Curitiba Art Cafe — Restaurant in Fredericksburg

I love supporting local businesses in downtown, but I experienced the worse customer service. I am HIPPA protected and medically exempt with a written letter from my doctor and not able to wear a shield or mask. I was refused inside service from the business, which was fine and said we would sit outside because I was meeting a group of friends. Honestly, I was super disappointed because I really wanted to try their coffee and check out their business.

I gathered 2 additional chairs and moved them to a small table. Minutes later, the server came out for me to place an order, but I had decided that I would not order because I could not be served inside, but she walked out with a payment terminal, no menu, nor was I offered a menu and the 15 seconds I was inside, I never had a chance to look at their menu because I was immediately told to leave if I would not wear a mask.

The moment I declined to place an order, the server demanded I leave or place an order, that everyone is expected to place an order if they are in the seats. I said to her that I was meeting three other people and they would be ordering and she said I had to order or leave. I asked her "so I choose not to order and my friends order, I am expected to leave" she said YES.

At this point, I reminded her the CDC and Governor has lifted the order and she said they were a private business and they could do what they wanted. Not once did either one of us raise a voice, but the harsh tone was intended to intimidate me.

Then she grabbed one of the chairs and removed it from the table. I left the business, called my friends and we met at Italian Station and enjoyed our coffee there.

Sadly I won’t be supporting this business or refer it for several reasons, but the first being because of how I was personally treated with a very unprofessional attitude. Second, I am a customer and don’t believe the customer is always right, but I do expect to be treated with respect and not be discriminated against in any business especially for a legitimate medical reason and I am protected by HIPPA.

I understand every business wants people to order, but to be told that I have no choice to order or leave, I find that to be out of line. If a person walk into every establishment and is forced to make a purchase, many would not support a lot businesses.

People are the reason businesses stay in business and this is one business, I will never grace their...

We originally loved this shop, but the last couple of times we’ve gone the owner (Ana) has been extremely rude to my family including my mom (who is Brazilian as well) and has a service dog that she has to take with her everywhere. The first time she saw my mom had a service dog she questioned us and told us we had to leave because no dogs were allowed. After explaining that it was a service dog she rolled her eyes and just walked away. This was after she made a scene. This was last year. Fast forward to January 20th 2019 when me, my mom, and my friend walk in 15 mins before the shop closed. The owners husband was really nice and offered us a drink and was going to make our drinks when all the sudden Ana shouts and says “No! we’re closed, we’re not serving anymore”. Keep in mind this is 15 mins before closing time. The owners husband then just stood there dumbfounded and shocked that she was so rude. I usually don’t waste my time writing reviews, but I feel as though this was necessary since she was so rude to us every time for no reason. She’s also discriminating against people with service dogs. I’d also like to point out there were 12 people still in the shop when she said they were closed. If you want the best coffee shop in town go visit KATORA COFFEE! The owners are actually really...

Monday afternoon of 09/17/2018 I decided to try out this cafe for the first time. When I walked in it was a friendly greeting. Then a few minutes later I was asked to sit outside because of my dog. I explained that my dog was actually a Service Dog. He even had his vest clearly marked service dog.

The barista claimed that the owners had stated that only seeing eye service dogs were allowed and the Virginia Health Department doesn't allow dogs in the cafe. I then proceeded to explain that the Health Department doesn't have say over the ADA and my Service Dog is an extension of myself. Being blind is not the only disability that may be helped with a service dog. Even being frustrated, offended and disrespected. I kindly offered to show the letter from my doctor prescribing my service dog (Not Required). I then asked to see the owners, I was told the owners were in a meeting and couldn't go get them. It was then reiterated the Virginia Health Department doesn't allow dogs and that I could wait outside on the patio until I was able to get permission from them.

At that point I was tremendously upset and so disappointed in this establishment. I decided to never support this establishment. I would encourage the same until they have a firm...