Java Jo's — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

I have been to your shop many times, love your coffee, and have always received good service. Despite living just up the street though, I find myself looking for another option for one reason only- I am uncomfortable being asked directly to my face every time if I want to leave a tip. What you are doing is not wrong or unethical by any means, so I want to be clear that this is not a criticism, just honest feedback. You have obviously intentionally made that decision as a staff to approach the transaction that way, and I am sure you get far more tips by asking directly than you would by allowing the screen to ask the question. I tip about half the time, when your server meets me in the line and it’s cold or raining or they answer questions. When I order one simple drip coffee directly at the window though and the transaction has no complexity and is over in 30 seconds, I don’t feel that a tip is warranted. I want to be able to make that decision discreetly and without feeling like I have let somebody down.

For me and for many people, a cup of coffee is one of the highlights of our day and I don’t want any part of that to feel uncomfortable at all. This is probably much more of a me problem than a you problem, but thought you deserved the...

Great coffee, but tipping pressure is uncomfortable. I love Java Jo’s and the baristas are so friendly and polite. However, their policy is to ask directly if you’d like to leave them a tip. If tipping is that essential to the staff’s income, the business should pay a fairer wage instead of passing that burden onto customers through pressure. I don’t think it’s ethical to imply I should tip for a 10-second coffee handoff when the actual service involved is minimal. Not to mention, there’s been a few instances of dishonesty where I’ve noticed they add a larger tip than I approve. As a full time college student who also works in the emergency department and a part time job, coffee is necessary to get through exhausting days. But I’m on a tight budget, and extra tips add up fast. I would hope the business some day practices goodwill and changes the tipping culture so I don’t feel evil telling the amazing employees no on occasion. I want to tip freely without feeling cornered or being taken advantage of. It seems many other people have mentioned this and no response or change is made, so maybe it’s just...

I felt so excited to discover this adorable place and really wanted to love it! Unfortunately they got my order wrong (these things happen - I understand). I suspected/figured this out a few blocks away, went back and kindly asked for this to be considered. The woman walking around taking orders offered to sell me more shots of coffee so my drink tasted more like coffee, yet confidently stated it was exactly what I had ordered and that there was no chance of it being anything else, therefore not containing lactose or sucrose. The attitude and complete lack of acknowledging the possibility of an error (mind you, she is not even the one who made or delivered the drink - just took the order) does not exude good customer service. I don't like to write negative reviews, but as sick as I am I'm realizing the severity of a completely avoidable situation and am optimistic some change may be made at...