Is it closed yet?

If there were a way to enter negative stars here, I would!!

It's unfortunate that a place with such INCREDIBLE potential has such disfunctional ownership who tries to take advantage of their employees and then play victim and claim that the "white folks" of Homewood won't support you!!

PEOPLE won't support you because you are reaping the seeds that you have sown. PERIOD! It's not a black or white issue...it's an integrity issue and, as it stands, you don't have any.

If my own experience weren't enough, stumbling upon this list of similar experiences is confirmation. It's sad because there is so much promise there; but until the owners take responsibility for their actions and stop playing victim, it'll be just another nice spot w/potential that will soon be empty!

Cassandra, first of all if what NDAVIS is saying isn't true, it will all come out in the end, but to call DCFS and try to have her child taken away is just LOW.... All new business have some ironing out to do but this is borderline scandal. Tom's restuarant had some ironing out to do, I am sure, before they became successful, and probably the same with Blueberry Hill and other local eateries. But never has anyone accussed those places of not paying their employees and being under handed. This just supports my stance that I will not be back. Any person that feels the need to take it that low, then obviously there is a problem with you and not the other person. Contacting DCFS is malicious. I didn't hear you say any harm was done to the child, so why go the low route. Maybe you have more to hide than you are letting on...maybe what she is saying is the truth and you are trying to cover it up. I am not sure who to believe but to involve DCFS is just uncalled for. Shame on you!

My daughter and friends from Choir made an arrangement with Good Life that if they helped pass out the cards, with them saying tell them "so and so sent u," the kids were supposed to get money towards the TOUR with the Choir this coming spring..... Good Life NEVER PAID THEM A DIME!!!!, and they worked 3 days a week...... that was for tour!... What could have been an important fundraiser for kids to go to Europe, was a total Failure.. !! Thank u Good Life Cafe, I will not patronize this business

Everyone, Cassandra is a LIAR. She is upset because my husband & other former employees of Cafe have taken action against her & her husband for not being in compliance w/ Illinois labor standards. They have not been able to pay their employees. There are former employees still waiting to get paid. My husband is waiting on 2 checks & money he didn't receive as a result of them saying they can't afford to pay OT. We have gone to the Depart. of Labor, Attorney General, & BBB. Her comment below is only an attempt to retaliate against our family I feel it is downright childish. I have proof to substantiate everything I wrote. Including the fact that I CALLED THE POLICE, after my family sat in the restaurant waiting to pick up a check that was never there. She tried to assualt me, after I told her that it was their obligation to ensure their employees were paid despite their many tales of woe. They were righting bad paychecks to the employees & then they weren't paying them at all. She needs to take responsibility for HER actions & be completely honest about their misdealings. Slander is a malicious, false, & defamatory statement, it can't be slander if it is FACT! This just confirms the previous reviews about Cassandra! Here is something interesting... click on the link or copy and paste to see details about Cassandra's other shiesty business dealings:
http://www.incredibleagents.com/real-estate-agents/IL/Chicago/In-sight-Realty-Group-Inc/p1819358/Cassandra-Wooden-Seawood.html#

Good Life Cafe in downtown Homewood has excellent food and the atmosphere is most calming after a long day at work.

I found this place at a local festival I attended in homewood.
Enjoyed a smoothie. I took their menu and promotional card with specials on it. I was excited at the newest "option" to the takeout restaurants in the area. I did however today have a bad experience. I called to enquire about buying one of the weekday specials - in BULK - and was bluntly advised by the young "manager" that the card specials were dine in only. I completely understood this and the fact that it is stated on the card - however, in trying to support this local business, my entire office was going to place an order. She refused to consider with almost $100 worth of food to be ordered, that it might be ok to do take out just this one time. In turn this would have gained the restaurant at least 10 new patrons, all who live in the area, all who are health conscious and ALL who buy lunch at work on a daily basis. To the owner, I know that your food is good. I have tried it before. I would urge you to train your staff in making such decisions if it is going to be in the best interest of your business making $$$. I would love to see the restaurant remain - even after reading the negative reviews and posts below. All new businesses go through a period of "ironing out creases". The restaurant is lovely and is well decorated. When I have been there always clean. This post was purely for your information. not to bash or be negative. Your manager needs some business sense. Thank you and good luck!

First I'll provide a rating based on my one visit. The egg sandwich with turkey sausage was quite average. And I found the atmosphere slightly above average. But in truth I kind of like the place. I may be back.

