Fosko Coffee Barre — Restaurant in Pensacola

Good afternoon, I would like to start off by saying how I have appreciated being at the coffee bar. In the 13 days of 2023 alone, I have spent over 60 hours and dollars in this establishment. Since I moved back home a year and a half ago, this has been a place that I have shared with countless friends and family members. As the Executive Director of a local profit, I have raved about this establishment in the community and used this place as a way to introduce visitors to Pensacola. However, I must submit this grievance and unfortunately sever any ties with the establishment.

Today, when I solicited this establishment, things were quite different. I came into a busy Fasko-- something that is not unusual on a bright and airy Saturday morning.  I sat in a tiny seat that barely fit my long 6'1" frame let alone all of my books, computers, etc. So, I moved to the bar, because there were three others sitting in the area and my large spread, I strategically moved to a table close to one of the very limited outlets (which I am not complaining about). I sat at a four person table top with all of my items needed for a productive work session. Behind me sat a couple at a four person table top  as well. This was about 11:08 am.

Because of the rush, the owner chose me to move to the section of the establishment with a quaint two person table top and no outlets. I expressed that I'd prefer to stay on the side of the establishment I was currently seated. Luckily, there was a table opening up that was smaller and close to the outlet.

At 11:47 am, after complying, the owner / GM made it a point to come to me and ask if I was going to order because he can't just lose money. I understand this. I informed him that I come in here multiple times a week, and work long hours especially on weekends and I would indeed purchase something at 12:00 (BECAUSE in intermittent fasting right now) and when the line dies down.

I would not have a problem with this, however, as 6'1 Black man with dreads, I cannot help but employ the idea that there was some kind of bias (whether implicit or explicit) in play. His tone sucked but something else is more critical to know. Since our encounter, there were three separate instances when someone or others sat down without ordering, or at a table that larger parties could sit. One guy came in and began working for 34.15 minutes before he decided to order, at no time did the owner/GM approach him--I WATCHED EXPECTANTLY! A lady came in, sat at the bar for 20 minutes on her phone and left, not because the owner/gm urged to purchase the needed Fasko product to be here--she just left. Again, I watched and waited for someone to have the same encounters that I did, nothing. Lastly, there was a cute couple that came and sat at the same table I was at. They eventually ordered (15 min or so after seating--I heard her say, "the line is too long, let's just wait until some of them leave."). They ordered, sat back down and multiple parties of 3+ and strollers came in looking for seating, ordered and left (one decided to sit outside). In all these instances, the individuals were white.

I am writing to express my extreme dismay. I came into this establishment expecting to feel the same level of comfort as I have in my many visits prior. I was expecting to feel safe and have clear thoughts as I worked and sipped on good coffee. However, I felt unnecessarily targeted. This is not a good feeling to have and one cannot help but ponder the "why me" question. Why was I the only one approached in this section? What about me made it easy for him to target and unapologetically have me move? Why would he assume that I would not support his business solely because I delayed my purchase (as several others did)? WHY ME?

Again, I have enjoyed the space, the food, the coffee and the other workers over the past year and a half. I hate that this situation had to happen and LEAVE ME to feel pressed, targeted and embarrassed (neither one of his requests were...

I have been a customer of Fosko since 2022. I have always enjoyed their coffee and their shop is beautiful. On occasions, it has been hard to appreciate the atmosphere as it is always so busy in there (good for the owners right). On my first visit, I asked if they offered a military discount and showed my military retiree card. I received a military discount and have received one on every visit since (at least 20 or more visits). On Sunday, 11-3-2024, I went in for a coffee and asked if I could get the military discount and showed my retiree card. The young lady told me that the military discount was for active duty only. When I told her that I've been getting it for 3 years, she left and brought back the shift manager. This young lady proceeded to ask me my concern. I told her that I had just asked for a military discount. She told me the same thing about the active duty only discount and told me I could e-mail the owner.

I ended up buying a coffee at full price and when getting my lid, I asked the shift manager when the policy had changed and she said that she had been working there for 6 years and it has always been the policy. I told her that for 3 years that wasn't my experience and that it was probably not a good idea to make veterans uncomfortable in front of other customers, as most are too shy to ask a business if they offer a military discount. She told me I could write the owner an e-mail.

Since I was told twice to e-mail the owner, I did write the owner an e-mail about the experience and he responded. He advised that their military discount policy "has always been exclusively for those actively putting themselves in harm's way", "the staff probably either didn't know the difference between an active and retired ID, or were just trying to avoid conflict" and that "I'm happy to provide amplifying information on our discount policy if so desired." I responded to his e-mail and point blank told him how I felt about his minimization of mine and other veterans service. His response was "Yikes...Do you get a higher VA rating for having such an enormous chip on your shoulder?"

The owner of this business identifies himself as: Kevin Lehman LtCol, USMC Owner, Fosko Coffee Barre

I quick internet search shows that this Marine flaunts his military service and his business success to the public, as seen in several news reports on-line.

A further search of Fosko reviews shows a pattern of one star reviews by persons of color in regards to the way the "owner" treated them. In a review left by Darreyel Laster, Kevin says, "Shame on you for playing the race card to excuse your own selfish behavior."

As a fellow combat veteran, I am appalled at his failure to honor his fellow combat veterans and those who served their country for 20+ years. Either offer a military discount or don't. The restrictions are BS and as a veteran he should know that. Then, consider the reviews left by persons of color. Those are real reviews from real people. I don't need to convince anyone about Kevin's true character, the reviews say it all.

As Fosko is an extremely successful business, this review will not impact their bottom line. Kevin and his wife are truly living the American Dream. So, why treat people...

I recently visited this coffee shop and had a disappointing experience that I feel compelled to share. After enjoying a meal and beverage, we were made to feel uncomfortable by one of the employees – a Caucasian male – who continuously harassed us about purchasing additional food and drinks, despite the fact that we had already consumed a meal. He insisted that we were required to buy something because the establishment operates as a "restaurant" and not just a coffee shop, to “utilize their amenities.” This was especially confusing since their website markets them as a coffee shop, not a full-service restaurant.

What added to the frustration was that this shop is located near a college campus, where many students, including myself, rely on cafes as a place to study or get some work done. The environment is typically casual, and other nearby spots, like Bodacious and Makers, make customers feel welcomed and valued without harassing them once they’ve made a purchase. Here, however, being told we could not simply sit and use the Wi-Fi after buying food was incredibly distasteful and off-putting.

As someone who frequents this coffee shop several times a week and regularly spends money on food and beverages, it was surprising and disheartening to be treated in such a manner. If the owner were more regularly present to assess their clientele and build relationships with customers, they would recognize those who frequent the shop and understand the value in treating them as loyal patrons rather than just another dollar sign. I understand the need for businesses to make a profit, but the approach to customer service here left much to be desired. It's hard to imagine returning when there are so many other coffee shops that offer a more...