Winn Winn Cafe — Restaurant in Columbus

I'll start this review by saying the food is excellent (nothing novel but well made) and the register staff are wonderful, some of the best. I've been coming 1-2 times a week for the last 3 or so months and for the most part have really enjoyed this cafe. Today I came in and wanted to use cash and was told this was not an option. I've seen no signage or communication of that though it's possible I've missed this. When I asked if the cafe had plans to accept cash in the future and named the inequities that result in cashless operations I was met with a fairly negative interaction with the owner/and or manager for that shift. Their response regarded not feeling safe having cash on the premise given the early hours of their operation for baking. I have also spent a significant time in customer service roles and am all for staff safety. I'm sure many in food service could share their unique opinions on cashless operating and how it does or doesn't increase safety. This concern seems misplaced given the location of this particular cafe centered in the wealthy neighborhood of Grandview and in a sleepy part of town but maybe they've had past incidents in this location. My primary issues were in how she treated me during the interaction and in the way the owner/ and or manager completely shut down any concerns of the serious inequities cashless operations cause. This to me is just one of the major drawbacks of living in grandview. While I enjoy the walkable neighborhood, it's practices and businesses that actively engage in behaviors to discourage diversity (racial, economic primarily) are a huge issue. I have many neighbors in the neighborhood or close-by that for many reasons have barriers to accessing a bank account, some who I've recommended this cafe and will now rescind that recommendation.The interaction was negative enough that I don't think I'll do back and instead will select to visit the many cafes in grandview that do accept cash and are out spoken in supporting diversity. Again, the food is excellent and the staff is wonderful - just not...

I'd like to give this cafe 5 stars, but unfortunately it's not a 5 star experience.

On the positive side it's cute. The lattes are good. The baked goods are reliable. I like going there.

The service is friendly, however one of the owners is snooty and has no interest in building a rapport with regulars which imo is a large error especially considering their margins. I prefer the baristas.

Cost is not a deal breaker for me in general, however I do notice the prices here and they are overpriced. It's $20 for avocado toast with eggs lol. If you charge that it has to be excellent. Theirs is blah with too much food with blah presentation and nothing that makes it special, worth the price, or craveable. Sourdough is good, but...

I'm not into their soft scramble eggs I like poached eggs. I'm not into pancakes that don't come with anything. People want bacon. The owner doesn't like sweet and spicy, but most people do. The owner also doesn't want to offer it because of the margins. I've never noticed the business side of a cafe as much as I do at this establishment. It's very transparent and imo not sustainable.

Also the hash is sooo dry! It needs cheese, avocado, a sauce. It is bare bones here because they aren't profitable. I wish there was some fruit/honey incorporated into at least some of their meal offerings. Again, a lot of people want sweet and savory at breakfast.

The baked goods are getting boring. I wish they would switch up the muffin flavors and add new items.

That leads me to another problem which is that they haven't addressed the tipping issue. You need to say something. Your customers especially regulars aren't stupid and are aware of what is happening in the local food scene. Address it! Not addressing it makes it appear even more sketchy.

Room for...

Quality wise, a pretty good coffee walkup in Grandview. A concept that operates a fairly tight ship with really incredible front line staff. Coffee is good compared to 3 out of the 4 competitors in the neighborhood. Food is on or above average with special credit due to the hash.

Decor is your standard affair from a 3rd wave coffee walkup. Marketing is delightful, if not pushing any boundaries.

Things are a little more expensive when compared to other brunch options in the city, think a little more than your Fox in the Snow or local equivalent but I'm fine paying that, provided staff is treated well and paid fairly. While I would prefer a tipless establishment like we've seen shops like Parable Cafe do, industry standard is industry standard, and I'll live with it.

Unfortunately, and this is what knocks that 4th star off, this establishment follows the worrying trend of financial discrimination that is the card only model. Regardless of reason, not offering to transact in cash is discriminatory towards folks unable to open a bank account stateside (over 20% of people residing in the US). Safety of employees is your responsibility, that, I understand, but we're discussing Grandview, OH, where the rate of violent crime is 1/1067, over four times lower than Columbus at 4.53/1000. Ethically, I can't support somewhere that operates in this manner, won't be returning, and will be advising my network of friends, family, and community to follow suit.

TL;DR Good food, Good coffee, nice staff, ethically dubious business practices by choice that prevent me from returning. I cannot, in good faith, recommend Winn Winn, when other options that are more than happy to serve all customers, despite financial background are...