Tearny B.
Google
Dear Cinnaholic Customer Relations Team,
I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred at the Arlington location on August 15, 2025, at around 9:00 AM. I entered the store to use the restroom while waiting for my ride. As I was walking toward the restroom, an employee stopped me and repeatedly asked, “What’s happening?” I explained that I was trying to use the restroom. The employee then informed me that the restroom was for paying customers only.
I want to note a few concerns:
1. There was no posted sign indicating that the restroom was limited to paying customers.
2. I observed another guest seated inside with a laptop who did not appear to have purchased anything, yet they were not questioned.
3. The manner in which I was addressed felt unnecessarily rude and unwelcoming.
I understand that businesses may set policies regarding restroom use, but such policies should be clearly posted and applied consistently to all guests. The lack of signage and the inconsistent enforcement made this experience feel unfair and uncomfortable.
I am sharing this feedback because I believe customer service should reflect professionalism, courtesy, and equal treatment. I hope this matter can be reviewed to ensure future guests are treated with respect.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Dear [Owner’s Name],
Thank you for your response. I want to clarify that it was my cousin, not me, who visited your Arlington location on August 15.
1. Restroom Policy Signage
Despite your statement, there was no clear or visible sign on the restroom door stating “for paying customers only.” If signage exists now, it was not obvious at the time of his visit. This lack of clarity caused the confusion in the first place.
2. Appearance & Conduct
My cousin was dressed in business casual attire and walked toward the restroom calmly. He had headphones on, which may explain why he did not immediately respond to greetings. That does not justify your staff assuming he was a threat. The suggestion that his entry was “abrupt” or “alarming” is both inaccurate and unfair.
3. Interaction & Escalation
My cousin did not become verbally aggressive. He was spoken to rudely, and when he questioned why others were allowed to sit inside without purchasing anything while he was denied restroom access, staff chose to escalate. Involving local authorities over a restroom request was unnecessary, excessive, and discriminatory.
Respectfully, this incident reflects a failure in customer service. Policies should be communicated clearly and enforced fairly, without profiling or assumptions. Calling authorities on someone in business casual attire, calmly using headphones, asking to use the restroom, is not a reasonable response.
I hope you take this feedback seriously and provide your staff with better training to handle situations with professionalism, courtesy, and consistency.
Sincerely,
Tearny Butler