I WILL NEVER GO BSCK TO THIS PLACE EVER AGAIN!!!…read more
I came here early Saturday morning, August 29th, and had what was honestly one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a coffee shop.
I used to come to this coffee shop all the time to work. I genuinely enjoy supporting small businesses, which is why I would choose this coffee shop over Sightglass across the street. In the past, the staff had always been very friendly, welcoming, and hardworking. Unfortunately, after what happened today, I will never come back to this place again.
Here's what happened:
I had some work I needed to get done and saw that the shop opened at 8:00 AM. Earlier that morning, I went to a different coffee shop and got a coffee. Around 8:20 AM, I decided to come back here to work, thinking I would get another coffee once I finished the one I already had.
I sat down with the coffee I had purchased from the other coffee shop. A woman I had never seen before, who introduced herself as the general manager, (which I'm sure it's BS) approached me and, in what I felt was a very passive-aggressive tone, asked, "What can I get for you?"
I told her that I was going to get another coffee when I finished the one I already had. (Literally had 2 sips left)
She gave me a look and continued talking about it. I immediately said, "I'm sorry, you're right. What can I do? Do you want me to get another coffee right now?"
For context, I worked as a barista for seven years, so I completely understand the etiquette. I understand that bringing in a drink from another coffee shop while sitting in your establishment can be considered rude, especially if I'm not purchasing anything. I had no problem being corrected, and I was willing to fix it immediately.
I got up and ordered a black coffee from the shop.
At that point, the conversation could have ended. I had acknowledged what I did, apologized, and purchased a drink.
But she continued.
While handing me my coffee, she continued lecturing me about how I shouldn't bring in a drink from another coffee shop. At this point, I was extremely frustrated because I had already apologized and had literally gotten up and purchased a coffee from her establishment.
I finally said, "This is crazy. We do not have to have this conversation. I already bought the coffee."
She then referred to herself by saying "I'm a crazy bitch."
At that point, I was so irritated that I decided to just walk away and go back to my seat. I didn't want to continue the argument.
But she continued across the cafe and goes off on me. She then said, "I can ask you to leave."
I asked her, "Do you want me to leave?"
She said, "LEAVE."
So I left.
I want to be clear: the outside coffee was never the issue. I understand the etiquette. I understood her concern, apologized, and immediately purchased a coffee. If she had simply said, "We don't allow outside drinks, but if you'd like to stay, please purchase something from us," I would have completely understood and there would have been no problem.
What made this experience so awful was the unnecessary escalation after I had already complied.
I have supported this business for a long time because I believe in supporting small businesses. I chose this place repeatedly over other coffee shops because I liked the people and wanted to support them.
Unfortunately, one interaction completely changed that.
I will not be returning to this coffee shop unless there is a significant change in management. I have never had a customer-service experience like this, and I don't believe any customer should be treated this way--especially after acknowledging their mistake, apologizing, and purchasing something from the business.