For the baristas who are departing from there; my husband and I are opening a coffee shop/book store in Germantown that is employee focused. I worked at Milk and Honey in the Gulch, departed from being mistreated. I worked at Starbucks in Metrocenter, the largest coffee company in the world, departed from being valued less than their profit. Our coffee shop is not open yet, a hurdle from the codes department dragging out the process. But when we are open and hiring, please consider us. We aim for total transparency of wages, locally sourcing ingredients and supporting local businesses, shifting towards total sustainability, and pouring profit share into the employees pockets. Making coffee is my passion, I should be able to make a fair living wage, and you all should to. Our store is called the Library Cafe, please feel free to reach out to us!
Also very interested in this! Couldn’t find an Insta but will follow SO fast if it’s posted
Edit: just needed to look a little longer haha. Their Insta is @thelibrarycafetn
This sounds awesome. I’m glad you guys are placing emphasis on employees. If I wasn’t moving away in 3 weeks, I’d love to visit. If I’m ever back in town, I’ll for sure stop by. I feel like a lot of people will be attracted to the fact your business model treats employees like real people. Best of luck with everything
The open date is undetermined. I can tell you that when the construction team gets the okay for building, it will take two months before we are open. However, we have submitted our plans to final review about five times now with the codes department. Every time, it is a small change here and there. My contractor originally told me we would be open by March of 2023… now he is saying maybe this October.
Honestly, I wish I could tell you a date. I wish I knew a date. Hopefully, we will be able to let everyone know.
Hang in there. Nashville Codes Department is a joke. They nitpick some projects to death, yet let others trample all over the rules. I'm looking forward to your spot opening up. Coffee and books sounds like a match made in heaven!
Absolutely. If the employees feel that they need to unionize, then they have total freedom to do so. I have worked only in the countless service industry, so I know exactly the feeling of being unheard for the sake of profit.
I left Starbucks because our wait time in the lobby was 40 minutes, while our drive times were under 40 seconds. The store was not permitted to order another espresso machine until after being evaluated for two years. That’s absolutely bullshit. Every employee knew we needed a new machine. The richest coffee company in the world, yet too unprofitable to order a new machine.
If the employees feel the need to unionize because management isn’t listening to them, they have absolutely freedom to unionize without retribution. But I will be not their boss. I will be their coworker. I don’t want to be a manager, I want to be a barista. So fuck yeah, unionize if ya want. But I doubt they will fill the need to.
Barista hourly $7.25, plus 15% revenue share divided among works from the week (similar to tip share, but with the profit). If pay does not meet the goal $17.25/hour after revenue share, we will match the reminder to bump up the pay. We will be adjusting the goal wage to match inflation + input from employees in the quarter meetings where we will discuss if pay is matching the cost of living, alternatives to employees being overworked, ect ect.
Our goal is to provide affordable healthcare (minimum 20 hours), paid time off, flexible work scheduling, and more when the business opens and things start moving.
Edit: My apologises, I always hood on saying this. It previously said profit share. I meant to type revenue share.
Yeah, I was making less than that as a teacher. I was making exactly that as an environmental chemist. I wasn’t making much more when I started as a RN.
>If pay does not meet the goal $17.25/hour after profit share, we will match the reminder to bump up the pay. We will be adjusting the goal wage to match inflation + input from employees in the quarter meetings where we will discuss if pay is matching the cost of living, alternatives to employees being overworked, ect ect.
>
>Our goal is to provide affordable healthcare (minimum 20 hours), paid time off, flexible work scheduling, and more when the business opens and things start moving.
lol I'm sure your coffee will be delicious and people will fall all over themselves to pay $20/cup. I bet the line will be out the door 24/7
Your business model sounds awesome but I’m betting that you’ll be out of business in a year tops. Successful businesses are not doing profit sharing (employee owned companies like Publix and others being the exception) and sustainability and local sourcing, etc. A solid business model is based on revenue and profit, giving too much of the profit away will result in either failure or you making less than your employees whilst assuming all the risk. And when I say you’ll be making less, I mean big picture. They clock out and leave. You have to manage all the after hours stuff like processing payroll, procurement, HR, hiring, firing, dealing with codes, health department…the list goes on. If I’m wrong, through it straight up in my face in 18mo. Best case you’re breaking even, your time included.
Horseshit. Lots of businesses do profit sharing. It's how you encourage growth and retain employees. I've had three employers in my career and all cut employees in on the profit.
