I visited The Able Baker hoping to find a great local spot to purchase baked goods as a gesture of appreciation for a group of professionals who support the work I do with the public. I’ve passed by the bakery a few times and finally made it in early one morning. I let the young woman behind the counter know I was looking to spend around $80 and asked for an assortment—cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and some “MOM” cookies that were on display the day after Mother’s Day.

Toward the end of the order, I noticed some slices of loaf cake near the register and asked what they were. I added a slice of banana nut bread and a double espresso for myself. Her response was, “Oh, that’s nice—the person running the ERRAND gets something, too.” I had to pause. As a 6'2" Black man, that comment felt presumptive and dismissive. I calmly let her know I wasn’t running an errand and that she didn’t know my purpose there. It was a moment that reflected bias, whether intentional or not.

Even after that, I completed the purchase—spending more than I initially planned—and left a $10 tip. But despite the food being good, I will never return. The service I received was laced with assumption and lacked the basic respect any customer deserves. A great product doesn’t excuse poor treatment. Words matter, and experiences like this are exactly why many people don’t feel welcome in certain spaces. Do better!