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Edit: No claim of 'secret listening devices' was ever made. Threatening legal action towards a person as a scare tatic for sharing a review isn't just unprofessional -it speaks volumes about the business and its approach to criticism
The food at Saltie Dog Coledale is generally good, and the service often receives positive attention. However, I’ve had concerns based on both personal experience and the owner's public responses to other reviews.
Firstly, surveillance inside the venue is something potential customers and staff should be aware of. In past review replies, the owner has stated things like:
“I have viewed the footage of your visit to Saltie Dog, I also have watched the making of the Prawn Mornay Crepe.” aswell as 'After you finished she asked where you happy and the Gentleman said yes thanks'. I found it odd that the owner, in public replies to some reviews, refers to exact moments like when a customer sat down, what they said, or what they did seconds later. It feels overly detailed — almost like the entire visit was monitored moment-by-moment, seemingly to passive - aggressively defend against even general critism. While security footage is common, the way it’s used and shared publicly made me feel uneasy and has made me reconsider visiting again.
Secondly, I was offered a trial shift that lasted several hours, during which I performed regular kitchen duties. I was not paid for this time, after being told I had got the job, I reached out multiple times, however one day the owner never contacted me again, with no explanation.
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman:
“Any period beyond what is reasonably required to demonstrate the skills required for the job must be paid at the appropriate minimum rate of pay.”
For a task like dishwashing, two hours is more than enough time to assess someone's ability. Anything beyond that starts to feel exploitative.
I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice—both as customers and as potential employees.
Reply from Saltie Dog - Coffee & Crêpes Coledale
2025.07.23
Happy thank you for removi ng acquisitions of listening to customers conversations through secret listening devices.
In order to improve if required or understand a very negative review watching a vist on the cameras i feel is important. Although the camera in the corner does zoom in it still gives you enough idea on issues or how we can improve. Lucky it has only happened twice now in over around 100,000 customers as I barely have time to watch one visit .. its sad you have a genuine dislike for us and couldnt accept our initial apology of potentially forgeting your details re getting you to a dew shifts
Dear Happy as requested below please remove the defamatory remarks as to invasion of customers privacy .. the next steps will be legal steps
Hi Happy
Firstly, regarding the comments as to Audio Surveillance in the Cafe - please remove this Immediately - Your assumption is completely incorrect. Did you consider I may have questioned the staff member as to the conversation that took place.
Our technology partner is AST Technology you are welcome to contact them or come into the Cafe and check our system. Nathan who lives in Coledale looks after it.
I am lost for words trying to defend any other use of the camera in a inappropriate way.
Now regarding your shift - did you simply think it could be a mistake. We trial kitchen people on a Saturday or Sunday. They are our busiest days after working two fifteen hours days. I am lucky to be able to remember details of the days. For that reason I always say to text me and in the days to follow I will take stock of the shifts and action the next steps.
I have 26 casual staff - I may have just forgotten or lost your number. The weeks just go so fast. For that I apologise. I am battling to keep things together as small business is so hard. Why didn't you recontact me or come back and see me.
Nobody is perfect, maybe it's just the quite time of the year and I just have too many staff at this moment in time but that may change in the coming weeks.
Anyway, this doesn't achieve the right outcome - the best way is to contact a person when you feel like you have been unfairly treated. Its not always how it seems
Regards
Leigh 0412 499971
In order to improve if required or understand a very negative review watching a vist on the cameras i feel is important. Although the camera in the corner does zoom in it still gives you enough idea on issues or how we can improve. Lucky it has only happened twice now in over around 100,000 customers as I barely have time to watch one visit .. its sad you have a genuine dislike for us and couldnt accept our initial apology of potentially forgeting your details re getting you to a dew shifts
Dear Happy as requested below please remove the defamatory remarks as to invasion of customers privacy .. the next steps will be legal steps
Hi Happy
Firstly, regarding the comments as to Audio Surveillance in the Cafe - please remove this Immediately - Your assumption is completely incorrect. Did you consider I may have questioned the staff member as to the conversation that took place.
Our technology partner is AST Technology you are welcome to contact them or come into the Cafe and check our system. Nathan who lives in Coledale looks after it.
I am lost for words trying to defend any other use of the camera in a inappropriate way.
Now regarding your shift - did you simply think it could be a mistake. We trial kitchen people on a Saturday or Sunday. They are our busiest days after working two fifteen hours days. I am lucky to be able to remember details of the days. For that reason I always say to text me and in the days to follow I will take stock of the shifts and action the next steps.
I have 26 casual staff - I may have just forgotten or lost your number. The weeks just go so fast. For that I apologise. I am battling to keep things together as small business is so hard. Why didn't you recontact me or come back and see me.
Nobody is perfect, maybe it's just the quite time of the year and I just have too many staff at this moment in time but that may change in the coming weeks.
Anyway, this doesn't achieve the right outcome - the best way is to contact a person when you feel like you have been unfairly treated. Its not always how it seems
Regards
Leigh 0412 499971
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First time visit. The staff very welcoming and the owner very engaging. The best was the biscoff crape which I highly recommend. I didn’t like my coffee however I would go again. Thank you ☺️
Reply from Saltie Dog - Coffee & Crêpes Coledale
2025.07.19
Thank you Jacky once again apologies re the coffee .. it does happen sometimes and thank you for bringing it up when you were here .. looking forward to making you a better one next time regards leigh
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There were so many menu options and everything looked delicious!
I had the “The Big Boss” and it was absolutely amazing – super tasty and filling.
The dessert was also incredible.
This place is a must-visit again next time I go to Australia.
The staff were all super friendly and had such warm smiles 😊
– From Japan
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