Gathering Grounds Coffee House - Huron, OH — Restaurant in Huron

I usually don’t leave negative reviews, but I feel a responsibility to share my experience so others can make an informed decision.

During my visit, I asked a simple, respectful question: could I add matcha or chai (without milk) to my black coffee? This is something I’ve seen many other coffee shops and nonprofits accommodate without hesitation. Rather than a helpful response, I was met with a flat refusal by the staff member at the counter who didn’t seem empowered to even consider the request.

What made the situation worse was finding out the owner, Lea Wechter, was in the office. She later told me she “peeked out to see if the employee was okay” but chose not to come out and engage directly. I followed up with her via email to express my concerns about the inflexible approach, and she responded by accusing me of being disrespectful to her staff. Why? Because I used the words “lazy” and “unaccommodating” “bad energy” which were directed at her leadership style, not her staff. My point was that her rigid policies appear to box in herself and her employees, leaving them unable to use judgment or offer even small accommodations to better serve customers.

It’s disappointing to see a business that claims to value community turn away respectful feedback and double down on policies that discourage flexibility and hospitality. I’ve encountered many baristas over the years who’ve felt empowered to think outside the box to help a customer even if their shop had guidelines. That kind of care and creativity should be encouraged, not stifled.

If you’re looking for a welcoming space that listens to customers and empowers its team to go the extra mile, Gathering Grounds...

Update! I left this review back in June and came back a few times in July. The owner/manager happened to be working and gave me a tip on how to order the coffee so it’s what I expect since their iced lattes are made different here. She suggested ordering the iced latte with the hot shots and it will make the flavor more bold and it did! She gave me my coffee on the house which she did not need to do but it was very much appreciated. Excited to keep coming back and ordering it this way.

“I love this place so much - the people are super nice, the environment is cozy and inviting, but the coffee itself has gone downhill over the last year or two. The last 10 or so times I’ve gone, I’ve tried different drinks hoping they’d be better but they are always loaded up with sugary syrups that I have to ask for half. Every time I order an iced latte, it’s completely white - I even started asking for an extra shot of espresso to make it taste like I wasn’t drinking sugar milk and I still taste no espresso. I come here enough to know it’s not a one off case. I wish they would re-evaluate the way they make their coffee since it doesn’t taste like real coffee at other shops I’ve been to. I really like it here and hope they are open to feedback to become even better, especially during a busy...

Unfortunately after patiently waiting 10 min in line with the intention of ordering drinks for my entire car and having come out of my way to visit a locally owned coffee shop I left only feeling completely compelled to share my experience with an employee that should clearly not be working in a customer service position. When it was my turn to order I simply asked the barista how long she anticipates the wait at this time (there was also a line at the drive thru) and I had my children with me… This is not an unrealistic question regardless of the circumstances at a place before you place an order if you have a time limitation and realize that things are busy.

The other barista turns around and says “I’ll get to it when I get to it, I’m busy right now”…

I proceed to say I’ll just take two food items and a boxed water and after the other barista (that I can tell is embarrassed with what she just witnessed) hands me my change and apologies…another individual that had apparently just come back from break or starting his shift says “can I make this next drink on the screen”?

The same barista that just treated us with such rudeness replies to him very boastfully (and within a minute of being so incredibly unwelcoming) “No, I’m all caught up...