Now as to the heated owner dialogue overheard by patrons when visiting the establishment. It's clear this was confrontation was "over-the-top" but frankly the reaction seemed to match the unwanted tirade. Homewood isn't going down hill because some supervisor lost it in the kitchen. Or tables weren't clean or some unmotivated (soon to be unemployed) worker was snoozing on the job. Man D did you get triggered with this one.

Here's my 2 cents Cassandra. Keep your apologizes simple.be a model for your customers and employees, and serve your customers with passion. You can't afford the mistakes it seems you are making here and you need to build a loyal customer base to sustain this business.

I hope it's not too late for Good Life. And Good Luck.

Wow, "N.Davis", thank you for being so brave and sharing your story. I am so sorry for you, your husband and the other workers. This just confirms my reasons for not returning to this establishment. If the owners don't have enough professionalism to hold their tongue & not discuss employee issues during business hours & now they don't have the integrity to pay their workers, then something is definitely wrong here. Have you filed a complaint with the BBB or Department of Labor? Those are the places I would start. Good Luck to you and your family!

I feel it's finally time I provide my feedback. I have already been accused of sabotaging this business by posting negative reviews on here, which I never did. But after reading other posts especially ones like "Davis", I feel like I have to respond. I don't believe "Davis" posts & in fact believe the Seawoods have their family/friends posting on here. Because the employees at the restaurant are currently disgruntled since they have not been getting paid. My husband who recently resigned has not gotten his pay which was due to him on July 31st. It is now August 4th & all he has been told is that "they don't have it". The other workers are waiting as well, my husband just had the courage to leave. So "Davis" I doubt what you posted took place. No former employee would be coming in there to apologize especially when most are waiting to get paid. My husband is also waiting to recomp money due to him for NSF fees because his last paycheck on July 15th bounced our account. There is in fact a lot going on there & I feel that this business should not be supported if they lack professionalism & the owners feel it is okay to handle their business w/out integrity. I have documentation to prove everything I am stating. How many times can we tell our creditors my husband didn't get paid or the payroll check bounced & think they are going to believe our story! Is this really the reflection you want for Homewood? We are in the process of pursuing legal action against the owners & business.

Kaydee, I totally agree with you. That was the point I was trying to make. Accepting accountability for the actions that you brought upon yourself. Why would I want to talk to someone who should of known better. and This is a public forurm. It seems like Cassandra has her multiple friends writing reviews and telling stories that seem a little shady to protect the business. The comments were not meant to hurt business but to shed some light on your shortcomings. I would of maybe gotten some take out from the restaurant in the future, but the attacks from people like Shanna and the gang have changed my mind. I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors.

@Cassandra Seawood- I agree w/ "Customer" that you shouldn't use this as a platform to debate other people's opinions. You should use it as constructive criticism so you know what areas need improvement. Actually you have done nothing but justify your unprofessional behavior by placing blame on the Patch commenters & your staff. You stated "we shall overcome your absence Kaydee" well, I wasn't expecting you to be distraught about the fact I wasn't returning but I definitely wasn't expecting the arrogant attitude either. You also stated "No matter what you do in life people like Kaydee will never be able to forgive you or address you personally without defaming your character in media format" I did not defame your character...YOU opened the door for criticism when YOU (not me) displayed the hostile behavior. If it were an employee, I would think they would be terminated for displaying such behavior. But since it was YOU who caused the ruckus that is why it was all the more disappointing. During a visit I actually spoke to you & your husband & gave you some suggestions based on what I saw. But at this point I wouldn't want to talk w/ you especially if this is the manner in which carry on. You are getting mad at the wrong people this is why the website is set up so people can express their opinions about local businesses. Media format or not stop whining, take responsibility & move on! I have nothing to forgive you for, start by admitting your wrong & forgive yourself!

There is an old saying that when you find yourself in a deep hole, maybe you should stop digging. The owners here have tried to defend themselves but I think have done so clumsily. Shannas post suggests that the employee who was getting yelled at is now the one being made to apologize? Curious. I would suggest everyone rut away the race cards, stop discussing the previous incidents, and look forward, not backward. Well meaning "friends" of the owners should stop the defenses too -- you're not helping prospective customers like me. I would suggest all reviews here be for experiences today or later -- let's see if the restaurant is committed to customer service and a pleasant dining experience (it seems there is general agreement the food is good) AFTER these "teachable moments" If the owner posts here again I would suggest it be only to announce a substantial "customer appreciation" special for an upcoming week...... Good luck!

