Common Ground Cafe @ J’ville Library

Gina from Johnsonville

I’m sharing a very bad experience of mine I had at Common Ground café. I originally posted my comment on the business’ Facebook page but it was deleted.

On the 26th April @ 10:15am, I went to this cafe for a coffee. At the time of ordering, I requested that a barista make my coffee rather than the chef. The reason for this request was, previously I have not enjoyed the coffee made by the chef. As a loyal customer at this cafe my request was accepted, and the barista made the coffee for me. When I was waiting for my coffee though, the chef stormed over to me, pointed her finger at my nose, and rudely stated to me that her coffee is great. Embarrassed, I explained I found the coffees she made in the past too bitter for me. She responded by stating that if I think the coffee is bitter, then do not ever come back to the café. As a loyal customer of this shop who supported this café since its commencement, I don’t believe I, nor anyone, deserves this type of treatment over a simple request. When I took this matter to the manager/business owner asking for an apology. He responded by saying “you can choose not to come here”.

I’m extremely upset that a café operates in a council premise, to serve the community, is treating locals with no respect. The attitude they have in providing customer service is disappointing and careless to say the least. Moreover, they treated me this way which almost certainly means they will treat, or have treated others in the same way; or even worse. Just wanted to share this with the community in hopes to see an improvement, not to tarnish their reputation.