Cork & Bean — Restaurant in Worth Township

Since I'm unable to respond to the utterly misleading comment left by this business under my last review, I will simply leave another and make my views abundantly clear.

This business is NOT a safe and welcoming space for African-Americans. As a former hospitality employee, I've worked as a hostess and bartender for over 10 years. Some of the businesses I've had the pleasure of working at are located in this same community. Therefore, I have a vast knowledge and training on how to approach and explain business policies to fellow patrons. When a close friend asked me to meet him at a nearby coffee shop yesterday, I was happy to suggest Cork & Bean. Before arriving, I was already made aware of the waitress approaching him several times to take his order. Each time, he expressed that he was waiting on a friend (me) to arrive. During the four times this young woman (Dee) approached my friend, she failed to express what the business policies were in regards to ordering something while waiting. By the time I arrived only 30 mins after him, I was more than happy to still place an order, however I was filtering through work emails and did not have a moment to look at the menu. When Dee came back to take my order, I still hadn't looked at the menu yet and wasn't ready to order. After being there for only 10 mins, Dee then demanded for us to order something which was extremely humiliating. Her tone and demeanor was not only disrespectful but utterly unacceptable for someone working in the hospitality industry. As hospitality workers, there's a way to calmly explain the policies and procedures to our patrons, and I can assure you that certainly was not demonstrated nor should it be excused by management as "urgent". There was an apology given after making my complaint to the manager, however apologies do not negate the blatant disrespect and disregard.

As an Oak Lawn resident, I've made it my mission to find spaces that are respectful, inclusive and welcome towards all people. I strongly urge those that are looking to find a communal and safe environment to work in to please choose another location. There are better coffee shops in the area that offer exceptional service and that promote kind and safe interactions between the employers and patrons. The Black dollar is extremely powerful, and I refuse to spend money on a business that does not make me feel valued, respected, and appreciated. I've already made my complaints with the Better Business Bureau, and they will be contacting this business directly for...

I've been coming to Cork and Bean for a few years but today for some reason after not visiting for the last few months I had a not so pleasant experience. I didn't know the mid age older lady with I believe dark short hair or the two young adults (male and female) working that day. Hadn't seen them before. On 3 seperate occasions this day the two young adults approached me about ordering, I had only been there about 15 mins and was sitting in the back area. I did ask for a menu including the drink menu and I inquired about happy hour when I arrived. About 2 mins later the mid aged lady in a way stormed out and came to me and told me that I needed to order because I was using their wifi. I explained that I wasn't using there wifi but my hot spot as their wifi rarely works, mind you it was only about 3 people in there. I did explain that I was going to definitely order for Happy Hour at that point it was about 3:15pm. There was some back and forth and this is when I realized that this was uncomfortable. I was then told that I needed to order before HH so I inquired about ordering alcohol before 4pm and to my surprise I was told that I could which I didn't know. So I ordered a Procecco, I always order when visiting so I was really shocked at this point. About 10 mins later after receiving my drink. I got up and went to play the slots. It was a really uncomfortable experience for me. For the rest of the time while I was there even an hour later no one came back to check if I wanted to order anything. Which was awkward. So I just went to the counter and ordered. I have met the owner before and the owner is very nice. I was really shocked to have had this experience. I have never had someone basically tell me I needed to order to be there, I mean it makes sense but I just had never had that experience before. Looking at some of the other low rated reviews their seems to definitely be a theme or trend. Very disappointing since I have had business meetings here and brought in new customers over the years. Updated after response. I am actually a small business owner myself and on top of that have helped over a dozen small businesses start and get funding across the state. However, I did not want $2 coffee at 3pm. Even after buying the Procecco for over an hour to not have service was very INTENTIONAL which is why I took the time to write my...

I’ve been coming all summer as a therapist, I have sat and completed a lot of work and taken virtual calls here. The younger staff have always been really kind but the middle aged staff woman with short hair is not kind. I’ve never seen her smile, and the way she approaches and communicates with people about things comes off as very rude. A few weeks ago I moved to the front outdoor location to take a call. The entire counter was very dirty (which happened again last week but I thought that’s how it always is so oh well). I went to the bathroom and then moved to the back outdoor location and was followed by the middle aged female staff member and she sternly told me I couldn’t leave without paying. As I’ve never not paid, I told her I was moving to the back to take another call. I then proceeded to order another drink because I had been there for a while, and she almost didn’t let me order it. I really think she thought I wasn’t going to pay for my coffee, sandwich and other drink.

As I’ve gone back these past few weeks, I now always order at the counter and pay at the counter because that was so strange to me, and I want to feel as though I can move spots and go to the bathroom without being told I’m not going to pay.

Today, I was in the middle of working on my computer with my headphones in and an older man walked up very quickly to me, got very close and without saying excuse me, or tapping me on the shoulder for me to take my headphones out, he just said, “Put your shoes on” and then rushed away. Which I completely understand, but I had sandals on, and one leg was under my other leg, so I consciously did not want to get their furniture dirty with my sandal. There are also much kinder ways to say this to a customer. Tap me on the shoulder, as you see I’m working, and ask me to kindly put my shoes back on. It felt very rude.

I left immediately after and won’t be returning.

These 2 incidents left me feeling so weird also considering I’m there 1-2 times per week working.

I’ll be finding another coffee shop to work at. . . There are other coffee shops around that have friendly staff and clean tables and counters 100% of the time. I don’t want to feel on edge somewhere where I always go to do my work. Update: The owners response shows how rude they truly are. I changed my rating to 1 star. I wish you...