I go to the Kingsway location quite often, and I have been for months actually, but today I had an uncomfortable experience there, and that makes me want to avoid going in the future.
I order food/drinks most of the time I hang out at Salute, and in the past, I've ordered as soon as I arrive, five minutes in, 30 minutes in, an hour in, etc. I've never had a problem.
But today, I'd been sitting at a table for maybe 15 minutes when an employee came up to me and told me I had to order prior to sitting down. I was a bit shocked, and told her okay, but she didn't leave the table until I said I'd be over in a minute. She wasn't rude mind you, but it was a weird and it definitely made me uncomfortable, especially considering I saw her and another employee looking at me and whispering to each other before that.
I've never had someone tell me when I have to order before, there or in any other coffee shop. I actually ended up leaving because it felt like I was being forced to order or I was unwelcome. I understand it's a business, but I do support them all the time and sometimes I like to take my time making a decision.
I go to support local, and because the atmosphere is decent, even if everything is pretty expensive. But after today, I don't want to go anymore. Not sure if this was their individual decision, or if the managers/owners are asking employees to bug everyone to order as soon as they arrive. Either way, not cool. read more