As I can see for the recent posts, "acquaintances and friends" of the establishment keep voting up the establishment with reviews. Ok Shanna, Mr. Giles, Mr. Munroe, and Mr. Davis. It proves my point that as a business you can not accept reviews that are not positive. This is not something like I had to wait for 15 minutes for a table type of solution. The owner caused all of this. I am done. It proves to me that I will not step foot back into this restaurant. A post about the service has turned into tit for tat. Yes, I am a blogger and I have ties to Windy City Live Ms. Shanna. Please leave the block. I didn't have to talk to them directly because now that I know that the culprit was the owner, they should of known better. I don't have to talk to anybody directly, that is what the Internet is for to rate a business. Blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"D" please stop! Your points have been well received by the Village of Homewood businesses and its residents. Comments like "Ghetto, Field Hand and African-Americans" do not make your status as a blogger with celebrity contacts look appealing. Please STOP and lets use this media format to get real news, not negative comments and rants about your last visit. Why didn't you talk to them in person they were very happy approachable tonight, try talking to them you might feel better as a person.

Nice place! We pick up lunch 2 to 3 times a week. Nice selection of healthy and vegetarian food. Reasonably priced.

Cassandra, I understand that businesses have snags in the road when they first start off, however the behavior that was displayed was not acceptable. Control the controllable, right. That conversation should of been reserved for after business hours. My husband and I wanted a little date night away from our daughter and the work stresses and we had to hear the owner's wife or whoever rant and rave like a field hand. Kaydee and I are with merit to post things on the Internet about businesses that do well and not so well. When you are in the business of making money, you must always be professional. You never know who may walk in. FYI, I am a blogger who has ties to some Chicago celebrities in the area. I was so going to post a review and pictures of the food on my blog about the first visit. The second visit ruined that opportunity to post anything about your establishment in a good way. Mind you, my blog is followed all across the world. The Internet provides a both positive and negative medium to any business owner. FYI, please train the staff and owners on professionalism. Yes, the cook was laying down in the booth (witnessed on my way to the bathroom) and the tables were dirty. The service was so awful in which one of your wait staff a young male apologized. So, Catherine this is with merit. Davis, I agree with you about tax revenue, but not at the mercy of terrible service. Let's get a Trader Joes or Whole Foods in Homewood, IL.

I will rate them based on the food and the service. I was there yesterday with my wife and there were no customers there. I listened as a former employee stood at the counter apologizing to who I guess was the owner. After he apologized to her he approached our table and said it was nice to serve you all at this fine establishment. I asked him what was wrong he said he had caused the business tremendous pain by bringing his personal issues there and it caused friction with the owner and people to talk bad on the internet. He said he resigned to help the business regain their honor and my wife told him that was honorable. He admitted his wrong he hugged the staff and left. Now I read that my neighbors won't patronize them because of this. What happened must had been bad enough to make that lady rant. The staff were in tears saying the owner's don't deserve what has happened to their business. I feel the comments would have been better received and resolved if they were given in person to the owners. We need these businesses people it may just help us to decrease some of our high taxes out here. By the way, I loved the Bri Salad and the Smoothie, needed more berries but I was satisfied. The reviews have been heard people lets allow them to get up out of the mud you are putting them in so we can keep eating right. Thank you, Mr. D

@Mr. Giles I never used the race card nor did I attempt to tear them down. I too am a white female, mother of 3 & as I stated in my previous review, my family has been to the restaurant before. We have lived in the area for almost 8 years. My family & I have patronized almost every local business in the area. I only stated the facts as I came in to pick up an order & heard someone yelling in the back only to realize I recognized the voice as the owner's wife. I only wrote the review as I happened to read the one from "D" who indicated her & her husband was there & heard the same thing. My comment was that the food was good but when I come into a restaurant I don't want to encounter chaotic or uncomfortable situations. I felt hearing that & reading the other reviews was a reflection of their business. They have not been opened that long as "Cassandra Seawood" stated for them to be getting the ratings that they are getting. So "Mr. Giles" I too had good things to say about them, until I had that bad experience. A restaturant is supposed to be welcoming and inviting. Most people rate restaurants based on service, atmosphere, and of course food. Their food was good as I had stated many times, the service was mediocre but the atmosphere the day I came in was horrible. All it takes is one bad experience to turn people away. I am glad you & your family enjoy the restaurant but again I only voiced my opinion & stated that as far as I am concerned I will not be returning!!