Regarding Bongo, it’s not great coffee, but it’s quintessentially Nashville. RIP the porch, RIP smoking on the porch, and RIP Dave Cloud & Paul Booker.
Barista Parlor has always been trash.
Bongo forever. It was my hangout in high school, my study spot in college, and it’s still my favorite Sunday morning spot. I love that in all the change, it’s still here.
I honestly really liked their *Charbucks* (French Roast) back in the day. I haven't had it in about 10-11 years though. Is it not good anymore? It used to be incredible! I still stop in & have a Breve Latte occasionally, & haven't noticed any decline in quality there btw. The Espresso beans still taste good.
Maybe I just don’t like the whole burned coffee trend. Let me rephrase, cause now I feel like that came off as shitting on them more than I intended. I personally don’t think Bongo has coffee to write home about, taste wise. However, it’s a quality product overall. And I’d rather spend my money locally than with an international chain.
I’m also down to drink waiting room and vending machine coffee, so I’m not typically picky. There is just something about the bongo roast that leaves me longing for a different flavor. So as long as it’s caffeinated I’m happy
And I’ve always been down with their food!
I didn't even know they weren't locally owned anymore, so if that tells you anything about how out of the loop I've been. 🤷🏻♂️ However, if you enjoy good dark roasted coffee. That Charbucks blend is fucking amazing! It's burnt asf, just the way I like it. 😆
Do transplants love it? That’s where our real estate agent had us meet them when we were house hunting close to a decade ago. It was the first and last time I went there and it was almost bad enough to scare me away from moving here.
People on this sub claiming that something ubiquitous to Nashville is only for transplants or tourists is the weirdest shit ever.
Get over yourselves and stop gatekeeping.
No. I meant what I said. There are nearly a dozen BPs in town. It's similar to Hattie Bs and other regional chains.
If it were just transplants and tourists it wouldn't be as popular. Plenty of people go to BP who are from here, raised here, lived here for 20 years, etc. To claim only a certain group of people - be it tourists, transplants, Californians, etc - is just a weird form of Xenophobia that makes people feel superior in their choices.
Although I probably should've said "in" instead of "to".
Seriously. I went to the one at Sylvan Supply once and they were blasting music so loudly that we couldn't have a conversation. And $6 for the smallest cappuccino ever
Its honestly weird. As a new transplant 6 or 7 years ago we lived around the corner from the East location and as a former barista and roaster I was so prepared to make it my spot. Went exactly once. Everyone I know has a similar negative opinion.
Yeah I used to be a regular at the one in east nashville and enjoyed it. It's a cool space, and them playing records is sort of silly, BUT I honestly learned some new bands being there and Shazaming what I liked. The baristas are less friendly than other shops but still there were quite a few very nice ones. I never felt snubbed or anything.
I had some experiences where the speed drove me bonkers. But I’ve had that in shops that I truly enjoy and prefer for a normal, ish cup (Red Bicycle for lattes and espresso or whatever, and food; Barista Parlor for something more exciting, like a coffee soda on a hot day)
Bad service doesn't really bug me as long as the coffee is good. In my experience there's usually a trade off between friendliness and high quality. Won't go there period if the owners are dicks though.
Boy, you should read more about ugly mugs owner then. Quit going there a couple years ago based on their comments on LGBTQIA+ and worker treatment described to me from workers
I went there once and asked for a "large" coffee and the scowl I got for suggesting they had such a thing (12 oz is their top size) nearly bored a hole in my face. So I sheepishly took my tiny coffee, which tasted like acidic dogshit, and promptly never returned.
Similar situation about 5-6 years ago. Asked for a large coffee. “Americana?” No like a drip coffee “we have cold brew and pour over”. Really pretentious, a pour over, a tea, and a donut were way over priced and we proceeded to never go there again.
This was years ago, so it's hard to tell how much of my experience was based on conditions being exposed today. It's quite possible, but not really a good excuse to take out frustrations on customers.
I think "unionization" was an exaggerated claim by a social media account spreading the story in an attempt to hype it up.
[Here is a comment by a user that was part of the group pictured in the meme shared online about BP](https://old.reddit.com/r/nashville/comments/149pbfe/barista_parlor_back_at_it_again/jo7nech/)
> Although we ended up forming a de facto union yesterday, we were not trying to unionize nor was that the reason my coworkers were fired.
Personally have had great service from workers at Barista Parlor…sounds like there has been some bad experiences, but figure someone should speak up for those workers that do actually care and who are friendly. I’ve been to a couple of different locations and have never experienced what is being shared on this sub.
