Planted - Organic Cafe

I really love Planted in Melrose. Their gluten-free treats and quality options are a rare gem in downtown Melrose—and it feels good to support a local, health-conscious business. That said, I’ve been coming here since they opened, and one consistent issue is the speed. Everything is made fresh, which I appreciate, but the process is painfully slow—watching my order come together feels like an endurance test. Still, the quality and GF options keeps me coming back. This morning, however, was frustrating for a different reason. Their website clearly says they open at 8:00 AM. I tried to place an online order, but it wouldn’t let me until 9:30. Confusing, but I figured the website would be the more accurate source. I stopped by in person at 8:35, expecting them to be open (since their website says 8AM) —only to find the doors locked and the place still closed. Frustrated, I went to Starbucks. When I came back out around 8:50, I saw the “Open” sign getting turned on. So… do they open at 8? 8:50? 9:30? Look, I get it—running a small business is hard. But you can’t be both slow and unreliable. Pick one, and maybe we can work with it. But I really hope they sort out the timing and communication issues, because the food really is delicious—when you can get it. But I am also so incredibly frustrated with wasting my time this morning. It feels so unprofessional!