800 CANDY AND JUICE BAR I CORP

Located at 800 Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood, 800 Candy and Juice Bar I Corp presents a complex picture for potential customers. On the surface, its name suggests a destination for sweets and healthy beverages. However, customer experiences and a closer look at its operations reveal a reality more aligned with a neighborhood convenience store and smoke shop, leading to a significant disconnect between expectation and reality. The establishment maintains long hours, operating from 10:30 AM to 11:40 PM seven days a week, offering a clear advantage of accessibility for local residents.

The Name and The Reality: Is It a Juice Bar?

A primary point of consideration for any visitor is the business's name. The inclusion of "Juice Bar" sets a specific expectation: a place where one can order freshly prepared beverages. Patrons searching for a fresh juice, a custom fruit smoothie, or other healthy drinks might be drawn in by the signage. However, the available information, including customer reviews and photographic evidence, does not support the idea of a functioning, traditional juice bar. The interior photos showcase refrigerators stocked with pre-packaged beverages, alongside a wide array of snacks, candies, and, most prominently, smoking accessories. There is no visible evidence of equipment for juicing or blending, such as commercial juicers or blenders, nor a menu detailing options for cold-pressed juice or made-to-order smoothies. This discrepancy is a critical factor; customers specifically seeking the offerings of a smoothie bar are likely to be disappointed, as the business appears to primarily function as a convenience store and smoke shop that happens to sell bottled natural juices.

The Positive Aspects: Convenience and Glimmers of Good Service

Despite significant criticism, some positive attributes can be noted. The most undeniable benefit is the store's extensive operating hours. Being open for over 13 hours daily, every day of the week, provides a valuable service in the neighborhood for late-night needs, whether it's a quick snack, a drink, or smoking supplies. This level of convenience is a significant draw.

Furthermore, not all customer service interactions have been negative. One detailed account highlights an employee who was exceptionally positive, describing a male staff member as "very polite, attentive and super helpful." This experience suggests that the potential for good, welcoming service exists within the establishment. It points to an inconsistency in the customer experience rather than a uniformly negative environment. For a potential customer, this means a visit could be pleasant, depending entirely on which staff member is on duty. This single positive report, however, stands in stark contrast to a larger volume of negative feedback, making a positive experience feel more like a matter of chance than a standard to be expected.

Areas of Significant Concern

The majority of customer feedback paints a troubling picture, focusing on several key areas of deficiency that any potential patron should be aware of before visiting.

Widespread Customer Service Issues

The most frequently and intensely criticized aspect of 800 Candy and Juice Bar is its customer service. Multiple visitors have reported encounters with staff described as rude, unhelpful, and disinterested. One review lamented that the service lacked "even the bare minimum," with staff being "reluctant to help." Another described the workers as "poorly trained" and specifically noted a cashier who "couldn't be bothered to do her job." These general complaints are supported by specific, frustrating anecdotes. The same customer who praised one male employee had her experience soured by his companion on a video call, who made a disparaging remark about her asking questions regarding a purchase. This incident highlights a lack of professionalism that extends beyond the direct employee-customer interaction, contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere.

Questionable Product Quality and Business Practices

Beyond poor service, there are serious allegations regarding the products sold and the store's business ethics. One customer reported purchasing an ashtray, only to discover at home that it was broken. Compounding the issue, the employee did not offer a receipt, leaving the customer with no proof of purchase and no recourse for a refund or exchange. This incident raises concerns about the store's quality control and its return policy, or potential lack thereof. It serves as a warning to customers to inspect items carefully before purchasing and to always insist on a receipt.

Even more serious are the accusations from another patron who claimed the store engages in overcharging, even with regular customers. This same review mentioned the sale of "block work." While the term can have multiple meanings, in the context of a smoke shop, it often refers to lower-quality, compressed, or potentially counterfeit products. This accusation suggests a business practice that prioritizes profit over quality and transparency, potentially deceiving customers about the value and authenticity of their purchases. Such claims can severely damage trust and deter customers who are looking for reliable and fairly priced goods.

Store Environment and Organization

The physical condition of the store has also been a point of criticism. One review described the establishment as a "messy store," which, combined with reports of poorly trained staff, contributes to an overall impression of disorganization and a lack of professional standards. For many shoppers, a clean and well-organized environment is a basic expectation, and the failure to meet this standard can detract from the entire shopping experience, regardless of the products offered.

A Convenient but Risky Option

800 Candy and Juice Bar I Corp on Franklin Avenue is a business of stark contrasts. Its primary strengths are its convenient, long hours and its wide selection of convenience items and smoke shop products. There is a possibility of encountering a helpful employee, but the weight of customer feedback suggests this is not the norm. Potential customers must weigh this convenience against significant and frequently reported risks: a high likelihood of poor, unprofessional, or rude customer service; concerns about product quality and the inability to make returns; and serious allegations of overcharging and selling subpar goods. Furthermore, anyone looking for a genuine juice bar experience with freshly made fruit smoothies or a juice cleanse program should look elsewhere, as the name appears to be a misnomer. It functions as a neighborhood bodega and smoke shop, and should be approached with that understanding, along with a healthy dose of caution.