HI TEA X COFFEE TREE — Restaurant in Edmond

I’ve always loved this place and it’s a favorite study spot of mine. I was there with a friend for homework today and she ordered a drink, but I have strict diet restrictions so I opted not to order anything. My friend had to leave early so I was going to just stay and finish out my assignment when a worker came and got uncomfortably close to me and asked if I wanted to order anything and I said no thank you that I was just here with a friend. He then told me that I would need to leave since I’m not a paying customer. I told him I completely understood and I began gathering up my things. I needed to quickly finish up what I was typing on my assignment before leaving so my work would save. However less than a minute after my conversation with the worker he came back to me, and got very close again, and asked if I was going to leave and I said yes and explained I needed to finish my work very quickly so it would save. He then proceeded to sit the bottle of cleaner down practically on my arm and stand there hovering over my shoulder until I stood up. Once I did stand, he started cleaning the table before I could even move my stuff. I totally understand asking me to leave if I wasn’t a paying customer because that’s what their tables are for and I was glad to do so, but what I don’t understand was the lack of patience and just sheer respect for personal space, items, and privacy. I also would understand even more if it was super crowded or busy, but it wasn’t. This interaction made me so uncomfortable as a young woman having a grown man come up to me like that. I don’t feel comfortable or respected enough to come back here to study again after that, and like I said I have always loved this place, but I don’t plan on coming back...

This place is a hidden gem in regards to coffee. They are open late and don't close down early like other local coffee shops or cafes do. If you are an evening coffee drinker like we are then this is your spot. All the ladies working their are very friendly and polite. They don't give off the smug judging vibe that is usually found at Starbucks. Their coffee which is organic is delicious and is honestly the best coffee that we have found in Edmond. We love to get the caramel macchiato and a blueberry muffin. Not once have we received an old or stale muffin. They are not stingy with their cream cheese when you order a bagel. Their coffee is not overly hot and is always at a great drinking temperature. They have plenty of interior seating and also offer free wifi access which is great for college students since they are just north and within walking distance of the UCO campus. They also offer coffee, tea and brewing devices for making your own beverage at home. Their prices are a lot better then other cafes in the area and they offer a stamp card enable to earn a free drink which we were able to redeem after just a few visits. The barista Hasleigh(?) makes an absolutely amazing cup of caramel macchiato and is super polite, helpful and appreciative. My wife says she makes the best cup of coffee she has ever had. The coffee has never once tasted burnt or bitter even late in the evening. One thing my wife loves about the coffee from here is that she doesn't have to add any sugar to her coffee like she does when we visit other cafes...

I have visited the Coffee Tree on Danforth in Edmond every Friday for about 9 months to conduct meetings. Typically I or the family I meet with order drinks and food in the middle or towards the end of our meeting. Today, as I walked in, I Set my stuff down and went to the counter to get a cup of water and was told that this establishment does not allow loitering. I explained to the man behind the counter that I and the family was likely about to purchase a drink and just wanted to get my stuff set up first. I also explained that I have held meetings at this coffee shop for months and have always ordered. He then gestures to signs behind me and says that “No loitering is posted everywhere and that if I want to hang out, I should go to the library.” It’s really unfortunate to know that as a black woman who frequents an establishment, I am not seen as a regular customer and is immediately accused of loitering upon entering the business. The family and I Have decided to no longer support this business due to racial discrimination, and I would like for the company and future customers to be made aware of the type of people...