Rebecca M
Google
On February 15th at approximately 4p Coolvines Newark left us feeling disappointed due to an uncomfortable interaction with an employee. As soon as we (my boyfriend and myself) entered and headed straight to the tequila section, we were immediately approached and informed that the store carries preservative-free tequilas. This was followed by the mention that they do not carry Casamigos or Don Julio—brands we never inquired about. While the employee presented as a man of color himself ( a bald gentleman with glasses), the interaction still felt rooted in preconceived notions about the type of patrons we were. The assumption felt like a microaggression, rooted in bias rather than genuine customer service. Instead of feeling welcomed, we left feeling singled out and unwelcome. Based on this interaction I can wholeheartedly say I wouldn’t dream of spending a dollar here.
Update : From the moment we were greeted, I felt like I was being sized up rather than welcomed. My review wasn’t an attempt to tear down your business; it was an honest account of how that interaction made me feel. I didn’t tell people to boycott your store, call for its closure, or make baseless accusations. I pointed out a microaggression and how it shaped my experience as a customer. That is my right. And your reaction? It only reinforces the problem.
Instead of responding with professionalism or even basic curiosity, you chose condescension, insults, and a frankly embarrassing level of defensiveness. Rather than addressing the core issue—a customer feeling unwelcome—you twisted my words, dismissed my perspective, and lashed out like a child throwing a tantrum over a critique.
To clarify, I deliberately stated that the employee presented as a man of color because I do not assume anyone’s ethnicity unless they explicitly state it themselves. That level of consideration is something you clearly lack, given how quickly you dismissed my words while bending over backward to defend an interaction you weren’t even present for.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about me. A quick scan of your reviews shows a pattern of similar experiences, so no, this isn’t me being “self-important.” This is about accountability. And as a follow-up, your attempt to attack my grammar was laughable—but given your need to deflect, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.
I do, however, recognize that owning a business comes with challenges, especially when receiving criticism. It’s not easy to hear that a customer felt unwelcome in your space. But the way you’ve chosen to respond—to belittle rather than understand—makes it clear that your priority is pride, not progress.
A business deserving of respect would have taken this as an opportunity to learn, not retaliate. A business deserving of community support would want to do better, not insult the very people it hopes to serve.
I truly hope you sit with this—not for me, but for yourself. Because no business that reacts to valid criticism with this level of hostility will ever thrive in the long run.
