On 12/17 (which happened to be my birthday) my family and I traveled from Exton, PA, to visit your places of business. Again I want to congratulate you on all of your accomplishments. We need more spaces where black people can support each other.

Sadly, my family and I did not have a positive experience at either of your 3 establishments which were disappointing for the following reasons:

1. We traveled 4 hours to support your business.
2. Upon entering all three of your spaces we were not greeted as customers by any of your staff, including you. Because we were not greeted it felt as if our presence was bothersome. When we entered Blueberry Vegan Cafe, the staff there saw us enter the building, looked up at us, looked away, and proceeded to continue their conversation (amongst each other and on their phones). There was no welcoming acknowledgement of us, as customers. Not to mention, profanity was being used, in front of my young child, which was very unprofessional.
3. We were informed at 4:20ish by you and your staff that “we are closing” which was unwelcoming considering on our way there we called in advance to confirm what time you closed, and were told by your staff that you closed at 6.
4. Most of your items were sold out. We were told at the Zucchini Bar that they had “1 Joe burger, 1 mushroom gyro and 1 loaded nachos.”

Despite you and your staff’s unprofessional behavior we were still willing to support your business. Unfortunately we chose not to because of the interior condition of the buildings.

In Blueberry Vegan Cafe the ceiling was leaking a yellowish substance, the walls had buildup, the kitchen equipment and bathroom was unclean and the staff appeared to be unsanitary in appearance.

As a last resort, we decided to go into AquaPhit and upon reaching the food area we noticed half eaten food on the counter of the cold bar. As we were leaving AquaPhit there was a traffic jam of children and adults at the door preventing us from leaving. After saying excuse me multiple times, we were finally able to exit the premises.

Based on our negative experiences at all 3 establishments we decided not to purchase any prepared food items. To witness all of this was disheartening because we truly wanted to be supportive of your business.

Driving back home, we researched the Google reviews for your business and noticed a common theme with complaints. Multiple reviews throughout the past years had similar complaints and experiences as we did.

I asked my 7 year old if he could leave a review for the places we visited what would he say, he stated, “the places were dirty, do not eat there.”

My intention for you is that you will be able to continue to grow as a black entrepreneur in a professional, sanitary and welcoming environment.