Cafe Cotton Bean — Restaurant in New York

I would not recommend this business because there is a barista (with pink hair) who is unreasonable, lacks common sense and fails to appreciate loyal customers.

Yesterday I was with a friend who has patronized the cafe since the Pandemic of 2020 EVERYDAY (literally 7 days a week except for when she's traveling). Yesterday while still on cafe grounds, not yet having taken a sip, my friend's coffee slipped out of her hands and spilled. She went back inside to get a replacement coffee and the barista with pink told her she had to repurchase the coffee.

My friend who, as I stated has been a LOYAL customer since 2020 and is a member of their loyalty program where they give out free coffee after so many purchases, was dumbfounded when Barista with Pink Hair doubled-down on not being able to replace the coffee.

Where is the common sense, where is the appreciation for LOYAL customers?

I'm hoping that the owner speaks with Barista with Pink Hair and makes this a teach-able moment because running a successful business is nuanced, especially within a residential community.

My friend felt like she was a part of that coffee shop community, but now she is adamant that she will never purchase another cup of coffee from them again and as a result, neither will I. This is not how you treat neighbors who have supported you so loyally. Bad business-sense. The math ain’t math-ing.

But there is hope that the owner will reach out and...

I used to visit this coffee shop every week as a work from home treat and loved it! But slowly lots of rules were popping up (where computers could be, how long someone could sit where, etc.) and I started to feel unwanted for being there with my computer at all, despite there being plenty of space each week. Staff tone did not help my feelings of unwantedness.

Once I met up with two friends at the cafe who had gotten drinks to stay. I had already bought an iced coffee elsewhere, but wanted to join them so I sat down. I was then asked to throw my drink out if I wanted to stay. Which, I guess I get — I’ve worked in coffee and get that you can’t have non-paying customers taking over the place, but I was a regular who tipped every time and my two friends had ordered drinks and spent money and also tipped nicely. Whatever. Ultimately, the ask itself was kinda rude and it just really added to the discomfort I was already feeling. I stopped going at all after that.

I think it’s a great shop to get a to-go coffee once in a while (except their prices seem to have raised recently), but definitely not a hospitable environment and I’m bummed to have lost my...

I visited this establishment today to purchase water for my inconsolable parched 3 year old. And, was meet with content. This was the closest establishment to me and as a desperate mom I decided to try my luck. They informed me that they only sold sparkling water and couldn’t help me. Although, there was a pitcher of water to the left of me. I then asked if I could have a little of that water for my child. The cashier was hesitant and had to ask the manager/owner. The manager/owner reluctantly gave me a cup and then proceeded to say; “You know there’s a deli on the corner”. Really, I’m faced with content over tap water and a $0.25 cup. I understand business and bottom lines. But, these businesses that are being implanted into “gentrified neighborhoods” don’t have the community (that they are abruptly dismantling) in mind. The disregard for basic courtesy and hospitality is sad! I’m being generous and giving...