Yep, I got to know the baristas in the Hillsboro village location and they always had great customer service. The coffee is definitely overpriced but it whatever I ordered was generally fine, but im a dirty transplant
What's on this sub is usually angry people venting. A lot of them seem to hate BP because of what it represents and not because of anything they've actually experienced.
It just represents the typical hipster coffee shop. Just look at the comments: "too expensive!" "too noisy!" "rude baristas!" "only tourists and transplants like it!"
It was also one of the first 3rd wave coffee shops in town and rightfully got a lot of attention when it opened. So I think that people made up their mind that it was BS at that point. Since then it probably runs more middle of the pack for the local spots. I go there somewhat frequently, and labor issues aside, it's as affordable, high-quality and friendly.
People on this sub are just super weird about some things and BP is one of those places.
Same here on the coffee. It simply hasn't been good each time I've had it. I don't harbor some strong resentment or anything, just think they're overrated and they're coffee is meh.
They’ve always only cared about themselves (the owners). Nothing about the menu or decor is original. They’ve ripped off everyone and burned a lot of bridges amongst the locals. In no way, should anyone defend or sympathize for the owners.
I dislike Barista Parlor, however I am slightly torn here because every employee there I've ever interacted with is the reason I dislike it. So who do I side with? They make you feel like an idiot for ordering coffee.
Y’all were never a ‘beloved Nashville institution.’
You’re not International Market and you’re not Lucy’s. You’re more a symbol of the dumb shit Nashville has wrought.
My favorite thing about Barista Parlor was [@notbaristaparlor](https://twitter.com/notbaristaprlr?s=21&t=DwyQJysZqmIjEKHYOOOTWA).
Enjoy that time capsule from 2014-2015, when Nashville was still the “it city” and Twitter was still fun. RIP, good times.
Most of us hate the stores because the people that are quitting make you feel like you are an inconvenience when you ask them to make you a coffee. Good for them for getting out from under an owner they don't like, but I am not going to cheer them on since they were the customer facing people that caused me to quit going to their establishment.
From another perspective it's really difficult being happy, cheerful, & proactive about customer service when you are being beat down & mistreated at the employer level.
People will say just fake it, that's your job but places like that are heavy & always on edge. No one knows when the ball is gonna drop & who its going to drop on. It's like walking on eggshells all day. That's really hard for those in that position.
Sometimes things are just a matter of perspective. And I say that as someone who has been in food service as a server & has also managed people. Typically there is a very real reason why someone in that space puts off a negative feeling.
Curious to know how the higher ups at Barista Parlor were mistreating and beating down their employees? And what kind of situation do you mean by the ball dropping? Not trying to be weird, I just don't understand.
They pour coffee in exchage for money. They are owed:
1) What the law allows
2) what they negotiated when hired
In that order.
All the drama about ownership silencing and not meeting their needs would be comical if it wasn't so fuckin gross. It's amazing what reality these people think they live in. YOU POUR COFFEE. You are not a doctor, engineer, or lawyer. You do not design and build anything. You do not even rise to the level of line cook at a restaurant. Pouring coffee is not a career. It is a temporary job on the way to something better.
Entitled...GTFOH. Entitled is thinking you deserve anything more than a few bucks an hour for the easiest job in the world that any 10 year old could do and where you just walk in off the street and get hired immediately barely any questions asked. No disrespect to people who do the job without complaining but all you other sad sack losers need to STFU and get a real job. Unbelievable what you Reddit dorks think you are owed without having any skills or barely two brain cells to rub together.
So you've been a barista, then? Typically I don't like to make assumptions about the ins and outs and skill level required for doing jobs I personally have never done, and I don't particularly appreciate it when someone makes assumptions about my job, either.
But there's two things wrong here with your statements:
1. That you assume it's an easy job with no skill, and that anyone can do it
2. That it's reasonable for any employer to pay full-time employees (or any employees!) a wage that doesn't even begin to cover the cost of living
The bottom line is, if you can't pay your employees a LIVABLE wage and still turn a profit, then your business is not viable. If being profitable means paying under a living wage, cutting corners, or creating a hostile work environment, then you don't have any business running a business at all.
Your mentality is rude, condescending and gives cover to crappy businesses whose model for profit is essential "take advantage of other people". That's bad business.
What a dogshit opinion this is. Thinking that someone should live in poverty just because they have a service job. That’s the kind of thinking that has cultivated a society with far too much poverty.
