Sir Walter Coffee — Restaurant in Raleigh

October 2, 2024 To Whom It May Concern Sir Walter Coffee 145 E Davie St Raleigh, Nc 27601

To Whom It May Concern,

I’m writing to share a deeply concerning experience I had today at your coffee shop in Raleigh, NC. As a young Black business owner from Washington, D.C.—a city known for its diversity—I feel compelled to raise awareness about what I encountered, as it speaks to a larger issue regarding how customers of different backgrounds are treated. I arrived around 1 PM and waited patiently in line behind another customer who was dealing with a coffee issue. The situation took some time, but I understand that these things happen. As someone with a background in hospitality, I’ve learned the value of patience in resolving customer concerns. However, what happened next was unacceptable.

After the previous customer's issue was resolved, I stepped out of line for just a moment to place my belongings at the bar. When I returned, Maddy, a young white woman working behind the counter, immediately took the order of another young white woman who had been behind me. I was completely ignored, even though I had been waiting patiently.

When I politely inquired about why I had been overlooked, Maddy offered a brief "I’m sorry," but her response felt dismissive and insincere. Her attitude quickly shifted to something along the lines of "Whatever, you can leave," which made it clear that she wasn’t interested in taking my concerns seriously or providing a fair resolution.

What makes this experience especially frustrating is that I visit your coffee shop at least three times a week. Over the years, I’ve introduced numerous friends and colleagues—many of whom had never visited a coffee shop like yours before—and they’ve become regulars themselves because I vouched for your business. To now feel invisible and unappreciated in a place that I’ve supported for so long is disheartening. This isn’t just about being skipped in line. It speaks to a much larger issue about how different races are treated in your establishment. I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for years, and I understand how crucial it is to treat all customers with respect and fairness, regardless of their race, gender, or background. Sadly, that was not the case today, and it’s why I’m raising my voice.

I hope you will take this feedback to heart and reflect on how all of your customers are treated in your shop. Every person who walks through your doors deserves to feel welcome and respected.

I look forward to seeing meaningful improvements that ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all customers.

Thank you for your time and...

As a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic, I recently had an interesting visit at Sir Walter Coffee in downtown Raleigh, via a friend who knew I loved coffee and wanted to surprise me as I was coming off a COVID-19 quarantine. 😷 Let's talk about the star of the show: their caramel macchiato. It was great. The rich espresso perfectly complemented the creamy caramel, creating a harmonious and delicious concoction. Every sip was enjoyable. But it's not just about the coffee; it's the entire experience. The staff at Sir Walter Coffee deserves a special shoutout. They were laid back and attentive. A great quality in my opinion, and it made my visit comfortable. The ambiance at Sir Walter Coffee is chill and inviting. Whether you're looking to sit outside and catch up on work, have a friendly chat, or simply unwind with a good book, this place has the perfect atmosphere for it. If you're a coffee enthusiast like me, Sir Walter Coffee is a must-visit in downtown Raleigh. The caramel macchiato is worth the trip, and the fantastic staff and chill environment are the cherry on top. It's a lovely gem in the heart of Raleigh's coffee scene. ☕👌

*Historical Note: Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618) was an influential English adventurer, writer, and nobleman during the Elizabethan era. Sir Walter Raleigh's legacy as an explorer, courtier, and contributor to English culture endures to this day. His voyages laid the foundation for English colonization in the Americas, and his cultural contributions left a lasting impact on the Old World.

Unfortunately, his life ended tragically with his execution in 1618. He was charged with conspiring against King James I and was...

Outside seating: bonus A variety of non coffee options: yes! Not just your run-of-the-mill coffee options: yup! Cozy atmosphere: definitely Wifi: ya but a bit shotty Price: could be a bit less

Being the non-coffee drinker I am, I become excited when I find a place with multiple tea and non coffee offerings! So, this review has NOTHING to do with their coffee. Sir Walter Coffee has bubble tea, bubble smoothy, tea, and tea lattes. I have come to realize my cafe menu preferences may be high maintenance due to 1) my affinity towards little sugar and 2) my dairy sensitivity.. soo, take the 1 star deduction with a grain of salt.. or sufar. Their bubble tea and bubble smoothies both have dairy products in them, so I went for the glorious green tea latte, which they used almond milk for upon request. The liquid mix is presugared (i asked, in case they could perhaps leave out some sugar) and tastes exactly like starbucks'.. which is delicious, mind you! Like any other time I've received a green tea or Chai latte from a mix, it was far too sugary for my liking. The batistas graciously added more almond milk to my cup to cut the sugar, once there was some room. So, thank you for that! The service was fairly quick despite the batistas working their hineys off. I thought the prices could definitely be lower. My latte with almond milk (only one size available) come in at five and a half bucks. A little yikes IMO. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside with my dog, green...