28/05/2026
It has finally happened: our second one-star review. But unlike other negative reviews that offer a constructive chance to improve, we are genuinely so stressed and struggling to figure out what we could have done better.
We have been really hesitant to post this as we’re aware of the impact it may have. However, it’s time to speak up. Being immigrants ourselves, after more than 10 years here, we have never experienced a situation where we felt racially discriminated against in this beautiful country. I truly believe most of our Kiwi fellows do not tolerate that behaviour. Unfortunately, when these claims arise out of thin air, it is often down to an individual’s personal perception, someone refusing to look at their own inappropriate behaviour and instead playing the “racism” card. Even worse, they project their own anger onto a small business, ruining what others have worked so hard to build.
Anyone who has ever stepped into our cafe knows that our staff members are, always have been, and will always be gentle, caring, and friendly. We are not built to argue or lecture customers on sensitive topics we aren’t legally trained to handle. We are baristas, chefs, and waitstaff here to deliver superb food and service; not to become activists, law enforcers, or judges. If someone genuinely believes a serious racist behaviour happens, we are fully willing to act as witnesses and leave the matter to the proper authorities.
We feel deeply sorry for the lady who was caring enough to come over and ask me to help the family, only to be pointed at as a racist. Had she been a racist person, she could have confronted them herself in the first place instead of asking me to help the family. And we are so sorry to our team who worked that day, receiving an unfair, negative review for something they had absolutely nothing to do with.
