"Regarding Peet’s Coffee (Downtown Downers): Very upsetting experience at Peet’s today. I am always visiting friends in Chicago, so today a friend decided to visit me in Downers. I brought her to Peet’s for coffee and to see our downtown. Within 10 minutes of sitting and getting ourselves settled, the manager asked if we were waiting for someone. We kindly replied no and he said he was just checking in. I did not see him approach any other patrons. About 10 minutes later, my friend and I had decided on purchasing some waters to start, and were looking over the different coffees. The manager approached our table once more and asked if we’d be buying anything. I asked if this was a requirement, and if there was signage we’d missed and he said no, but “this is a business”, and he’s running a business so we can’t just sit here. He also informed us that “Peet’s is cracking down on college students”. (I and my friend are about 10 years post college, but thanks for the compliment) For an establishment where half of the staff is wearing political statements on their aprons, it surprises me that “cracking down on college students” and turning away those who take a little longer to pick a coffee is so high on the list of tasks. Very odd and non hospitable behavior that I wouldn’t expect of any business, yet alone a neighborhood coffee shop. I recommend visiting Starbucks across the tracks (staff is friendly and inviting), or getting on the train to Chicago for a unique, inviting cafe visit in the future. The manager has done a terrific job of making sure my business does not return."
