Chris's Coffee & Custard — Restaurant in Roanoke

2024: Fyi about 300 views disappeared(?) 2023: It is ironic that the whole premise of this cafe was to expand perspectives on people with Downs syndrome. But the same ones seemed to put me in the box of "a troublemaker" when I walked in, I feel, due to the color of my skin. The events below, which felt like hostile treatment from Chris's Coffee and Custard staff/owners(?), occurred on 9/11/21. I have not returned since. This was in Roanoke VA.

Update: I'm being transparent when I say I was made to feel very uncomfortable in this establishment. I walked in all alone without a care, looking forward to trying their custard! The backstory of this place was very touching. Wanted to support it. Shortly afterward, though, my "Spidey Senses" were telling me something was off. I have been talking about this with others, re-examining this experience, as I have never gone into a business and was treated this way. I was very glad to leave as it was clear my business/money was unwelcome. All I did was walk in. No words were exchanged to account for this behavior. I am a woman who was dressed nicely wearing a mask (sign requested-Covid) with a friendly demeanor.

Edited Orig 9/11/2021: First/last visit: Very unpleasant experience: When I went, a few people were seated outside eating. No customers were inside when I walked in. One person (a teen girl?) was at the register. She kept nervously looking into the kitchen area as I approached the counter to read the menu. An older woman then came from the kitchen that did not acknowledge me. She posted herself fairly close to me (5-6 feet?) as I read the menu. She positioned herself very strangely also; leaning forward, gripping the counters end edge with both hands, with one leg straight, way behind her, and the other leg forward and bent. It was odd and reminded me of a " ready, set, go" stance. Again, neither one greeted me. Okay...so I announced it was my first visit, so they knew why I was going to take a few minutes and break the ice. I expected a welcome and a brief blurb on how to order/ select things. Nothing...just a nervous laugh from the older woman. I believe the first girl said, "There's the menu." That was it. The older woman turned away and stuck her head into the kitchen; then, she returned to her post and resumed the strange stance once again. Immediately after, 3 young females came out of the kitchen together as if they had been summoned by the woman. It was so weird; I could not believe what was happening to me! All 5 watched me but said nothing to me. 😏 So, one took a step forward, closer to the counter and me. I began giving my order to her; she looked me right in my eyes and said....nothing. She did not move to prepare my order. No, she did not have Downs, nor was she ( or any of them) developmentally delayed, as she communicated just fine with the other girls. The girl at the register called to me that I had to order with her. I didn't know that! The first visit, remember? I wondered why I needed 5 people for one order. Again, I was made extremely uncomfortable, intimidated, when all I wanted was custard. But I was made to feel like an intruder. Lastly, when the girl handed me my order, I made sure to say "Thank you" because that is how I am aaannnddd to see if she would say "You're welcome". Take a guess...no she did not, because I was not welcome. What were they expecting??? Was like those movies where a traveler goes into the local diner in a sundown town and everyone looks at them like they are "in the wrong place". They lost stars for being unwelcoming and unfriendly to a paying customer that came to support their business. The custard was not good enough to return after that. If I want custard, I'll get it somewhere else. Unfortunately, I didn't get the friendly reception and hospitality shown to other reviewers. There are wonderful reviews from customers that were appreciated. Read them and think about my terrible experience. What was accomplished by treating a customer that way? 🤔 This was a...

Stopped in here for a chicken melt sandwich, cold brew, and Mommy's Boy (vanilla custard+PB cups in a waffle bowl) and visit with my friends. I brought my service dog in training, who decided to get barky. Under normal circumstances, I would have had to abandon food and social time and leave, because she was being disruptive. But the owner very generously and kindly let my friends and I sit in the back room so I could get my SDiT under control (which happened eventually) without disrupting others. I cannot express how much of a kindness this was- she can only learn public access skills by doing them, and this granted her the opportunity to learn some basics (and test some of her other skills). In addition, every single staff member was kind, attentive, and patient- I was frazzled and deeply appreciated their genuine niceness. And of course, the noms! the custard was delightful. I will definitely be treating myself to the occasional pint! The chicken salad melt was absolute comfort food- warm, gooey, with plenty of flavor. And the cold brew was smooth and delicious (kudos to the barista for giving me a splash of oat milk in mine). And lastly, the pup cup! My 6 month old SDiT loved hers (vanilla custard with a tiny Milkbone on top) and will need one every time I come back, I'm sure. The ambience is casual, clean, and comfortable- as any great coffee place should be- and I definitely will be returning. Hopefully with a better behaved dog (she's getting there, it just takes time and practice), but if weather permits there's always the semi-shaded patio area. I highly recommend...

Chris’s Coffee and Custard makes and serves the tremendous soft custard I remember from my childhood in Ohio. This custard, alone or incorporated into one of the shop’s tasty treats, like milkshakes and frappes, is worth traveling away from mainstream Roanoke eateries. A cup of locally roasted and in-house brewed coffee plus a fresh salad or wrap makes a great late breakfast or lunch.

The premises are immaculate and fully handicap accessible, from a sturdy entrance ramp and maneuverable space within the shop to the roomy and handsome restroom. Comfortable barstools, high tables, and low benches in the entrance/service area make waiting for orders relaxing and hospitable. There is also a spacious gathering area around the corner from the entrance and outdoor seating.

Looking for more of Chris’s goodies, watch for the shop’s new food truck at local outdoor gatherings beginning September 2023. Chris’s Coffee and Custard is more than an outlet for goodies to eat, it furnishes substantial and paying jobs for young adults with special needs. So, if, now and then, a server might be slow or does not comprehend a complicated order, breathe easily and enjoy a few extra minutes of relaxation. Your order will be perfect and satisfying...