I've been in Homewood for over 15-years and I must say I found this business on the google search engine. I was shocked to see the comments as I find their existence to be a delight for our village, the food and service we received was great. We come in on Saturday morning and when we get off the train. I feel it to be harsh that people put comments out here like this referring to race and GHETTO I thought that was a noun for a place not a person. I'm embarrassed to say I live here with some of you with your comments. This business has helped to revive our downtown and people with anonymous names are tearing them and Homewood down. I found it easy to talk to the owners when we felt our food came out too late we waited 15-minutes and then we realized we had waited longer in other places. Their new give them a chance and let them vote for themselves some of you did and you never gave them a second chance. I will say sense race was discussed, I am a white male father or 4, wife is a cancer survivor and I live by African-Americans and this place makes my family and my neighbors happy. ALLOW THEM TO GROW, SO THEY WONT GO!!!!!!

Cassandra, you shouldn't keep voting "up" your establishment and using this as a debate forum.

I totally agree. I witnessed this for myself, so it is not without merit. The food was good the first time I came there with my husband. The second time, the service was awful. That is why I put the date and time there for everyone to see in care there was "selective memory." There is no excuse for what my husband and myself experienced. Treat it as a learning curve.

Cassandra, My family and I not only live in the area but have been to your restaurant many times to have breakfast and dinner. We even attended one of the Jazz nights where I met you and your husband. So I have been to your establishment and have tried supporting you as a new local business in the area. However, on the day I came in to pick up an order, I heard you in the back yelling and screaming. I was very surprised by that and felt both awkward and sad for you. Your comment below does nothing for me... in my post I never said the food wasn't good each time I came in to eat or carry out. What I did say was that your lack of professionalism in your OWN restaurant was the downfall. I cannot continue to support an establishment that feels it is okay to carry on in such an unprofessional manner. The business is a DIRECT reflection on the owners. You cannot expect professionalism from your staff if you and your husband do not display this as well! So again, I WILL NOT BE BACK!!!

Kaydee,

Thank you. I didn't know what was going on.... regardless it was very unprofessional. I will not be going back there either. Very sad.

This message is for D-
I read your comment about the Good Life Cafe and your recent experience and hearing a person screaming in the back. The person you heard ranting and raving was the owner's wife. I must have come in after you, because she was still ranting and raving. What a dis-service to her employees and the restaurant her and her husband are trying to build. I DEFINITELY WILL NOT BE BACK. Not because the service or food I received wasn't good but I cannot support a place/ or person that feels like it is okay to treat their employees this way! NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Tried Good Life Cafe for the first time tonight.... we ordered to-go.... server/cashier was so friendly & very knowledgable of the menu, asked me just the right questions about what I wanted to to try. I had the pasta with pesto sauce & chicken, & the bruschetta.... Delicious!!! Will definitely go back for more...

FlossmoorMom, I went to the restaurant the first time last month and didn't post my review to later. I have been busy. However, I went yesterday and the service was terrible.

My wife and I have eaten at Good Life Cafe several times, usually for breakfast or an after Church brunch. The food and service has been very good, but we've experienced some remarkably long delays between ordering and the delivery of our meals. I've had long talks with both the owner and his wife, and they seem committed to the business. I'm optimistic that they'll work out the problems. There's nothing new about this, it takes some time to shake out a restaurant. Both Flossmoor Station and Cilantro went through similar experiences early on. Given them time, and they'll be great.

I enjoyed my trip very much- I find it odd that D gave this place 5 stars and then a week later gave it 1? Very strange indeed. The food was tasty and the customer service was great!

I was so disapointed when I went back to the restaurant on 7/11/2012 around 5:40PM. The tables were dirty, the cook was taking a nap in a booth and a worker was talking really loud in the kitchen about how she had a family and couldn't work there. The conversation went on for about 10 minutes of her ranting and raving. My husband and I got up and left. This is another example of ghetto behavior in Homewood, IL. This community is going downhill really fast. I am just putting myself in position to move within a couple of years. I am African American and it seems like everything (AA) touch we destroy. With all fairness, not all of us. I was really rooting for this place. To the owner: if you want your business to succeed; hire people that want to work there. Very disappointed.

Good Place To Eat. Customer service was great. The chicken and waffles were delicious. Definitely will come back.

Great coffee! Very reasonable food prices, the Breakfast sandwich was great! Can't wait to go back for lunch and dinner. We are going to check out the Jazz night (Wednesdays) and the wife and daughters want to do the Women's wine and dine on Sundays.

This place is great! It's good to see them reviving the downtown. Now everyone should do their part in supporting them. The chicken and waffles, smoothies, garlic fries...all good stuff. Keep it up! I'm becoming a regular.