Grassroots Kava House — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

I began frequenting Grassroots about a year ago. At first glance, the establishment offers an inviting atmosphere, with well-lit, tastefully furnished spaces, clean restrooms, and, most importantly, quality Kratom. However, while the ambiance is commendable, the experience beyond that leaves much to be desired.

The majority of the staff are polite and friendly, and there are a few genuinely great employees. Unfortunately, the establishment suffers from poor management, which has led to a few bad apples among the team.

I’ve visited many Kratom or Kava shops in the Tampa Bay area. Grassroots is the only one that has a “no vaping policy” that is enforced “only” by its management. The reason I would imagine the employees don’t enforce it is because they would lose half their customer base, guaranteed. While I acknowledge that vaping indoors is likely prohibited by law, the manner in which this policy is enforced at Grassroots is a bit obnoxious.

About a year ago, I was vaping when an unfamiliar man approached me and, with an air of smug authority and a stare, simply stated, “stop vaping” then stormed off. At first, I had no idea who he was, as the staff at Grassroots wear neither uniforms nor name tags. I quickly deduced that he was the manager.

My last time there, a few months ago, I purchased a Growler. One of the employees, she consistently exudes an air of indifference, as if she'd rather be anywhere else. I don’t know her name but it always looks like she just left the beach. Despite her general overall poor customer service skills we never had a conflict - until that day.

Upon placing my order, I noticed that the price seemed off. When I inquired, she nonchalantly responded that the prices would be reflected on the receipt, showing not even the slightest concern. I attempted to print the receipt, but the printer lacked paper. By this time, she had already walked away, forcing me to call her back over to reload it. She did so begrudgingly, visibly irritated. The moment the paper was in, she turned on her heel and walked off again. When the receipt finally printed, I saw that I had been charged for two sixteen-ounce servings instead of a single thirty-two-ounce Growler—a mistake that resulted in a higher charge (I could be off with the numbers here, but the point is that I was overcharged) . Again, I had to call her back because she had walked off. Her response? A dismissive glance, followed by sarcastically stating, "Would you like that in Kratom or dollar bills?" Stunned, I simply replied, "Wow," and requested a refund.

The next time I walked in, the assistant manager pulled me aside to talk. She informed me that an employee, Addy, reported that I had touched her arm, and they have a strict no-touching policy. As a gay social worker, I can confidently say that there was nothing inappropriate or sexual about any interaction I have ever had with her. Addy is someone (up to that point) I genuinely liked and respected, and I fully understand that she , apparently, does not want to be touched - at all—I more than honor that boundary. But this was the reason I was banned --- and it was the day after my “wow” comment. Hmmmm. A brief, incidental touch on the arm can happen. If her personal space needs are that stringent, she may find it challenging to work in a setting that involves regular interaction with the public. I’m not saying don’t go there, just...

update:

i was sad to experience belittling from an owner (balding shorter gent with facial hair) towards me after asking an innocent question about a daily discounted special-he treated me like i was trying to swindle them through a discount. when in fact. i wanted to buy a kratom and an espresso (might as well get a 50% discount on the coffee, right?).

i asked if there would be a discount since the daily special was half off any coffee product if you purchased something at regular price. he then scoffed at me, laughed and said "you can't have the kratom for half off." i said "i'm very aware of that, i wasn't expecting you to discount the kratom."

i felt like a little kid being scolded since he assumed i meant that i wanted 50% off kratom, which was not the case. it was very offensive to me since i've probably spent more than i've cared to at this establishment.

he then proceeded to assume again by charging me for a double without asking me. for real, what the heck man!

so i paid the $14 or whatever it was and sat down quite irked.

that was the last time i went to this place since he hangs around all the time.

to top it off i've never really experienced friendly service here, so that made my decision to frequent other places much easier.

original post:

i've tried this place maybe 15 times so far-and every time i ask myself why i come here.

possible cons: •this may break your bank •there may be tons of pretentious people •the music may just be horrendous •there may be tons of smoking out front

possible pros: •late operating hours •convenient location •stable wi-fi •clean

but what...

I finally felt the need to post my 5 star review of this place after they FINALLY moved the upstairs, automatic paper towel dispenser away from the bathroom sink on the other side.

Before, was a dark and tumultuous time. You'd be enjoying your delicious regular order of an orange dreamsicle upstairs when the urge to use the bathroom hits you. Because you aren't an animal, you would wash your hands with a sink that has the water pressure expertly tailored. Not too fast and not too slow. Also not foamy water where you don't feel anything... True, flowing clear, divine water. Water pressure that made you feel like you were stealing it from olympus itself. After your 20 seconds of soap and scrubbing as recommended by the CDC, you would reach for a paper towel from the dispenser and honestly I can't think of a worse hell seeing your solace for dry hands expense directly into the wet basin, heartbreakingly sogging up your chosen paper towel. I wept every time it happened. It was like Icarus feeling the joy of flight but the proximity of the paper towel dispenser to the bowl was like the sun and the wax wings, melting your hope for a non-drippy hand away.

Anyways, they moved it to the other side so I'm not worried about it...