Coffee Sisters Cafe — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

I’d like to share my experience as a long-time customer of this lovely, dog-friendly café, which I’ve always appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere.

During a recent visit, I was seated two tables away from a large group of eight people who had brought around five or six dogs with them. While most of the dogs were well-behaved, one of the dogs began barking continuously for over 10 minutes. It was loud enough to disrupt the relaxed atmosphere for many patrons nearby who were trying to enjoy a peaceful coffee and conversation.

After waiting some time, I approached the end of the table and very quietly let the dog’s owner know that the ongoing barking was disturbing others.

Shortly after, I noticed the café owner come out from the kitchen and speak with the group as well. I later learned from staff that they too had found the constant barking difficult to manage.

What added to my concern was seeing the dog picked up and placed on the dog owners lap at the dining table—something that doesn’t align with health and council guidelines, even in pet-friendly spaces.

I want to be clear that I’m a dog lover myself and have had dogs for many years. I fully support businesses that welcome dogs, but I also believe that all customers—whether they bring a dog or not—deserve to feel comfortable and respected

I understand this group was made up of dog trainers, and I respect their experience. That said, there is a balance to be struck. A dog-friendly space should still be enjoyable for all guests, including those without dogs, and no one should be made to feel uncomfortable or attacked for politely voicing a concern that affects the shared experience.

This café remains a favourite of mine, and I hope it continues to be a space where all customers—dog owners or not—feel welcome, safe,...

Not Truly Dog-Friendly Our assistance dog training group used to visit regularly before training, but a recent incident left us deeply disappointed. A member with PTSD was asked to leave after a minor complaint about her puppy in training. A customer complained about a puppy barking — though the barking was minimal and to be expected in early training. It quickly became clear that the complainant's real grievance stemmed from a prior parking dispute with another member of our group, which she referenced multiple times while voicing her objection.

Rather than de-escalating, problem-solving, or showing support, the café owner asked the handler — who is living with PTSD and attending only her second lesson — to leave. This was an upsetting and distressing experience for the owner, and an unnecessary response, particularly from a venue that advertises itself as welcoming to dogs. The decision caused significant emotional harm and set back the owner’s progress in confidence and independence.

The woman who complained stated that she wanted a quiet cup of coffee. Not sure a busy, dog-friendly café is the right place for that. Perhaps she would have been better off staying home for a quiet coffee.

It’s disappointing to see a place that promotes itself as dog-friendly fail to support those who rely on assistance dogs, especially when the environment is naturally busy and noisy. If you’re looking for a truly inclusive space for disability support and dog training, this may no longer be the...

My husband and I went to your store yesterday for lunch and very shortly afterwards he felt quite sick and has vomitted a few times and could only take hydrate fluid. We had a standing chiropractor appointment in the afternoon and the chiropractor also witnessed him in that condition. My husband had said to me that he felt it was most likely the milk shake he had at your store as it was warm when it arrived and not cold.

I had called a few minutes earlier to give this feedback to the store and spoke to Darren whom I felt was very dismissive. He had told me that everything was to code and that the milkshake was cold. Now I am not doubting your procedure, I called as a mean to provide feedback to you and I guess it would be nice to be treated respectfully as well. I didn’t taste my husband’s milkshake but I am certain he is able to differentiate if the milk was cold or not.

I had wished to share this information to you privately but since I felt it would not have gone past Darren I am leaving this feedback for you here. Although we probably will not be going to your store again, I hope the feedback could be heard and improved for your other customers....