Honestly, it pains me to leave this review because I absolutely love Topos and I've always had great experiences at both of their locations. I've given their other location a five-star review because the staff there has always been warm and welcoming. However, after today's experience at the Woodward location, I feel compelled to share my frustration.
I've recently started visiting the Woodward location because it's one of the few places where I can sit outside with my emotional support dog. I've always been aware of the "service animals only" sign on the door, and I know that's typically meant for accessibility purposes. However, I've visited other coffee shops where emotional support animals are also allowed, and I had a positive experience here in the past. The first time I came in with my dog, I asked the woman at the counter if emotional support animals were welcome, and she kindly said yes. I appreciated that and respected their rules--ordering quickly with my dog and then going outside immediately after.
Today, I walked in again, hoping to grab a coffee, and before I even fully stepped inside, the man at the counter rudely yelled from across the room that I wasn't allowed to bring a dog in. I politely explained that he was an emotional support dog, and his response was to roll his eyes, scoff, and make me feel incredibly unwelcome. He then dismissively said, "That's not what it is, but whatever--what do you want?"
I was so taken aback by his attitude that I immediately decided to leave. It's disheartening that I had to walk away from a place I've always loved because someone chose to be rude instead of professional. Had he simply explained the policy kindly and said that emotional support dogs weren't allowed inside, I would've understood and been perfectly fine with it. But the way this man treated me was unnecessary and honestly ruined the entire vibe of my day.
I'm not leaving a one-star review because I still believe Topos is a great business overall, but I do think it's important to bring this situation to light. This experience has made me hesitant to return to this location, and I truly hope that the management takes this feedback seriously. The middle aged man at the counter--wearing a hat--needs to understand how his behavior negatively impacts the atmosphere of the establishment. I've always felt safe and welcome here, but today it felt completely the opposite.
Topos is usually a warm and welcoming place, which is why I'm so disappointed by this experience. While I've always had great experiences with the other staff, this encounter has left me hesitant to return. I really hope this situation is addressed so that no one else has to feel the way I did today. read more