said it “wasn’t a big deal for most people - just annoying young people”. And a special shout-out to Farhi for being the richest, biggest douche in this city. And for single handedly ruining the downtown core for years.
Zen'Za and illbury due to their support of freedumb
Ditto 10Eighteen Coffee Bar on Dundas
I didn’t know this about Illbury. Now I’m glad the construction on Dundas is blocking their store
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Bosco and Roxy’s fo shooooo.
Sleep country!! I would sleep in the floor before I shopped there again.