Fresh & Natural Cafe

The people that work here are ridiculous and extremely rude. I got a soup the other day and when I was about to eat I realized they didn’t give me a spoon, I went back up and asked if I can please have a spoon, and the lady Gave me a spoon and I was about to walk away she said «10 cents» … Are you serious? I bought a soup from this place and I have to pay extra to get a freaking spoon. They also always change the prices on you and take advantage of the fact that prices are posted on their menu. One time I got a hot dog combo (comes with a drink and chips) and got some cheetos with it. I get the same exact thing another day and she says the chips that I chose are extra… Another time I was waiting in line with my friend while I ate some crackers I had brought from home and after my friend ordered her stuff she starts to talk to me and says I need to pay for that (the crackers I was eating) I told her I brought them from home. She looked at the crackers and realized they didn’t even sell those there, rolled her eyes and walked away. I like to be able to get something quick to eat between classes or something to drink and now I almost dread talking to this lady because she’s always trying to switch things up on me. So ridiculous

This little coffee shop is worked by 3 – 4 women… some are very nice and others don’t even greet you, they just stare at you until you actually tell them what you want.
Anyways… The service is extremely sloooooowwww! Ugghh not convenient when you need to get to class fast! I always see long lines except when it is early in the morning or late and night. For example, if you order a special drink that they have to make, most of the time the cashier will go ahed and make the drink regardless of how long the line is, even though there are like 2 other workers in the back totally available to help. It is just really frustrating at times. I would give 1 star, but the sandwiches (some)that they have are okay, they will do. Oh and I really hate the «3 dollar minimum purchase» you have to make in order to use your credit/​debit card, not convenient when you just want a water or another item (most of the selections they have are over priced) and don’t have cash on you! Hope Fresh and Natural Café steps up their game!

Mac has been a real part of the Ohlone family, looking out for the students and faculty alike… it’s a shame Fresh and Natural has decided to reorganize. Having such a friendly face and such a nice, extended family behind the counter at Newark, well, they’ll be hard pressed to replace all that Mack and his family brought to Ohlone’s Newark campus.

Mac is the best! These guys get 6 stars just for the level of customer service you get. The whole crew is quick, friendly and will go the extra mile to make sure their customers are satisfied. The café offers a little loyalty card (after so many purchases you get a sandwich free) that I always forgot to bring with me. Unbelievably, Mac actually kept track of my visits so that when I did finally remember my punch card, he could bring it up to date. It’s little things like that that make this staff so amazing! I don’t think the café would get half the business it does without its awesome manager and crew!

Mack and his crew at Fresh & Natural Café are one of the reasons I keep coming back. They’re friendly, attentive and make you feel as if you’ve been a regular at their café from the beginning. This is a small café within the Newark Campus of Ohlone College, so their hours of operation are pretty much in tune with the schools. They serve what you might expect from a quick, grab and go establishment on campus: premade sandwiches, wraps, sweets, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and by far the BEST somosas I’ve ever tried in my life. Seriously, folks. If you’re in the area and you like somosas, you gotta stop in here just for a taste. Be sure to ask them to toast them a little bit longer to get the full, crunchy goodness, but it’s your call… I’d eat ‘em cold. I’d like to see more fresh, organic options. Perhaps they could tap into some local farmers’ markets and prepare some green salads with organic, locally grown produce. Heck, maybe they could hook up with the folks that are growing herbs and vegggies outside on the school grounds? Growing minds need good, healthy food!