Chicago’s Bakeries Fight Back Against Fabricated Reviews Online | Eater Chicago

"Owner Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten says, "I have banned people if they are slightly rude to my employees." The North Center pastry-and-coffee shop intentionally keeps a limited size and is officially a laptop-free zone—no Wi‑Fi or outlets at tables—with signs on doors and tables explaining the policy; in the past laptops were allowed at the counter but a recent refresh removed that bar space. When a customer allegedly working on her laptop was asked to leave, the husband later commented on Instagram accusing the staff of making his wife "cry" and alleging discrimination; Socorro responded that video footage contradicted the account: "She left promptly. No yelling, no husband, no tears," Socorro wrote in the shop’s Instagram stories. Socorro adds, "I’ve learned after almost 10 years of owning my own business that there is no limit as to what people feel entitled to," and says, "Call it being jaded or being a minority-, immigrant- and woman-owned business, but I will not accept this entitlement, not for myself or my employees." She rejects the "customer-is-always-right" philosophy while insisting, "They still deserve kindness, and we treat them with respect and try to hear them out." - Lisa Shames