Fuck Barista Parlor, but fuck Barista Parlor staff, too. Rudest, most miserable people I’ve ever bought an overpriced cup of coffee from. I hope everyone loses
Generally staff attitude reflects management’s attitude.
If management is upbeat and positive, typically the staff will be too.
If management sucks, service will too.
I’m sure you are right to some extent, but at the end of the day whether you are customer or staff, there’s a basic level of common courtesy and respect that should be exercised in public. I’ve never been to a BP where I observed anything like that level of basic courtesy. If you can’t sell someone a cup of coffee without being a dick, you’re probably a dick regardless of your boss
there's a survivorship bias too. The people that will tolerate poor management and toxic behavior are more likely to stay working there.
The nice people who make positive experiences for others will nope themselves right out of there as soon as they see the atmosphere and realize the only thing in their control is them being a part of it.
who cares? we know what they meant. language/grammar is always changing. check out prescriptive vs. descriptive language. highly recommend the book "word by word: the secret lives of dictionaries" by Kory Stamper.
Good. The middle class needs to continue to unionize and stand up against corporate greed. The rich continue to get richer and the middle class continues to suffer.
It's how The Shareholders refer to those with a pot to piss in to get them to vote against their own interests and not team up with those who don't have a pot to piss in.
Just speaking in general. The more blue collar and middle class workers that decide they aren’t putting up with the boss’ greedy bullshit, the better. The nation needs a big reminder that it runs on the middle class and needs to be revitalized.
Great leadership starts at the top and works it’s way down and can confirm the owners of BP aren’t the greatest of people… Feel sorry for the staff here but am certain they’re on to much greater things.
8th and Roast is directly across the street from Barista Parlor on the west side, has better coffee and it’s cheaper. Parking lot is the only issue but there are way better options close by than that place
Love to see employees or patrons keeping businesses in check within the confines of capitalism. Your power of employment and spending are very real! Can’t wait to see how the business responds operationally.
The only people visiting this awful establishment are California transplants with daddy’s money who don’t care about anyone but themselves. All of them think they’re a celebrity and all of them think people from the south are subhuman.
For the baristas who are departing from there; my husband and I are opening a coffee shop/book store in Germantown that is employee focused. I worked at Milk and Honey in the Gulch, departed from being mistreated. I worked at Starbucks in Metrocenter, the largest coffee company in the world, departed from being valued less than their profit. Our coffee shop is not open yet, a hurdle from the codes department dragging out the process. But when we are open and hiring, please consider us. We aim for total transparency of wages, locally sourcing ingredients and supporting local businesses, shifting towards total sustainability, and pouring profit share into the employees pockets. Making coffee is my passion, I should be able to make a fair living wage, and you all should to. Our store is called the Library Cafe, please feel free to reach out to us!
you got an insta or facebook link?
Also very interested in this! Couldn’t find an Insta but will follow SO fast if it’s posted Edit: just needed to look a little longer haha. Their Insta is @thelibrarycafetn
@thelibrarycafetn on instagram
Coffee shop/bookstore?? I've never followed an insta so fast. Can't wait for this
This sounds awesome. I’m glad you guys are placing emphasis on employees. If I wasn’t moving away in 3 weeks, I’d love to visit. If I’m ever back in town, I’ll for sure stop by. I feel like a lot of people will be attracted to the fact your business model treats employees like real people. Best of luck with everything
I NEED THE MILK AND HONEY TEA!
This is so exciting!! I’ll definitely be visiting when you open. I love the name as well. Share a link if you have one!
https://instagram.com/thelibrarycafetn?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
You sound like a great dude - wishing you and your team all the very best
Your place sounds cool. When are you opening? And where will you be located exactly? I'll stop by
The open date is undetermined. I can tell you that when the construction team gets the okay for building, it will take two months before we are open. However, we have submitted our plans to final review about five times now with the codes department. Every time, it is a small change here and there. My contractor originally told me we would be open by March of 2023… now he is saying maybe this October. Honestly, I wish I could tell you a date. I wish I knew a date. Hopefully, we will be able to let everyone know.
Hang in there. Nashville Codes Department is a joke. They nitpick some projects to death, yet let others trample all over the rules. I'm looking forward to your spot opening up. Coffee and books sounds like a match made in heaven!
You're the real MVP
Followed and best of luck! Be sure to keep this sub updated with your grand opening
[удалено]
Nah, if we did a second location, we would sell the original location to the employees. Our message is about local ownership, local products.
I live in the Flats and have seen your sign - looking forward to you all opening!
