Would give no stars if at all possible. As it is, this might be my first one star review, as typically I feel any business where I've had a bad experience is either (1) just having a bad day or one employee who's just off his/her game or (2) businesses that are trying to do better should get at least two stars.
Then ... there's this place: Jamba Juice at the food court in Westfields Mall in Bethesda.
I've been here three times in the past 6 months or so. Have been unimpressed and actually appalled each time, and tonight was the tipping point.
Each time, the staff are interminably and deliberately slow. I'm not talking just slow to someone who's impatient - I'm talking as in how on earth is it okay to wait up to 30 mins to get a smoothie at a fast food place when it's not busy? Or for a cashier to take 10-15 mins per transaction? And an equally long time to make the smoothie? Interactions are like talking to a bad caricature of a sullen teenager who doesn't give a rat's ass about you and has a million other places they'd rather be. Luckily, each time I wasn't in a rush, but nevertheless, was left with a bad impression. The smoothies are fine (when you finally get it) but expensive.
Tonight, went to pick up dinner at the mall. Was feeling like having a smoothie as well, so went to stand (3rd) in line at Jamba ... where oddly enough the lights were off, and the second staffer was mostly hiding in back while the cashier seemed to be struggling (or refusing?) to ring up the customers at the front of the line. Eight minutes later, still no progress. Meanwhile there are now two customers behind me.
Meanwhile, Random Guy walks up to counter ... second staffer comes out from the back (finally) - ah! It's her boyfriend or friend or whomever ... so the two of them flirt while the cashier STILL is doing ... what? Doing what? ... with the customers at the front of the line ... she's leaning all over the register, looking bored and annoyed. Boyfriend wanders off so second staffer retreats into the back again.
After waiting 20 minutes and still standing 3rd in line, I had it. Left the mall and drove to Joe and the Juice in Wildwood Center and got a delicious smoothie made with fresh fruit in record time, and had a delightful experience interacting with an articulate and friendly employee.
Whoever owns or is running this Jamba Juice location, be aware when you're not there, your staff are irresponsible, lazy, and losing your customers. Other days where the food court is open, I've walked by and - just like tonight - the lights are off or half off and employees are hiding in the back so it looks like the store is closed. Good luck staying in business. I, for one, am never coming back. read more