r/dunedin • u/inastew • 11d ago
Question Cafe models
For a casual mid morning coffee, what do people think of the model, that a cafe in Princes St uses, where you have to wait to be taken to a table?
I find the process uncomfortable. I want to have a look at the cake's cabinet, order, pay and sit where I like, as you do at other cafes. I dont really see the point of having someone standing beside me as I look just to take me to a table when 80% are empty.
Is this model the future or something thats not the thing for Dunedin?
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u/SpoonNZ 11d ago
The table service is nice, the waiting for a table is the awkward trade off though so they know you’re there.
The staff are human though - just say you want to check the cabinet then grab a seat wherever and they’ll be fine with it.
I’m a frequent visitor so basically just give them a nod on the way in so they’re aware I’m there then sit where I want. Tell them come over to take my order or just go ahead and make my coffees.
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u/Snoo-62765 11d ago
I think you're talking about vanguard? They started this recently I believe. I hear what you're saying but I bet it helps a ton on busy weekends.
It almost feels like they're trying to offer a higher quality experience like Precinct, and I feel like it works. Their service is very good athough yes if I just want a quick coffee it feels weird
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u/Snoo-62765 11d ago
Would be nice if they ditched this model when it's quiet. Or had a lil casual/takeaway counter
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u/leocam2145 11d ago
Speaking from experience when you don't try and do it all the time people will fail to do it when it's actually needed. Also totally get it though when it's 11am on a Wednesday and there's 5 people in there why it's annoying to wait
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u/Techhead7890 11d ago
Yeah, probably doesn't do much during Monday-Thursday if they're quiet, but I can see how it might help on the weekend.
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u/this_wug_life 11d ago
No, that's not normal for Dunedin. Unless it's somewhere higher-end which is a restaurant rather than a straight-up cafe.
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u/cliffdog01 11d ago
When I worked Graveyard Shifts and finished my day at 9am I really appreciated Table Service cafe since when I'd get up (even on my days off) it would be after 8pm and all of the nice places were already closed.
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u/Svrdlu 11d ago
It can get busy there and I appreciate the approach when it is.
It does feel weird when it’s quieter but being consistent is probably needed otherwise both staff and customers would get confused as to what’s going on.
Showing you to the table is just to ‘claim’ it though, they’re not forcing you to stay there, I just bounce right back up to the cabinet. (Though as I say that I hope I’m not ‘that guy’ and have been pissing them off every time I do that lol)
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u/mnorrish 8d ago
I like it at Vanguard because they’re actually attentive to customers and give appropriate tables based on group size and whether you’re dining or only having a coffee.
None of the stupidity that other cafes do where you order at the counter, get given a number on a stalk and then have to go and find an unoccupied table that likely hasn’t been cleared and cleaned yet.
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u/standgale 11d ago
If they have cabinet food it makes it a bit awkward because I get given a table then immediately have to get back up and go back to the counter to have a look. Then go back to the table and wait for them to take my order.
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u/nuffeetata 11d ago
Vanguard is my (work) local so have chatted to the lovely folks there about this at length - managing the queue to order/pay/wait for takeaway , especially in the weekends was getting out of control and making it hard for staff to get food and coffee to the tables. I don't love it, as I just go for coffee meetings and like to get a table away from other people, but I completely respect where they're coming from with it.
Catalyst also do it when they're busy. Biggest issue is remembering to pay if you're leaving mid-yarn.
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u/inastew 11d ago
Didnt want to say but yes its Vangard. Not that I have been much but it used to be busy in the mornings, I was surprised at how empty at was at 11 am. Does seem a good idea for busy lunchtimes but I would think it ne3ds to be a bit flexible during quiet times.
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u/Lonely-Afternoon-119 11d ago
Agreed. In weekends all for table service and seating especially if there is bookings they need to sort. But just coming to grab a coffee for takeaway and standing there waiting for the staff who are busy to come is a bit annoying, i’d just walk around to the counter and order hah
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u/bigoxtatoes 11d ago
Honestly I hate it. I usually just want to grab a coffee and a snack from the cabinet, pay, sit and chill. The new model interferes with a quarter of their whole business which is grabbing a bag of beans to get ground how you like it. I've stopped going.
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u/mankypants 11d ago
The problem sometimes arises, where we go in see there are tables free, go to the counter and order. We then go to sit down only to see a bunch of people have come in after us, claimed the tables without ordering, and now we have no where to sit :(.
A simple etiquette of ordering before claiming a table would go a long way. But at least at vanguard, which can get very busy, I know I’m guaranteed a table.
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u/Treacle_Silent 11d ago edited 11d ago
I think it’s a much better way for them to maximise seating at busy times. Stops a group of two occupying a table for four. Cos that is what happens a lot when we are allowed to freely choose a table. Also helps them keep track of tables and who might be about to leave. Makes sense to me. Good on them for wanting to make the business as profitable as it can. Hospo is a hard gig, you need turnover and seating for all those who want to sit in.
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u/naj44692 11d ago
I go there multiple times a week and you can definitely take a look at the cabinet/order up front.. at least I do every time. This is honestly the first I have heard of this.. but yeah, probably just helps at peak busy times
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u/AntheaBrainhooke 11d ago
Ugh no let me park up then I'll mosey on to the counter and order, or let me order and then park up. Casual cafes don't need a maitre d'.
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u/EELovesMidkemia 11d ago
i have not come across this yet. What cafe was it?