Bridgette W.
Yelp
Out of my 30-plus years on this earth, this has been the worst restaurant/bakery experience. This morning, I decided to stop in and catch up on some reading while I waited for my daughter and her robotics team to finish their meeting. A quick Google Maps search took me to a parking spot in front of the shop. Upon entering, I thought it would be a warm environment based on the décor and friendly cashier. While I looked at items on the wall, one of their employees kept their eyes on me (as if I were planning to steal something). I thought it odd, but After looking at the intriguing items on display, I ordered a muffin, a Matcha Latte with almond milk, and an espresso, then asked for the WIFI. The cashier told me, but I forgot and decided to ask again when my food arrived.
Before the staff member could finish, the owner aggressively stated we don't provide WIFI on the weekends as it doesn't fit my business model. Instead, I read my PowerPoint without their WIFI as I ate my food and tried to enjoy my coffee. Moments later, I was asked (more so told) to switch to a bar area so others could be seated. While this was a little abnormal, I was upset by how rude and condescending the employee was as she asked (more like told) me to move. Finally, I am at the bar, and this man walks up, reaches over my drinks, and mentions something about my laptop. Completely invading my personal space, a staff member walks over and gets him out of the way. She then asks if I am okay. At this point, I am overwhelmed. I packed my laptop, left my food and drinks, dodged out of the door, and headed to my car in tears. Please note that all of this happened in a matter of 20 minutes. Also, note that there are signs on the napkin holders (Looking back, I should have taken a picture) that mention their rules for WIFI.
However, I didn't break any rules, and I was a paying customer who planned on eating my food, drinking my coffee and espresso, and heading back to my daughter's meeting. This bakery/restaurant was the most unwelcoming environment I have ever encountered as a black woman and human. I can not believe this place is thriving in this lovely Jacksonville community. I have taken my laptop out at many restaurants while dining alone. Some of those restaurants are Hawkers (during lunch), Cowford (dinner), First Watch (brunch), and many more. Typically, on Saturdays, while my husband is watching football. I mentioned the examples to point out that this restaurant owner should have chosen a better business model and needs to treat paying customers/humans with respect. The random guy who walked in off the street was treated with more dignity than I was. Thanks for reading about my experience. If you decide to try this place out, I hope you have a better experience than I did.