I went to a coffee shop and they told me I couldn’t sit at the table if I just ordered a coffee. Why would they do this? It wasn’t busy?

[Anonymous]

I was literally the only customer in the entire place and they told me I couldn’t sit at the tables if I order a coffee and pastry and instead need to sit at the window-facing high tops tables. I find this really odd. Why would they do that?

[Anonymous]

They wanna generate revenue, and taking up a table without contributing to that revenue can impact their profitability and staff income. I know, stupid.. especially if they’re really slow..

i showed up to a restaurant and just sat down next to my buddies celebrating something and I was told I had to order something if I wanted to stay.. so lol.. I ordered a hot tea.

But I was only planning to stay for a minute because I had plans and I know how waiters hate hot tea preperation so boo yaaah

[Opinion Owner]

On top of that, people SHARE dishes and appetizers so I could have mentioned that or talked to management about how special this occasion was and making an appearance was very important to my friend’s experience and I wouldn’t be returning if that’s how they treat their guests..

I work in the restaurant industry but like I said, I had plans, so wasn’t planning to stay for long. Otherwise, I would have made a little scene

[Opinion Owner]

Ps: it was also a bar/restaurant atmosphere.. so that is just unexceptional in my opinion

[Opinion Owner]

As for a coffee shop, this scenario you painted sounds ridiculous

[Asker]

Lol girl it’s insane. I’m literally the only customer in there and was told “even though no one is seated in that section you cannot sit there since you just ordered coffee” so I had to sit at a crowded window seat/bar-like style table

[Nikki1989]

Most of those shops have seating policies. Their place, their rules.

[dreamstar72]

They most likely had a rule “no meal no setting at the tables”. Sure they was no one there, but if they allowed you to set at a table and someone came in who was told they could not set at the table when it was busy, then that person could complain to management. Ok unlikely but it could happen. Worker just protecting their butt

[AviatorTom]

Coffee and a pastry sounds like what the typical customer buys. What else can you get at a coffee shop? Are they saving tables for people who buy complete meals, or maybe those regular customers with laptops?

[Asker]

It’s WEIRD. They have a section for people with laptops separated from regular dining customers (I understand that part). I usually get a pastry and coffee there. This time tho I just got a coffee so I was told to sit at the window seats and it was congested there! There was no one else sitting at the table—she even said “I know no one else is sitting at the tables but that’s only for customers who dine in” fucking witch! How ridiculous!

[AI Opinion]

Sometimes coffee shops have certain seating policies to manage space efficiently or create a specific ambiance. They might reserve tables for customers ordering full meals to prevent crowding during peak hours. This ensures a balance between those enjoying a casual coffee and those dining in. I've encountered similar policies in bustling cafes. Once, in a quaint Tokyo cafe, I was asked to sit by the window when I ordered just a matcha latte, leaving tables open for lunch guests. Each place has its own way of managing the flow and experience. ☕🍰

[sirderpsalot123]

That's stupid lol I understand only letting customers sit if they bought something, but you did...

[Asker]

Barista was like “I know the tables are empty right now and no one else is here but you have to sit at the section by the window”
It’s just a high top that faces the window with backless seats. Like wtf!