Steven F.
Yelp
I used to really like this place. Although I've been living out of town and not visiting often, I've been stopping in for over ten years, since it was called "Perks" under a previous owner. Sadly, a recent experience at Garden District Coffee was highly negative and insulting.
I understand that a coffee shop needs to take measures to assure that folks taking up space are helping pay the bills, and if I am going to sit down and use the WiFi, I'm going to buy something. Always. But I *REQUIRE* internet access for my work, and occasionally, I've visited a coffee shop, purchased a drink/snack, and then been unable to connect for one reason or another. There I am - having done my part - unable to do what I came l do. Very frustrating, and not always the fault of the business.
Therefore, I usually - but not always- connect to the WiFi before making my purchase. In cases where the WiFi passphrase is withheld until purchase, I just explain that I'll make my purchase after connecting. This has never before been a problem for me, at least not until this recent experience. In this case, when I asked the Barrista - a gal I've seen there on numerous occasions - for the password, I was told bluntly - and in no friendly manner - "I can't give out the WiFi, until you buy something". When I explained my reason for wanting to connect before purchasing, I got some kind of sarcastic reply, and though I don't recall exactly what was said, I *do* recall the unpleasant feeling of being insulted and the feeling of my integrity being called into question.
I'm a middle aged professional, and it's not like the place is large enough that I could promise to buy and then disappear into the crowd, having conned the business out of its precious WiFi.
Not sure I'll be going back to Garden District Coffee to be insulted again. Maybe one day...