Minuti Coffee — Restaurant in Houston

I’ve been a loyal customer of all the Minuti coffee shops in Houston for eight years. Recently, I had the opportunity to interact with the owner at the Gray Street location, and my experience was disappointing. I often recommend Minuti to my guests for its coffee and service.

However, the owner’s attitude towards me and his predominantly female staff was troubling. It seemed he took advantage of their status as they all are international employees , and it was disheartening to witness. You would expect someone in his position to show gratitude for loyal customers and employees and treat them with respect.

Here’s what happened today: I usually order a drink made with two shots of espresso and ice cream, but due to my doctor’s orders, I’ve been requesting only one shot. A single shot of espresso costs $2.76 with tax. When the drinks are made, there’s often a small overage that gets discarded. I asked if I could keep the overage instead of letting it go to waste. At first, things were going well until the owner intervened, telling the staff not to accommodate my request without offering any alternatives, despite me paying for two shots.

I then suggested giving the extra shot to my fiancé, who regularly pays for two shots himself. So, we are effectively paying for four shots daily but only receiving three. The owner’s attitude towards me was dismissive until my fiancé arrived, at which point he changed his tone, interesting right? This speaks volumes about how some men perceive women.

While I won’t call it discriminatory, it’s hard to ignore that it’s only one people of color employees in the three locations I visit. I felt undervalued, especially when all I asked for was a small accommodation that still fell short of what I was paying for.

When I requested the corporate office number to voice my concerns about his attitude, the owner arrogantly informed me that I would be speaking to him and that there was no one higher for me to address my complaint with, adding that no one could discipline his disrespect. If more people knew about the behavior of certain owners, many businesses could face scrutiny. It’s unfortunate that the owner's arrogance overshadowed my experience.

A special shout-out to Veronica from the downtown store(now closed) —your service was fantastic! And to the employees at Gray Street, you’re doing an amazing job. The universe sees you and your integrity . Just sit...

This is my go-to coffee spot. I live in NYC but I’m working in Houston for a month. This place is right around the corner from my Airbnb in Midtown. And it’s VERY popular. There’s been a “NOW HIRING” sign on the door since I’ve been coming here. They definitely need help. I’m a morning person so I’m usually here before Noon. I find that ordering IN PERSON is much quicker than ordering PICK UP. Might have just been my experience but I’ve been coming here daily for about two weeks. I truly love the spot. I always get an iced“Shakarato” which is a God send from gay heaven — always perfectly balanced. Turkey Brioche in case I’m hungry later.

NOTE TO OWNER: change the settings on your app to better help your employees not feel overwhelmed. Short staffed means ya gotta help ‘em out. If I order from home at 8:45 and the pick up option is 9am, I grant a little grace because it’s morning and they’re working hard but I left out of there at 9:20 — not mad. you only got one person behind the coffee bar and one person making food. Give them at least 30 minutes for pick ups. OR prioritize pick up orders.

The gentlemen behind the bar, maybe the general manager? Shift lead? Supervisor? I never caught his name but he’s incredibly helpful, kind, patient and efficient. Shout out to Daliah and Julissa (I know I’m spelling that wrong) who are always giving the best service when I see them. You have an incredible staff and I hope you find others to add...

I am updating my review because I am SO disappointed. Apparently there is a policy that you have to purchase something every hour that you are at their store. A policy which by the way is not on their website or advertised anywhere in the store. I was peacefully working when I was approached by a staff member who offered if I needed anything else. I said "No, I am okay, thank you!" and she said that there's a policy that for every hour that I am there I have to make a purchase so that they can allow other people to use the space. What? Everyone that comes to a coffee shop comes to relax. What If I dont want to drink any more coffee or eat any more and just want to focus on working on my things? I have to go? Starbucks has NEVER done something of this nature. I am so disappointed. I hope they reconsider this "Policy"

---------First time here and I am saying Sayonara to Starbucks. Staff is so so friendly, music is great, environment is very cozy. I had a croissant and it was delicious. Overall, excellent.Def. will be here to do...