Second Cup!

Heya my little bundles of coffee beans!

Special thanks goes out to all my followers who have sent me special requests of coffee establishments they want me to visit this week! From all the requests the majority of readers asked if I could review one particular place, this place being..... SECOND CUP.

So, as requested, this week I visited Second Cup and I was absolutely appalled by this particular store I visited. It was by far the worst establishment thus far.

This was my first time (that I can remember) ever going to Second Cup, I was expecting it to be similar to Starbucks and the ambiance was similar to Starbucks. The only difference was the Second Cup location, I felt was a cold and more sterile then Starbucks. I felt as though they were trying to be like Starbucks without actually copying them and it just didn't look good, warm and inviting; the way I think they tried to make their design. The store resembled my grandmothers house, it was really weird. Everything, and I mean everything, was either dark brown or white. There were dark brown couches with dark brown tables and chairs everywhere, there was also a random white wall standing on its own with an old-fashioned dark brown clock on top of it. In all, the ambiance was completely off, when I first walked into the establishment I felt like it was dull and boring and it made sense why I had never been there before; the music was so quite I didn't even notice there was music on at all; until I took the time to really listen.. it was just, in lack of better words, dead. (No bean point)

When I lined up at the counter there were two people ahead of me in line and there was only one employee working at the counter. The poor girl looked as though she was so overwhelmed that she was going to pass out. Finally, it was my turn (I had been in line at this point for over 15 minutes waiting) I first said hello and asked her why there were small symbols beside the Second Cup coffee blends, she then told me she had no idea why there was those "weird designs" she then told me how she was the worst person to ask because (even though she was working) she hadn't been a trained employee yet. I continued the conversation by asking her if she could make my medium double double with almond milk, she said "one second let me ask" I then see her leaving the counter and asking someone (who I thought was a customer) if she could give me almond milk with my coffee. The employee at the counter then came back and told me she could, she punched my order into the cash register and it came to around $7.00 and I looked at her (very confused) and asked why my drink was so expensive, she then looked and noticed she had put the wrong drink in the cash register and charged me for it twice. She proceeded by changing the order and charging me the correct amount: $2.15 for my medium double double. (no bean point)

Once I received my coffee, I wanted to see why she went to a customer to ask if I could have almond milk in my coffee, I then realized that it wasn't a customer she asked, it was another employee who was laying on the couch talking to one of her friend. I figured it was an employee because she was dressed in all black and wore a Second Cup apron. She decided it would be okay to lay out and relax while this poor girl who hadn't been trained yet was taking all the orders and making all the drinks on her own. This employee (who I would assume was there to train the girl at the counter) was sprawled out on a couch, during business hours, talking to her girlfriend and absolutely not doing her job. I was/am infuriated. (No bean point)

As I was about to sip my coffee I noticed my coffee cup was ridiculously dirty and it wasn't from my hands, it had been dirtied from who knows what before I bought it. Once I went home I put my coffee in a glass cup and drank it. The only good thing I got from this experience was the poor girl made a pretty good cup of coffee, so good for her. ( 1 bean point)

Although the flavour of the coffee was good, I think it was highly over priced considering how my experience went. If it were up to me, I wouldn't go back to any Second Cup location for the rest of my life. It was that bad. (no bean point)

No drive-thru option available. No extra points allotted due to poor location and nothing to substitute the drive-thru option. (no bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 0 bean point

Ambiance: 0 bean point

Drive-Thru: 0 bean point

Customer Service: 0 bean point

Total Score: 1/5 total bean points!

What do you think? Have you ever tried Second Cup? Let me know!

Next week's location.......... Faema Caffè! Stay tuned!

Reminder:
Last week: Illy Caffè's score: 4.5/5 Bean Points
Two weeks ago: Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Three weeks ago: Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week!

Stay Caffeinated.


Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Gmail: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
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Illy Caffè!

Ciao my little shots of espresso! 

