James M.
Google
Disappointed with our experience here. My wife and I stopped by with our baby daughter after a visit to the Children's Museum next door. As parents with a baby, we were desperate for coffee and a snack. While walking by several times previously, I had noticed a sign for the cafe and was eager to try it. Upon entering from the museum (there's a door connecting the two), we were the only patrons in an otherwise empty store, except for two gentlemen standing behind one of the counters. The sign indicated that the cafe should be open (late morning on a Saturday) but when I asked if I could order a coffee, I was told that the cafe was closed. When I asked why (it was during normal business hours for the cafe), I was told they didn't have the staff. Weird considering there were two staff members standing around in an empty store. I was disappointed, but I let it go. I know many businesses have been struggling with staffing issues. However, as my wife and I were leaving, one of the staff added "you know, we're primarily a retail store, not a cafe." "OK," I said with some confusion in my voice. Then why advertise your cafe to passersby? I thought, but didn't say. His unprompted next comment really got me. He said, "with the museum next door, if we had the cafe open, we'd have a line out the door!" I'm not kidding. My wife and I exchanged glances as we walked out of the empty store (not likely to ever return). Having a lot of customers would a bad thing? Wow. Such a shame. With its location and direct entrance from the museum, it could be such a nice stop for families to grab coffee, a snack, and some other treats to take home. I suspect the ownership thought a cafe would be a good way to showcase their products, but the staff don't want to run it. Oh well. It was a good idea while it lasted.
