The Traveled Cup — Restaurant in Saint Albans City

The manager is clearly hostile and discriminatory to DISABLED PEOPLE. Today, my adult disabled son was out with his community support worker. The staff sent him in to use the bathroom. So when he went in the manager on duty on August 26th around 10am, asked him if he was going to buy something to use the bathroom? He goes in there with me often. So he said I am a customer. I want to use the bathroom. When he came out, the manager yelled at him never to come back because he was not buying anything. My son called me from out front of the store, very embarrassed and upset. I explained to him that stores have a policy that the bathrooms are for customers only. He said the lady was so angry. I said , "Do't worry I will call the store and apologize. I will go in and buy something, it will be fine. I go there often So I called the store. I explained to the manager that his community service worker had sent him in and that he was disabled. I said I am sorry he would not understand.The manager literally starts snapping at me that she asked him if he was buying something, and he said he was a customer! I said, "Did you not hear me that I said he is disabled?" I could not believe that this lady was acting this way, when I called to spologize and explain the situation, so instead of telling her I was coming into town and would stop in and buy something, I told her you know what you really are very rude and I will never come to the store again. She sarcastically says, "Great, you have a wonderful rest of your day. She could have just accepted the apology. I would explain it in greater detail to my son their policy. I guess his staff worker did not see the sign, and my son did not understand because his staff sent him in. This lady humiliated a disabled person, and then, even when it was explained to her, she would not even accept an apology! While she is not the owner and the owner does, have a nice business here. I think it matters how you treat people. This manager made it clear that they only want certain kind of patrons. My family will never step foot in their store again. If you care about disabled people. I ask that you boycott this store too. I was trying to apologize and remedy the situation, and she just did not care. I honestly am shocked she behaved this way. I really believed I could explain, apologize, and stop by and buy something, and this would be smoothed over. Nope, this, lady is on some kind of exclusivity power trip. I am sad and hurt. How someone treats those that can not do anything for them says a lot...

Dear upper management/owner, I've been coming here for years and I bring a lot of people here. My mom and I meet here and have coffee and tea sometimes and I have brought a lot of friends and co-workers here over the years. You have delicious curried chicken salad, potato salad and baked items and a Cool vibe but unfortunately today I had one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a coffee shop / restaurant. A friend of mine and I sat down at my favorite spot at the window and didn't rush up to order because we were chatting and we had just come from getting ice cream somewhere else. We are both adults and know that if you go into a place and sit down you are expected to partake in the items they are selling, (that's why you go there.) We were just not in a rush, but we planned on getting iced tea and some pastries. There were three people in the entire place and two of them were us. We were approached TWICE by a RUDE and PUSHY staff person who told us that if we didn't buy something we had to leave. She told me that the seats were for paying customers and that they were busy and I pointed out that we were two of the three people that were there. We proceeded to go up in purchase a cookie a scone and some raspberry iced tea, but in hindsight, should have just left because we were obviously not welcome. The woman defended herself saying that they were busy and that the owner said that if people aren't buying things they can't be in there. I told her that I'd come for years and bring people all the time and she stated that she had never seen me before which somehow she thought justified her rude Behavior. I have such a bad taste in my mouth and am so disappointed because I have always loved this spot. This staff person needs to be reprimanded or fired or she's going to cost this business a lot of customers and money with her bad attitude. What a bummer this experience was, as well as embarrassing. I had told my friend what a great place it was and I know she'll never be back. Please remedy this. This place is such a gem, don't let bad staff ruin anyone else's experience....

You know what makes downtown Saint Albans cool? Places like The Traveled Cup! No, it's not a diner. No, it's not a deli. No, it's not ANOTHER bar. It's a real-deal, fresh-roasted, sit and relax coffee shop! Walking in, right away you'll smell the coffee, hear the tunes filling the space, see various customers sitting with others, sitting alone, relaxed and happy with their cups of delicious coffee. It's got comfy chairs facing the street, it's got long tables for groups to chat, it's got high tables to sit alone at and read the paper or a book. It's got books! It's got games! Plus a couple small tables out front if the weather permits. It's just the perfect space to spend time and sip. How about that coffee? Always well brewed and tastes great. You can get espresso drinks too or tea if you'd prefer. They offer local beer selections and wine as well. Little snacks are always ready and prepared from scones to croissant sandwiches. Little sweet bars or cookies also sit at the counter, tugging at your appetite! How could it possibly be better? I know they sometimes do live music but I'd like to see more of that available in the mornings or daytime (maybe weekends?). They should try opening up more short term coffee specials or menu ideas to try from time to time. But I'm not really complaining here. You have to try this little spot for yourself. Stay cool Saint Albans. Drink...