hexI appreciate that this business provides opportunities for elderly staff, which is commendable. However, I cannot accept the manner and attitude displayed by the younger staff towards them. when I visitd, I purchased a few coffees and an ice cream, the orders were not served together but came out one by one, and the younger staff MIXED UP the orders. When I asked the older staff member who was scooping the ice cream about the price, he quoted me a slightly higher amount. I scanned the qr code and paid accordingly. When I showed the payment receipt to the younger staff, she told me I had overpaid. I explained that the price was quoted by the older staff and requested change in coins. her response was dismissive, she looked over him and said, “all these old people ah” while shaking her head, and reluctantly gave me the change for some reason,?? continuing to shake her head whilst fiddling with the register. Hilariously hypocritical considering she made a mistake as well. I am disappointed, and I hope that work conditions can improve for the elderly staff such that they do not have to tolerate such attitude. Food is okay.
J ChrisGreat value for the fresh tasting pastries and location also convenient just beside coffeeshop. Easy to find a parking lot. The auntie staff was friendly too.
Hamzah AlsagoffWe were initially curious over what will pop up at this spot that used to house a childcare centre. We know the traffic footfall is there but in a simple heartland neighbourhood of Toa Payoh – the oldest in Singapore – we know any hipster cafe or offering will be greatly challenged. It’s all about the right prices, and they have to be reasonable for the beautiful sleepy community there as most are not well off. So, when Providence finally raised its shutter up to much curiosity and anticipation with its calming cosy front I was hoping it understands the community it will be serving and I am so glad it ticks off all the checklists. And, I was so moved to realise that it is actually a branch or outlet of a social cause to provide gainful employment for seniors. I am not only excited but so in love with it. It is one of the causes that I had wanted to do myself. Providence is set to be a comforting heartbeat of community love and gathering. I can see and feel it. The offerings are not aplenty but enough. The pastries are not superlative but they are good, hearty and delish, with one caveat that you must get them warmed up to truly spring them up to satisfy. The muffins deserve a special mention; with the light and dense chocolate ones already a favourite for my finicky eater special son. The lightly-buttered croissants are comfortingly lovely and at the prices charged they are a steal. All the items offered are priced so reasonably in comparison to others who have jacked up theirs that one has no reason to not only patronise but support this beautiful cause. They offer some of the most affordable machine coffee you can take on the run, as Providence has no seating offered but is simply a lil charming cafe for pick and go. The most beautiful part of Providence is you can actually be greeted and have a lovely chat with the elderly servers. While they may at times appear less with gusto in serving they are wonderfully polite, warm and sweet. Offering to warm up your food unasked. They do not complain should you have special instructions or needs. They patiently prepare your food to ensure they are as best they can be for you to enjoy. And – I love this the best – everyone in the queue and waiting is equally patient and kind
