The Pamplemousse Project — Restaurant in City of White Plains

UPDATE (7/2) : Since the Pamplemousse Project replied, I would like to respond back. In no way am I saying that cafes are not private businesses. And in no way did I say that I would NOT pay for service there. What I was saying, since you CLEARLY MISSED THE POINT, is that I have never in my life experienced a cafe harrassing me to buy something after LESS than an hour there, especially since I walked in to the cafe while I was on work call and had multiple work calls back to back. I asked multiple times for the baristas' PATIENCE as I was getting settled in to the cafe. I even mentioned that I was having a hard day and that my power had gone out to the baristas. I also mentioned the fact that I was on a bunch of calls, back to back, and if they could PATIENTLY wait, then I would be able to order. I also mentioned that I was unmuted (still using my headphones for the work calls), so them coming up to me multiple times was interrupting not only my work but my work-colleagues on the phone with me.

To even say that I have been disrespectful is astonishing. I noticed that there were other people there at the cafe and they were not bothered as much as me. I understand if I just sat down and did not lay out expectations, then this would maybe be warranted. But I did lay out the expectations, mentioned I was on work calls, and ASKED for patience and was still bothered MULTIPLE times. The cafe was made to feel like an unwelcome place for a young African American female-- the population in so which they donate money to, I suppose.

I came into the Pamplemousse Project on a work call and as I was getting settled, I was told by one of the baristas to move tables. I asked if he could patiently wait as I was unmuted on a call and would move after the call ended. Two more times, in that same call (~30 mins), both baristas came up to ask me to move again-- citing table management policies (unaware that existed in cafes but happy to oblige as it doesnt interrupt my work-flow). Respecting that, I moved and started another call (I was using my earphones so my volume of the call should not have been an issue), I was told multiple times throughout that call, while I was unmuted on Teams, that I must buy something. I had been in the cafe for a little less than an hour at that time. My original plan was to stay at that cafe, buy and eat lunch/pay for coffee, etc. But the first time I told them that I was on a call and would ask again for their patience, seemed to be inefficient. I was not made aware that there was a policy that you must buy something in a cafe within the first hour and personally think that undermines the purpose of community spaces. I also was not using their wifi-- but my own hotspot, so truly unsure of the issue at hand. I would be ready to buy something/ planned to buy something after my back to back calls.

I had gone to the cafe to work because I had lost power at my house. I am all for supporting cafes and having a safe space/place to work, however, if I politely explain to someone (barista/manager/anyone) that I am on a work call the first time, I'd expect that that would be honored or respected. I decided to not spend the rest of the day there as planned, as it felt targeted and I felt unwelcomed. I DO NOT recommend this as a space...

I visited The Pamplemousse Project in white plains with the expectation of enjoying a tranquil environment conducive to focusing on my personal work. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory.

Upon entering, I approached the counter to order my coffee. Without any greeting or explanation of the menu, a staff member with glasses and long hair, immediately instructed me not to sit at two specific tables, if I intended to use my laptop, yet had to sit on a shareable table, crowded and unconfortable despite there being no other tables available. This directive felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.

After some time, a different table became available, so I moved to it. However, I was soon approached by the cashier, who insisted I close my laptop and move again, claiming the area was designated for socializing and families. This was particularly frustrating as several other customers around me were also using their laptops and electronic devices without issue.

This inconsistency in enforcing the policy made me feel singled out and discriminated against. I was paying for a pricey coffee and simply wanted to work quietly with my headphones on, yet I was repeatedly disrupted and made to feel unwelcome.

I believe this coffee shop needs to review and enforce its policies consistently and fairly to avoid making customers feel uncomfortable and discriminated against. Until these changes are made, I cannot recommend this coffee shop for anyone looking for a reliable place to...

I recently visited The Pamplemousse Project and while the decor is lovely and the owners are very kind, my experience was unfortunately marred by one of the workers. There was a gentleman, about 5'10", with long hair and glasses, who was incredibly rude and disrespectful—not just to me but also to others around me. It seemed like he was selectively rude to certain people, which was really unsettling. If this behavior isn't addressed, I’d seriously consider filing a complaint or even a lawsuit, as no one should have to deal with that kind of treatment.

Additionally, the coffee is decent but not exceptional, and I was disappointed to hear they claim to donate to charity, but as customers, we should be able to see that transparency in action.

Another odd thing is their "friend and social" area, which honestly doesn’t make much sense to me. Most people go to coffee shops to either do personal work or spend time with friends and family. Why is there a need for a designated zone for that? Do you see other coffee shops like CFCF, Starbucks, or others creating special "social" zones? It just feels unnecessary and out of place.

Overall, the place has potential, but the service needs serious improvement, and the seating arrangement could use...