Einstein’s Review: My name isn’t Dave

One morning, much like every other morning, I found myself without breakfast and needing a quick pick-me-up. Einstein’s, at 7th street and McDowell was on my path and a bagel sounded delish.

I ordered the Nova Lox on an Everything Bagel. The Nova Lox breaks down as: Sliced lox (cold smoked salmon), plain schmear, tomato, red onion and capers on your choice of bagel.

Nova Lox on an Everything Bagel

Simple, right? Here’s my story:

I interacted with three different staff members and was never looked in the eye by any of them. I gave them my name at the counter and patiently waited for my bagel. One of the employees quickly handed me a bag, without a word, containing what didn’t look to be my Nova Lox. Quickly, I pulled out the bagged bag and inspected its toppings, only to realize–it, in fact, was not my beloved Nova Lox. Once I was able to get someone’s attention, they informed me “oh, that bagel was for Dave”, called out Dave’s name and let him take home the bagel I had just rummaged through with bare hands. What happened to the rule, “Once it’s in the customers hands, there’s no recycling it”? Hmm.

In less than five minutes time, my order was corrected, but without an apology. I only cared about the food at that moment, but the poor service still irks me. Mostly, I’m sorry for Dave.

At any rate, the Nova Lox was delicious and everything I had hoped for. Next time, I’ll visit a different location.

Einstein Bagel Bros / 530 West McDowell Road / Phoenix, AZ 85003 / einsteinbros.com

*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.