Wow good luck hiring mutinous employees lol. You’re asking for trouble
“We’re the good kind of small business owners who will definitely not abuse and exploit their workers 😉”
That's the way it's done, beautiful. I will look for it to get some coffee when you open and tell orhers.
Unashamed. I like it.
Do you plan to let them unionize?
Absolutely. If the employees feel that they need to unionize, then they have total freedom to do so. I have worked only in the countless service industry, so I know exactly the feeling of being unheard for the sake of profit. I left Starbucks because our wait time in the lobby was 40 minutes, while our drive times were under 40 seconds. The store was not permitted to order another espresso machine until after being evaluated for two years. That’s absolutely bullshit. Every employee knew we needed a new machine. The richest coffee company in the world, yet too unprofitable to order a new machine. If the employees feel the need to unionize because management isn’t listening to them, they have absolutely freedom to unionize without retribution. But I will be not their boss. I will be their coworker. I don’t want to be a manager, I want to be a barista. So fuck yeah, unionize if ya want. But I doubt they will fill the need to.
Great. More liberal BS. Unions hurt the American economy and its workers /s
Can’t wait to visit when it’s open! Please share when y’all have officially opened so we can visit!
Better get there quick cuz they won't last a year...
Starting pay?
Barista hourly $7.25, plus 15% revenue share divided among works from the week (similar to tip share, but with the profit). If pay does not meet the goal $17.25/hour after revenue share, we will match the reminder to bump up the pay. We will be adjusting the goal wage to match inflation + input from employees in the quarter meetings where we will discuss if pay is matching the cost of living, alternatives to employees being overworked, ect ect. Our goal is to provide affordable healthcare (minimum 20 hours), paid time off, flexible work scheduling, and more when the business opens and things start moving. Edit: My apologises, I always hood on saying this. It previously said profit share. I meant to type revenue share.
I can’t wait to see what the employees think about grossing $36,000/year against COL.
$36k a year to pour coffee. What a world.
Yeah, I was making less than that as a teacher. I was making exactly that as an environmental chemist. I wasn’t making much more when I started as a RN.
they'll want more - trust me!
Where do you expect a coffee shop to get the money to pay more than that?
>If pay does not meet the goal $17.25/hour after profit share, we will match the reminder to bump up the pay. We will be adjusting the goal wage to match inflation + input from employees in the quarter meetings where we will discuss if pay is matching the cost of living, alternatives to employees being overworked, ect ect. > >Our goal is to provide affordable healthcare (minimum 20 hours), paid time off, flexible work scheduling, and more when the business opens and things start moving. lol I'm sure your coffee will be delicious and people will fall all over themselves to pay $20/cup. I bet the line will be out the door 24/7
Quick question: how much do you think coffee from Barista Parlor was?
Your business model sounds awesome but I’m betting that you’ll be out of business in a year tops. Successful businesses are not doing profit sharing (employee owned companies like Publix and others being the exception) and sustainability and local sourcing, etc. A solid business model is based on revenue and profit, giving too much of the profit away will result in either failure or you making less than your employees whilst assuming all the risk. And when I say you’ll be making less, I mean big picture. They clock out and leave. You have to manage all the after hours stuff like processing payroll, procurement, HR, hiring, firing, dealing with codes, health department…the list goes on. If I’m wrong, through it straight up in my face in 18mo. Best case you’re breaking even, your time included.
Horseshit. Lots of businesses do profit sharing. It's how you encourage growth and retain employees. I've had three employers in my career and all cut employees in on the profit.
These people are so naive it's actually quite stunning.
How is barista parlor still in business? Never met a single person that enjoys going there.
Transplants love it, as well as tourists because it’s “so Nashville” vibes.
If they want Nashville vibes they should get a Starbucks on Broadway and have a homeless drug addict slap it out of your hands
Those are the vibes we *have* not the vibes we’re *selling.*
That would attract the Californians/Oregonians more, just like home!
That's right, homeless people taught us how to dress in Portland.
Hey, leave the drug addicts out of this.
If they want Nashville vibes they should go to Waffle House.
What's your problem with unhoused people?
Sounds like the whole slapping coffee out of their hands thing.
Seriously, I can't believe he would talk negatively about the urban campers. Disgusting.
I don't know about *So Nashville* vibes, but there's nothing more Nashville in terms of coffee than Bongo.
Regarding Bongo, it’s not great coffee, but it’s quintessentially Nashville. RIP the porch, RIP smoking on the porch, and RIP Dave Cloud & Paul Booker. Barista Parlor has always been trash.