What's with the Italian? Well, this week I visited Illy Caffè. An espresso brand all the way from my home land of Italia. I'm not sure if any of my loyal readers have ever been to Italy or come from an Italian culture, so for those of you who don't know; In Italy, espresso is apart of the Italian culture and life style. Every meal in Italy involves a cup of a nice espresso to help digest the plate of pasta (or pizza) they just ate.

With all of that being said, Illy Caffè was absolutely amazing. Best coffee I've had in a very, VERY long time (ever since my last trip to Italy). As I drank my $2.65 medium double double it took me back to the mountains of Tuscany where I sipped my cappuccino thinking about how I really wished there was an Illy Caffè in Canada. My dream came true.

This week I visited the Illy Caffè location at Yorkdale mall.  The overall look of the coffee shoppe was so beautiful and modern. The Illy colour scheme is red, brown and white. The shoppe was inclosed in glass walls and had many tables and chairs overlooking the mall halls. (1 bean point)

When I entered the shoppe I was greeted almost immediately. Once I was greeted, the Illy barista took out a sheet of paper and asked me for my order, he then proceeded to write it down on the paper and started making my drink, as he was making my coffee, he gave the sheet to the cashier who then cashed me out. After a few short minutes, the barista gave me my drink and directed me to the table behind me; so I could put my own cream or milk. (1 bean point)

For a luxurious Italian coffee brand, the coffee's price was very reasonable. (1 bean point)

The coffee was absolutely delicious. I could, for once, actually taste the favour of the actual coffee bean. I don't know how to describe how great it was, but I can honestly say it was the best coffee thus far. Way to go Illy! (1 bean point)

Unfortunately, there was no drive-thru option provided. Seeing as it was located in a mall, and they had no other option, I will award them half a bean point for the convenience of their location in the mall (right before the food court), unless anyone objects. (.5 bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point

Price: 1 bean point

Ambiance: 1 bean point

Drive-Thru: .5 bean point

Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 4.5/5 total bean points!

For right now, Illy's only location is in Yorkdale mall. I am really hoping they will start to expand and become one of Canada's leading coffee franchises. They have my vote!



What do you think? Have you ever tried Illy Caffè? Let me know!




Next week's location.......... IS YOUR CHOICE! send me an email (or comment on below) to let me know where you'd like me to visit next!

Reminder:
Last week Starbucks' score: 3/5 Bean Points
Two weeks ago Tim Hortons' score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week, Arrivederci!

Stay Caffeinated.


Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement
Twitter: @TheBeanMovement
Google: thebeanmovement@gmail.com
Instagram: TheBeanMovement
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Starbucks!

Hey my little beanies!

This week I visited Starbucks.  Now, Starbucks is known for their different types of seasonal drinks; who knew they even offered "normal" coffee? Well, I for one did not. With that being said, This week when I ordered my double double coffee; I have to say I had a great experience!

For those of you who don't know, Starbucks is known for being one of the more expensive coffee brands around the world. Starbucks is not only a coffee brand, but also a fashion statement. The question is: is Starbucks really as good as they say they are? Are they worth the prices they charge?

When I went bought my coffee the line up was long, and it took a while to make my drink. What I found impressive is all the employees were very kind and seemed to really enjoy their job, which made me really enjoy being there. (1 bean point)

When I received my drink, it was at the perfect temperature so I could drink it right away. The coffee tasted really good! One thing I really liked about Starbucks is they give customers different milk options so they can really deliver to a very diverse group of customers. ( 1 bean point)

The store was very coffee- themed which was cool to see. They had art work that had been made with coffee burlap bags. Starbucks also has very pretty decor; their stores are filled with cool couches and wooden chairs. The Starbucks locations are very appealing to the eyes, you can very clearly tell they worked very hard to please the consumer. (1 bean point)

The Starbucks location I went to didn't have a drive-thru. (no bean point)

Starbucks is good, it is also high-priced. I would say that Starbucks is too expensive compared to their competitors since they are a fashion statement, that is what keeps them alive. (no bean point)



Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: 1 bean point
Price: 0 bean point
Ambiance: 1 bean point
Drive-Thru: 0
Customer Service: 1 bean point

Total Score: 3/5 bean points



In the case of the double double coffee I had from Starbucks, I'd say that it was not worth the amount of money I payed for in means of flavour, but if I take everything into consideration, they do provide great ambiance and customer service; which makes the entire Starbucks experience perfectly worth every cent.

