05/26/09

New Owners, Lost its appeal

by TheHansenHerald

I went to S&Z's recently to get my all time fave, the TLT deluxe, and enjoy a lunch hour reading the Scene and drinking fling tea. Unfortunately, they don't have the TLT deluxe and was told that it was because of the new ownership. Why change something that was obviously loved? The place overall does not have the same feel and I am sad to say I have not been back since.

• Pros: Reminds me of the old S&Z's, Fling Tea
• Cons: Missing the TLT Deluxe, place doesn't have the same coziness

04/24/09

Wish items had remained same.

by MC1979

Went back to show my friend the veggie burger that was so good the one time I had it. Unfortunately it was a pre-bought patty and felt like a waste of time even dining there. Also was bummed the pasta salad was different and sorta dry.

Liked some of the new things inside the place but really must fix the food back to the standards it was before I would return.

03/23/09

Not going back

by JCUB70

Sam & Zoe's has long been my favorite coffee spot in town - they had great brews, great food, and the staff were always friendly and fun. Since the new management has taken over I have been in four times - trying to 'make' myself like all the changes because I hated to lose my favorite spot. Not only did they axe my absolute favorite menu items - the TLT deluxe which was the best tofu sandwich I have ever eaten, but they also got rid of the to-die-for chocolate cake. The staff now are so rude...I was waiting to order a cup of coffee for almost ten minutes on my last visit and did not even get an apology. I miss the quaint mismatched chairs and local artists handiwork on the walls. Instead of quaint local hang-out, the place reminds me of a Subway - with potato chip bar and a stark sterile environment. Ugh, not only that, but when I went this past Saturday they were blaring 50's tunes... I mean, there is only so much one can take.

I also miss being able to choose from several different blends of coffee - now what they have is what you get...and what you get it just not worth the stop. Heaven forbid you want a refill - the 'super' staff have to get it for you and they might just bite your arm off first...that is if they ever get around to serving you.

I am all for change if it is good change...none of the changes I have observed here are. I am sad to say it, but this long-time customer is not going back. Portland Brew, here I come.

• Pros: the front porch
• Cons: rude staff, new menu, sterile and unfriendly atmosphere

12/02/08

Love this cozy coffee shop!!!!

by nashvillewoman

I had been to Sam and Zoe's in the past but I wasn't pleased. I was recently informed that it's under new ownership so I popped in today and fell in love with the place! The service is so wonderful! The girls working were fun and funny and very welcoming. I am sure to be back to visit more and more often!!! I would absolutely recommend this place!!

• Pros: Area, Service, Price, Comfort
• Cons: Not the best

10/01/08

Sam & Zoe's in name only...

by Writeman

I didn't know the place was under new ownership until I overheard someone say as much. I figured the menu would be the same (hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but I was surprised to find the old menu missing. They did make me an overpriced hot cereal, which was good, and the coffee was, well, not very memorable. The cooler was gone and the convenient coffee "island" had vanished. The place had a stark, empty feeling to it. I miss the old Sam & Zoe's. Thankfully the great porch is still there.

09/22/08

Non-Vanderbilt customers are apparently no longer sought after

by CLDC

My coworkers and I have been loyal Sam & Zoe's customers for many years. That, unfortunately, is about to come to an end. We've noticed and commented positively on S&Z's changing decor but, as far as I'm concerned, that's the only positive change. Last week, without consulting a menu (I mean, why look at a menu when the same delicious food has been available for years?) I ordered my favorite sandwich of all time, the TLT deluxe, only to be told it's no longer available. After I recovered from that shock and took a look at the new menu, I found a few other disturbing changes, like the absence of blue corn chips and tomatillo salsa. I asked the guy behind the counter about the change in TLT availability and he said it's the biggest complaint they get. If the previous poster is correct and the goal is to drive away their old clientele, the new owners are going about it exactly the right way. I fail to see the reason people like us need to be driven away--as far as I know, we're relatively socially acceptable and definitely spent lots of money there in the past. But I wish you good luck with your new Vanderbilt clientele, Sam & Zoe's--we'll miss you!

• Pros: New decor
• Cons: Surly servers, menu favorites a thing of the past

09/03/08

Little did I know

by Downtowndave

I was happy when I arrived at Sam and Zoe's this morning. When I got my small cup of Joe, I gave the lady at counter a tip even though all she did for me was give me an empty paper cup. I was just glad the air conditioning was working.

I asked if she was excited that Vanderbilt was moving next door and she told me she would be happy to get a new class of customers. That comment sounded strange to me because I have been in retail and I have always appreciated customers with money. I had no idea that I was one of those "undesirables"

The coffee was very good. I sat on the deck and even though part of the kitchen was out on the deck, the view was of another restaurant's parking lot, and there was a bag of greasy trash hanging from a tree near the dumpster, I still enjoyed about 4 oz's of my 12 oz coffee.

I drink coffee slowly and stopped by the refill station to warm up. I went to the cashier, who coincidently was the same person hoping for a better class of customer and told her I wished to pay 25 cents because I didn't get a refill I just got a warm up. She rolled her eyes at me and took 50 cents. She said that was just the way it is. I took a sip of the coffee as I drove around the block and realized that it just didn't taste so good anymore. I took it back to the restaurant and after giving it back to her, I explained that I could get no pleasure from that coffee because of the poor treatment she gave me.

When she smiled and wished me a good day, I realized that I was one of those customers she doesn't want anymore. Maybe I am not tall enough, or athletic enough, or young enough, but I am not the right class for them anymore.

My cost for 4 oz's of good coffee? $2.50

• Pros: Good Coffee
• Cons: If they don't want you as a customer, they will let you know it

09/01/08

Be Forewarned

by sometimesomeplace

This has always been one of my favorite places, but new owners recently took over and the vibe as well as the food, etc. seems to be changing-- and not necessarily for the better.

Rather than doing a slow transition to find out what is popular and why, the owners have immediately started making changes to items on the menu and to things (such as muffins, etc.) that they get from other vendors, without getting to know the existing customers and what they like.

They have turned off the wifi during certain times, and the drive thru is now only for phoned-in orders for much of the day.

There are reasons this cafe has become so popular, but if much of that is to be changed, then why still call it "Sam & Zoe's"? I've heard that the new owners are from Star Bagel, so it would seem to follow to change the name if it's going to be modeled after that business.

They'll probably develop a new customer base, BUT

for those of us long time fans, a big loss...

RIP, Sam & Zoe's.

07/27/08

One of our FAVORITE coffee & lunch spots!

by maryjatkinson

Sam & Zoe's is a friendly little coffee shop with great food, service, and ambience. We also love that you can bring your dog and sit on the porch! :) The coffee, fruit tea, curry chicken salad sandwich, butternut squash soup, and black bean chili are all highly recommended!

• Pros: Coffee, food, & service!
• Cons: N/A

06/05/08

Great place

by soon2bmrs

This is the best little sandwich shop in Nashville. I love to support local spots because they are so unique. Sam and Zoe's has wonderful coffee, soups, sandwiches, etc. Everything I have ever ordered from there has been so good! I love their turkey sandwich and their tortilla soup is so good! Great place and always look forward to going back!

• Pros: food is always delicious
• Cons: wish they would have more than one place around town