I moved to farmington, New Mexico about 6 months ago and found Durango Joes Coffee. On my first visit, I met a nice patron and we had a great conversation about finance and other investment strategies. Our conversation started over coffee on the inside and eventually ended up outside in the parking lot. We conversed in the parking lot for around 20 minutes, when my acquaintance received a phone call from the staff of Durango Joes, asking if she was "okay" and mentioned to her that "He looks creepy". I felt absolutely uncomfortable and tried to make lite of it, but in my mind I was wondering why coffee barista staff would do such a thing, or why they would involve themselves in the personal business of their patrons? I also felt that it was slanderous to my character, as I was new to Farmington and being judged based on the way I look without knowing who I am as a person. Either way, very unprofessional to say the least.
On one if my next visits, a few months ago, I had a barista get directly unprofessional with me to the point where I needed to request her to "calm down" and "act professional", which was becoming a problem, as she grew increasingly emotional with bias. Recognizing this, I ensured that I maintained a calm disposition in attempt to center the conversation to a better level of communication. My effort was vein, as the barista stayed in a disagreeable manner, with it being personally motivated (I felt), and proceeded to say that I will be banned from Durango Joes.
I responded with something to the effect of "I would like to speak to your manager and would like to leave my contact information", while asking for a pen. The barista aggressively smacked down the pen/paper and I proceeded to write my contact info and left afterwards.
I called Durango Joes, spoke to a manager, who informed me that I was not banned from Durangos Joes, and that I could frequent the location again, while apologizing for the encounter.
With that said.... I have only returned twice in the last two months, with today being the second visit.
This leads me to my visit today. Today I stopped off for a tea, and got inline to order. Without saying a word, I was told that " I'm not serving you, you are banned from here", to which I replied "that I am not banned and that management had told me this" The barista than stated "I going to call me manager" with my rely being "go ahead, I'm fine with it". It right after my reply that the barista went to call, and the second barista then stated that she wouldn't serve me either. I replied with "its okay, I don't want to put you in that position". Her immediate response was " You're actually making me uncomfortable and I want you to stand away from the counter", and this was without any reason given. I replied with "certainly" and went to the table/bar nearest the entrance, while I waited for the assistant manager to arrive.
Once on scene, the assistant manager stated that "I was banned and that I failed to understand" which I took as sarcastic and disrespectful, as it insults my intelligence. I then spoke to her and addressed her as "Young lady" and stated that she herself was the one of the representatives that informed me that I was not banned, which she denied. This was blatantly inaccurate and I didn't appreciate the dishonesty. Then I was asked to leave and I said I would as I tried to reason with her one last time, which failed. So I then stated that I will be seeking legal counsel as I feel discriminated because I am male.
While I stated this, a woman patron called the police as she called. The situation was none of her business and there was zero aggression displayed from me towards anyone, employees or patrons.
Either way, this was another terrible experience and when the police arrived, I was inform that the assistant manager wanted the police to issue me a trespass notice, which was based on nothing other than heard word. I asked to see something in writing in our conversation but she had nothing and I have been given nothing from Durango Joes to date.
This is just a case of an immature young barista trying to hurt someone because she lacks professionalism, sophistication and character.
I've lived around the world, fought in wars, fought cancer, and stood up for those who can't stand for themselves, never being treated so terribly, or banned from anywhere in the world, but visit Durango Joes Coffee, in Farmington New Mexico, and after 48 years on the planet, get banned/police called by a childish, immature, and unprofessional staff.
Durangos Joe should screen the hires a bit better.
V/R
George
Ph.D, Double Masters, Veteran, Pancreatic Cancer Survivor read more
