Seven Stars Bakery, Rumford RI

*I am copying this review to all locations*

I hesitate to even share my experience as a former employee of 5 years but I care more about my friends (at this location in particular) who still have to deal with worrying how much their next paycheck is going to be. 9 dollars an hour is truly abysmal for a business that in my time spent selling my labor has only gotten exponentially busier and more profitable. And what they did with this influx of customers was build two brand new locations in the span of 2 years and never once raise the pay of their hourly employees. This has gone on for far long enough. These "new" owners (it's been several years now), can no longer hide behind their cowardice and their inexperience in the food service industry. Something has to change, dozens of incredible and hard-working employees, managers, and bakers have been chased away by the mistreatment and pathetic compensation offered by this company.
I am very grateful for the experiences in management I gained from my time at SSB, and to some extent I know that members of upper management are doing the best they can. But to many of them I would caution that it's time to spit out the Kool-aid and see what's in front of you. Because your employees are ready to fight for what they deserve and your customers are ready to support them.

I think it’s absolutely disgusting that this establishment lowered workers wages once they saw how much they were making in tips from their computerized system. I used to love this establishment, but I can’t get behind a company that treats it workers so poorly. $9 an hour is not enough. PAY YOUR WORKERS MORE! THEY DESERVE IT!

Pay your workers more. Lovely little shop but not fair to the people who keep it afloat. $9 an hour isn’t enough!

I love the coffee and love 7 stars, BUT I was incredibly disheartened to learn that they only pay their workers $9 an hour. Seven stars HAS to do better. I am willing to go elsewhere for coffee if they don’t fix t he situation and pay their workers a fair and living wage.

I had such a lovely experience at 7 stars. The person who worked with me was incredibly patient and helpful as I was very indecisive about what treats I should get for my family for thanksgiving. He also went out of his way to make sure I enjoyed the Chai latte I got after it came up). I was so disappointed to hear that employees like the wonderful one I was working with are paid less than those at other coffee shops and bakeries in the area, although they offer superior service. That was my only complaint about my experience - these wonderful employees deserve better!

Just moved to Rhode Island and love this place. Fantastic bread. Would give 5 stars except that I was disappointed to learn their employees are paid only $9/h, much less than many comparable coffee shops in the area. I wonder why?

The staff are amazing! My husband and I have been going here for years and we were saddened to hear of the low wages that these workers are getting. We know how busy the bakery is and we know the company can afford to pay these workers more. It’s what they deserve!

Please pay your employees a living wage. Great food, great service and great atmosphere. Please pay your employees a living wage.

We just visited the Rumford location of Seven Stars after having moved away 12 years ago and were thrilled to find that it is just as good as ever. The chocolate almond croissant that I have missed so much has not changed at all and the olive bread is just as unique and delightful as always. Our 15 year old daughter, who was three when we moved away, also said that the star cookies are as magical as ever (: Our coffee drinks were spot on, the prep station was well stocked, and the entire bakery was spotless. We hope we’re able to come back soon.

I have been to this place and brought friends here more times than I can count. It’s a little pricey, but I figured that was a combination of the in-house baking and paying their employees well. The staff is excellent, I have never had a bad interaction.

Recently, I found out that they lowered the staff’s wages to $9 once they saw how substantial tipping was during the pandemic. It seems that they spin it as a position that pays $15/ hour when they’re only paying $9- they count on customers who think they’re tipping above a living wage for excellent service to make up the rest. This is a large business with 5 locations and a distribution deal with Whole Foods, not some small local business trying to get their footing in the food service industry. The hourly wage for these employees is way below other RI cafes. The owners should be absolutely ashamed.

They made a big show of accepting the union (I remember seeing the post and applauding it), but that was all for show- they’re still not willing to pay their staff what they deserve. It seems they want to cash in on looking like a business that values their staff without ever actually doing it. Disgusting.

I love Seven Stars! The employees are always awesome and they deserve so much more than $9 an hour. Pay them fair wages.

Seven Stars is such an amazing cafe! The bread and pastries are delicious and they have a great verity of drinks. But recently found out that their employees only get $9hr! Completely outrageous. From now on I will up my tips till they pay their employees better.

GIVE EVERYONE A RAISEEEEEEEEEE 9 DOLLARS AN HOUR IS NOT ENOUGH TO STAY ALIVE IN THIS STATE!

One of my fave cafes. The staff is so friendly and talented. I was shocked that their hourly rate is $3 less than minimum wage. They make only $9/hr.

Please pay these wonderful people a living wage!

I love Seven Stars, always delicious coffee and pastry.
I would normally give 5 stars, but I'm
very disheartened to hear the barista's/workers there are underpaid. They work so hard, and are always professional and pleasant.
I've seen signs at fast food restaurants that are paying $18/hr, and yet they're making below minimum wage because they can receive tips.
This is unacceptable to me!
I will continue to support the staff there, so I will be back, but hoping that change is coming soon.
Everyone should be compensated for their hard work and professionalism, especially in these trying economic times.

What can I say? I have been visiting this place since I moved to Providence 15 years ago and still come back at least twice a week. I love the relaxed, cozy atmosphere and the very friendly and helpful staff. My kids have grown up coming to Seven Stars for hot chocolate and pastries and meeting friends. The bread is excellent as are the pastries. I do wish there was a wider range of breads that are not sourdough based, but that doesn't detract from my overall review.