Chris's Coffee & Custard

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 real eye-opener.