Jaye P.
Yelp
The featured articles on Bulova's website explicitly state that the cafe is open to the public and that visitors are welcome in general. I like to come in here to get some remote work done.
I'm usually one of the only people in here, and there are always anywhere from 150 to 200 open seats. I sit in the very back and purchase a meal, drink, or snack every 60-90 minutes to ensure I don't overstay my welcome. I've only ever had quick and pleasant interactions with the cafe staff and other customers.
Yesterday, when I walked past the register to use the bathroom after purchasing my third item of the day, a Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG) employee gave me a dirty look. I thought I was imagining it. But when I sat back down, the BDG employee approached me and began interrogating me on what I was doing here and what suite I work in. I explained that I work remotely and come here to do so. He demanded to see my ID and told me it's a private establishment and I need to leave. I argued that the establishment is advertised as being open to the public and offered to move to the lobby, but he said no and began escorting me out.
In the lobby, I noticed around 25 other people working or eating. I honestly got pretty agitated and said it was "f--ing stupid" to kick me out like this, since I wasn't being disruptive and nobody else was asked to provide an ID or proof that they worked there. The BDG employee still refused to provide a reason that I specifically had to leave other than that it was "private" (it's not), I was "staying too long" (in an empty food court where I consistently bought food??) and I was "using the wi-fi" (which is called "Lessing's Cafe GUEST Wifi"). He also claimed he didn't ask for anyone else's ID because he "knows them all", but he could not name any of them when I asked.
The BDG employee eventually got the manager, who told me that they just want to make sure her employees get a chance to use the cafe. At the time she said this, there were 2 other people eating in the food court and 200 open seats. I mentioned as much to her, and she kindly allowed me to re-enter.
However, I don't feel safe coming here anymore. This experience made me feel singled out and discriminated against. It's a shame--I really enjoyed the peaceful environment, the art, and the atrium.
