GoodPeople — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I was introduced to this place by my son who is a coffee connoisseur. Each visit, I’ve opted to have barista make me his menu favorite. The menu has a variety of drink options that don’t just include coffee. I’ve yet to be disappointed. The shop is small and intimate and allows for conversation between the barista and the patrons. Cleanliness is a HUGE factor in whether or not I’ll even enter the front door. This place is spotless! Each time that I have been here, there was someone sweeping the floors and wiping down the counters etc. The staff are fun, and eager to explain the creative menu. The owner, Chuck Herrera, is such a nice man. He has been more than accommodating with my son’s questions regarding the coffee business. He shares his knowledge freely and without reservation, this alone makes me a dedicated customer. Now, you may wonder why I’ve written a novel for my review. Allow me to explain. As a business owner, I am fully aware of how negative reviews, particularly ones which are fabricated, can negatively effect that which you have poured your blood, sweat, tears, and life savings into. These acts of hostility and hate are generated by either greed, jealousy, or racism. Yes, racism is alive and well folks. This being said, it has come to my attention that the owners of the establishment next door have encouraged their family/friends to write negative reviews about this coffee shop. That alone wasn’t enough. They made several reports about chairs being too close to the sidewalk resulting in fines. Still not being satisfied, they posted a letter between their restaurant and the coffee shoo, typed in big bold letters, written in Vietnamese, disgracing this establishment, and insulting the employees. Not realizing that some of their customers were also coffee lovers, it wasn’t long before someone translated this nasty hateful letter to the owner. If you take the time to read the names of those who posted false negative reviews, it is clear that they are friends and family of the establishment next door. How sad is that? The owners of the above mentioned restaurant have yet to come over and have an adult conversation regarding any issues that they may have. So....before you believe any of the negative reviews, come in and have a cup of coffee and a conversation. You’ll be welcomed with the same hospitality as I was. Then, take a minute and write an HONEST review. Thanks for taking time out of your life...

GoodPeople as a place and project so theoretically deserving my full pledge of support and business. In practice, it is a great place to grab coffee and simply walk away from. Their comedy night boasts comics with extreme biases and hostile material towards their own (supposed) customer base. Expect antagonism, homophobia, fetishization, and harassment as routine goings-on. The folks behind Good People may very well be good people, but using pride iconography or marketing to garner a false sense of security from queer people is disgusting. At present, this is NOT a welcoming environment for all, and it should not be advertized as such either explicitly or implicitly until management begins active and ongoing effort to vet those whom they platform. I came seeing myself celebrated in their branding-- and will not plan on returning because that's the opposite of how my handful of experiences here made me feel. I love their almond crossiants, the service workers are kind and friendly, but something needs to change for this business to live up to the low bar of simply being a safe and fun place to visit. I really wish this weren't the case, and I hope it can change in the future. I feel like I've lost a much-loved neighborhood gem.

Update: That the owner refuses to take any form of accountability for the experience his patrons walk away with is another facet of value misalignment. This is a nuanced review, I even highlight good aspects of my experiences here, but was met with an attack on my credibility for... offering my opinions on sushi restaurants?

Here's hoping the owner takes some of my money and puts it towards finding a...

Purple nurple (ube espresso drink) is super delicious and unique! Their vanilla latte is also one of the best I have EVER had. Both the hot and iced drinks are perfect. The avocado toast is delicious and so is the shroom panini - food and coffee 5 stars for sure. Taking off one star for the service - I’ve come here many times and almost all the baristas are friendly and nice. However, this last weekend I came here and the barista (mainly the one with the medium brown wavy hair w a heart pendant necklace) gave us a terrible experience. We ordered over $70 worth of food and drinks, including three types of espressos from the espresso menu. One of the espressos was not the one we had ordered, and when we politely pointed this out we were met with no apologies and a sullen glare as she dumped it out. I think she was mad at the curly haired girl who initially took our order, but she took it out on us. When I tried to smile and cheer her up she just said “it’s fine.” I had been a regular customer but after this experience am reluctant to return because of this attitude, I am afraid to tell her in the future if my...