Freedom of Espresso — Restaurant in Town of Salina

Upon arriving I was greeted immediately by a very friendly face behind the counter. It was a pleasant surprise because usually I'm ignored or spoken to in a manner that makes me feel like an inconvenience anywhere I go especially busy coffee shops! It was a Saturday morning / early afternoon.

I requested a very overly specific coffee/latte The gentleman behind the counter was super receptive to my specifications. And even chatted with me happily while he prepared my drink!

Other customers arrived while I was waiting for my order. The barista still welcomed and chatted with the other customers as well multitasking and just impressively kind.

This is exactly why I only indulge in coffee and treat myself once in a while and when I do it is at local small businesses like this.

The coffee was kicking strong just how I like it It was fresh and tasty 😄 I will be returning again and again. 🙏✨

Not to mention the neighborhood was nice They even had little tables outside to sit in the sun and enjoy the day!

Literally the only critique I could divulge is the lackluster decor and surroundings inside of the coffee shop. It looked as if it had only been open maybe 6 months to a year. Come to find out the location's been open for a few years. I couldn't tell the personality of the owner based on the surroundings. Although It was super duper clean which was awesome! It made up for the fact that it was less flashy. But it could definitely use some warm elements... Perhaps some paintings, flowers - maybe some music to set the mood or fairy lights & plants. These are all just little opinions that I think could really elevate this business! I would love to see it thrive! ☕ Until next time freedom of...

I hate to do this because I love supporting businesses within my community but this is just not sitting right with me. I tried out this coffee shop over the weekend for the first time. Cute interior with places to sit and hang out, good service and pretty good coffee.

Now to the issue. There was a sign that said to please tip because the employees make tipped wages (which is 8.35 an hour in NYS). This isn't a restaurant. Most people don't tip at coffee shops. Nobody is waiting on you, it's generally not expected. But I saw this sign and now knew I needed to tip. Ok that's fine, I usually do anyways. Then I order my drink, a large plain iced latte (the large is similar to a Starbucks medium) and my total is SEVEN DOLLARS not including the tip I now need to include because this employer isn't paying their employees properly. 8 dollars for a 16 Oz latte is insane. If costs were raised so that the employees could have a good salary and benefits it would have been fine. I would have been happy to have a slightly more expensive drink. But there is literally a sign up declaring that they don't pay their employees. Maybe I misunderstood something along the lines or a mistake was made with my order but I'm really disappointed in...

I am an ex-employee of this establishment and I encourage that no one give their money to this business. The employers take total advantage of their employees, making them work 6-7 days a week, full shifts with no breaks. On your ONE day off, you will get called in and made to feel bad when you say no. Not only are you worked like a slave, the owner always falls through with orders placed for the stores, constantly leaving them empty handed and without product. Furthermore, the owner does not even know how to run the store, or even open the cash register! This company barely has enough staff to run the stores, yet they turn away perfectly good resumés because they owners are sexist and like to only hire beautiful young girls. This list could go on forever. So to conclude this review, again, I strongly encourage that no one waste their money at this shop. Spend it elsewhere on far better coffee, where it'll go to a company that actually cares and stands for something. This place should be renamed Prison...