What do you think? Leave your comments below!


Next week's location..... Illy! Tune in Next Thursday for a new blog post! 


Reminder:
Last week Tim Hortons score: 2.5/5 Bean Points


Until next week, adios!
Stay Caffeinated. 

Don't forget to follow me on Social Media! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement

Twitter: @TheBeanMovement

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Google+: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

Tim Hortons!

Hello my loyal coffeeholics!

Here we are again, week two; a lot has changed since we last spoke. 

I now have 113 Facebook "Likes", 91 Instagram "followers" and 44 Twitter "followers." I just want to give you all a big thank you! It means a whole lot to me that you are all spreading the word and following me. 

Now, on to the good stuff. This week I went to Tim Hortons, and let just say I was actually very surprised. 

Timmies, as most Canadians, is my go-to place. I typically absolutely adore the flavour of their coffee and I especially love their new dark roast blend, but this week when I payed Tim Hortons a visit; I ordered my typical Double-Double (Dark Roast style, of course). I  then noticed that my coffee was extremely sweet. Turns out, it was a triple triple. The lady at the counter wasn't very happy with me noticing her mistake, and when I started talking to her about my love for coffee and about my experience with the Dark Roast (and how I usually adore it) she looked at me, starred looking very unimpressed.. which I thought was pretty rude. By her reaction, I did not think it was my place to ask for a new coffee; so I left. 

Since during past visits I've had the Dark Roast Tim Hortons Double-Double, and since I know it is usually wonderful, I will give them .5 of a bean point. 

Who can complain about their price? I know I can't! I payed: $1.65 for a medium double double. (bean point)

The ambiance of Tim Hortons sort of sucks. I am not a fan of the layout they set for themselves. Everything in the store typically looks old and dirty. Their colour of choice is brown, which is fitting since coffee is also brown. However, I believe they over use the brown colour. (NO bean point)

Drive thru option: Available (bean point)

The customer service at Tim Hortons failed for me this time, sorry. (NO bean point)

Now it's time for the run-down:

Flavour: .5 of a bean point

Price: bean point

Ambiance: 0

Drive-Thru option: bean point

Customer Service: 0

Total score: 2.5/5 

In all, I was left unimpressed by Tim Hortons. If it were my first time in their establishment, I don't think I would go back. Usually when I buy a coffee, I'd like to at least hear a good morning or see a smile on at least one person's face; since you not only pay for the product, but also the customer service, and in this case they were both majorly lacking.  Tim Hortons' prices are not the most expensive, but according to what I payed for I do not think it was worth the money.



NEXT STOP...... Starbucks! Tune in next Thursday for updates!

Ciao for now! Stay Caffeinated. 

Don't forget to follow me on Social Media! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeanMovement

Twitter: TheBeanMovement

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thebeanmovemen

Instagram: TheBeanMovement

Google+: thebeanmovement@gmail.com

Welcome to the Bean Movement

Hello fellow coffeeholics!

If you are like me, and can't go a day without your freshly brewed beans, or your day cannot possibly begin without a cup or two of coffee. Then I am the blog for you. I'm here with all your tips and tricks for all your coffee needs. You may be an Espresso, American, Dark Roast, flavoured coffee, latte, or Colombian brewed coffee lover- whatever gets you through the day. I'll be here to keep you all updated on all your local coffee needs.

For the next couple of weeks I will be going to coffee shops in Toronto; comparing the flavours, prices, ambiance, drive through options and customer service. Each category gets one point, also known as a bean point, if satisfied. If I am unsatisfied, they do not get the point for that category. The highest possible score is 5 bean points.

The rules: I have to go to a different coffee shop each week and order the same drink each time. The beverage of my choosing is a medium double double.

NEXT STOP……Stay tuned, I will be posting every Thursday with updates.


Who has the best coffee? Follow me on my journey as I find the best coffee in Toronto!

Stay Caffeinated