Cafe Volan — Restaurant in Asbury Park

Being local to the area, I’ve been here a few times but usually just for to go coffee. Last week I decided to bring my laptop and do some work from here. Had no issues and was here for about 4 hours, spent around $30 and tipped on each transaction happily. I’m no stranger to working from a coffee shop and am very conscious of making sure im adequately patronizing the businesses and employees, especially when I’m taking up seating etc.

I decided to come back today to do the same thing since the space is nice and the coffee is pretty good. Sharing todays experience in hopes of providing the business genuine feedback for growth and to help any fellow introverts avoid uncomfortable interactions.

I had been there all of 2 minutes and was settling in prior to placing my coffee order (plugging in laptop etc). While doing so, I was approached by an employee (possibly manager or owner but not sure) who without so much of a hello said “can I help you with anything..?” in a demeaning tone. I was taken back and nervously told him I was ok and just settling in before I went to the counter to order. His response was “ok if you’re working from home, you can only stay for an hour and if you need to take a call please do so outside” and walked away and out of the coffee shop completely.

I was taken back and truthfully wanted to leave but felt so uncomfortable I placed my order, did a little bit of work and then left before my “hour” was up..

I fully respect businesses and their right to enforce their own policies. My issue was mainly with how I was spoken to, on top of communication inconsistency. I wish an employee had told me about this rule when I was there for hours last week, I would have respected it and not come back. I got multiple coffees and the barista had multiple chances to communicate this to me. I had to ask for the WiFi password initially, so this could have been a great time to express this. Even just a sign or policy on their website would be a huge help.

I’m not sure if the employee was having an off day but I felt really uncomfortable, unwelcome and frankly embarrassed being spoken to like that in front of other customers. Would have been more appropriate to say hello, welcome me in and ask if id been there before / if I was familiar with their laptop policies. Instead I was met with a demeaning tone and made to feel unwelcome.

I wish this business continued success (know they have been here some time now) and hope they can take this feedback and treat people more like humans and less like a...

I recently visited Cafe Volan and I must say that my experience was nothing short of disappointing. The owner, an older gentleman with grey hair and glasses, displayed a level of rudeness and disrespect that left me feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

From the moment I stepped foot inside the shop, I felt unwelcome. The owner, who seemed to take it upon himself to personally monitor every customer's actions, made it abundantly clear that I needed to purchase something every hour I spent there. This policy, while understandable to a certain extent, was enforced in such an aggressive manner that it made me question my decision to even stay.

Not only was the owner's behavior off-putting, but his overall demeanor was quite unsettling. He appeared to have a knack for making customers feel like they were intruding on his personal space, as if we were nuisances rather than paying patrons. His condescending tone and dismissive attitude towards inquiries or requests only added to the unpleasant experience.

Additionally, the owner's lack of basic courtesy was truly astonishing. Instead of providing a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, he seemed to thrive on making customers uncomfortable. It's truly disheartening when a simple visit to a coffee shop becomes a source of stress and unease.

Given the numerous coffee shops and cafes available in the area, I would highly recommend exploring other options before considering Cafe Volan. The negative encounter I had with the owner overshadowed any potential positives that the establishment may have had, leaving me with a sour taste in my mouth - both figuratively and literally.

In conclusion, my visit to Cafe Volan was marred by the rude and disrespectful behavior of the owner. I sincerely hope that he reevaluates his approach towards customer service, as it is essential for any business to foster an environment of respect and...

I used to love this place because it does have a cozy vibe & good coffee… but my friends and I have had some bad experiences lately and won’t be back.

I know several people who have had issues with a man there. Not sure if he is an employee or the owner - grey hair, glasses.

I NEVER write reviews but he’s extremely condescending and left a very bad taste in my mouth.

He basically berated me because I walked in on a very crowded day and grabbed the only seat left without ordering yet (I just wanted to make sure I had a spot to sit!). I opened my laptop to connect to wifi/ respond to a work message quick. He came over twice in the matter of less than 5 minutes to tell me how I can’t come in and work without ordering anything when I had already told him (very nicely) I would just be a minute I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet. I was planning on staying a few hours, getting a few coffees, and food.

His tone was extremely belittling and icky and left me feeling like I wasn’t welcome. I felt really uncomfortable so I just left.

The same guy has done similar things to friends of mine and it’s super bizarre, especially for a coffee shop where so many people will work remote from.

It’s a shame because it’s a spot I used to visit frequently. I’d rather spend my time and money in a place with...