JAVA — Restaurant in St. Louis

PLEASE DO NOT PETRONIZE HOT JAVA located on 4193 Manchester Ave in St. Louis, MO 63110. For the second time they made me feel unimportant and devalued. About two months ago I attended an event there and after payment of my drinks, I received a text message telling me how much I earned in reward points. After making a second purchase that night, I received another text telling me I’m eligible for free drink(s). I tried to redeem my drinks at the bar but the cashier told me there was an issue with their reward system. I then spoke to either the owner or manger (former Saint Louis City Alderman of the 21st Ward Antonio French) of the establishment. Mr. French expressed to me that the reward system is up and working. We then spoke with the cashier together and she gave an excuse of why I couldn’t redeem my reward points. I was then insulted when the cashier said to me that I don’t come to their establishment enough anyway to be worried about redeeming my reward points. I explained to the young lady that she don’t know how much I come to this establishment, or who uses my cell phone number to earn reward pints for my household. Mr. French assured me that the next time I come this issue will be resolved.

I went back to Hot Java last night and patronize them once again because one of my best friends had their comedy event there. I also took three additional people with me so they could enjoy some good comedy, food and drinks. Prior to ordering my drinks, I spoke to the cashier about the reward system. I was told that the reward system was up and running. I also spoke with the Mr. French, and he also verified it was. I then placed my order and durning the transaction, I used my credit card to make my payment. As I sign my name on the credit card monitor, I attempted to go up and put my telephone number into the system to receive my reward points text. Before I could do so, the cashier hit something on her side so the screen cleared out for the next transaction. I expressed to the cashier that I did not have enough time to put my telephone number in to get my reward points. The cashier expressed to me that there was no way for her to go back into the system to correct the problem since their database is only set up from the customer side. The cashier once again told me I did not come in there established enough to be worried about the rewards points. I then went to speak with Mr. French, about what occurred. Mr. French then took a picture of my receipt and said he would get the matter resolved by getting my reward points put under my profile. I showed Mr. French where I was sitting so that he could come back and speak to me about the resolution. After 2 1/2 hours of been in his establishment, NO ONE ever came back and said anything to me.

I want everyone to know that HOT JAVA has BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. In my opinion and under my 1st Amendment right, I want to state they are only in business for your money and not to put a smile and satisfy the customers who come in to patronize them. Even with the bad customer service I received, I still tip the cashier both times I went there.

Several times in the media I’ve heard Mr. French tell the people of Saint Louis the following: “Use what's happened in your past as your fuel. Own it, but don't let it define you. It's an awesome power cell that's going to propel you in whatever direction you want to go." Today, I’ll use that same energy to let the world know how I was unfairly treat several times.

For those who will ask, why would I go back to this establishment after a bad customer service experience. I will tell you why. A black up and coming comedy and production company hosting their events there and I don’t want to hinder them because of a fault of another black business. I would ask that you DON’T WALK THROUGH THEIR DOORS, and if you do; DO NOT BUY...

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