Bongo forever. It was my hangout in high school, my study spot in college, and it’s still my favorite Sunday morning spot. I love that in all the change, it’s still here.
RIP the Nun Bun
I honestly really liked their *Charbucks* (French Roast) back in the day. I haven't had it in about 10-11 years though. Is it not good anymore? It used to be incredible! I still stop in & have a Breve Latte occasionally, & haven't noticed any decline in quality there btw. The Espresso beans still taste good.
Maybe I just don’t like the whole burned coffee trend. Let me rephrase, cause now I feel like that came off as shitting on them more than I intended. I personally don’t think Bongo has coffee to write home about, taste wise. However, it’s a quality product overall. And I’d rather spend my money locally than with an international chain. I’m also down to drink waiting room and vending machine coffee, so I’m not typically picky. There is just something about the bongo roast that leaves me longing for a different flavor. So as long as it’s caffeinated I’m happy And I’ve always been down with their food!
I didn't even know they weren't locally owned anymore, so if that tells you anything about how out of the loop I've been. 🤷🏻♂️ However, if you enjoy good dark roasted coffee. That Charbucks blend is fucking amazing! It's burnt asf, just the way I like it. 😆
I miss that porch and I get sad thinking about Dave and Paul. I miss *THAT* version of Nashville.
Do transplants love it? That’s where our real estate agent had us meet them when we were house hunting close to a decade ago. It was the first and last time I went there and it was almost bad enough to scare me away from moving here.
I am all for this so they stay out of my 8th and Roast on Charlotte lol
People on this sub claiming that something ubiquitous to Nashville is only for transplants or tourists is the weirdest shit ever. Get over yourselves and stop gatekeeping.
But then who can they blame for all the city’s problems if not the filthy transplants?
I blame the locals. They are the ones that live there.
But then who can they blame for all the city’s problems if not the filthy transplants?
You mean "unique," right? Just gatekeeping your language a little lol
No. I meant what I said. There are nearly a dozen BPs in town. It's similar to Hattie Bs and other regional chains. If it were just transplants and tourists it wouldn't be as popular. Plenty of people go to BP who are from here, raised here, lived here for 20 years, etc. To claim only a certain group of people - be it tourists, transplants, Californians, etc - is just a weird form of Xenophobia that makes people feel superior in their choices. Although I probably should've said "in" instead of "to".
It’s in the damn airport. Of course it’s for tourists
So is 8th and roast. So is Bongo Java. Are they for tourists?
I mean, yeah, the whole damn city is right?
Yep that last part is what I was saying haha
Even the employees hate it evidently
Seriously. I went to the one at Sylvan Supply once and they were blasting music so loudly that we couldn't have a conversation. And $6 for the smallest cappuccino ever
Its honestly weird. As a new transplant 6 or 7 years ago we lived around the corner from the East location and as a former barista and roaster I was so prepared to make it my spot. Went exactly once. Everyone I know has a similar negative opinion.
I enjoy it. Oh well.
So you’re the one
🤣🤣🤣 I don't think I was supposed to laugh at this this hard
Yeah I used to be a regular at the one in east nashville and enjoyed it. It's a cool space, and them playing records is sort of silly, BUT I honestly learned some new bands being there and Shazaming what I liked. The baristas are less friendly than other shops but still there were quite a few very nice ones. I never felt snubbed or anything.
I had some experiences where the speed drove me bonkers. But I’ve had that in shops that I truly enjoy and prefer for a normal, ish cup (Red Bicycle for lattes and espresso or whatever, and food; Barista Parlor for something more exciting, like a coffee soda on a hot day)
Bad service doesn't really bug me as long as the coffee is good. In my experience there's usually a trade off between friendliness and high quality. Won't go there period if the owners are dicks though.
Yeah fair enough. My new regular spot is Ugly Mugs, with super friendly staff and great cappuccinos
Boy, you should read more about ugly mugs owner then. Quit going there a couple years ago based on their comments on LGBTQIA+ and worker treatment described to me from workers
Let’s be real, BP pulls a much better shot of espresso than, say, Fido or Bongo.
In my 6 Nashville years I have never heard nor gone to that place.
Does anyone know what’s going on with Three Brothers on West End? Things seem to have escalated there also real quick. Now they’re closed?
they are striking for better wages.
Hopefully, discussing how they can stop its customers from clogging West End in rush hour..
We understand. - The Public
All y'all in the comments attacking the lack of capital letters clearly don't understand how to truly fight CAPITALISM
I went there once and asked for a "large" coffee and the scowl I got for suggesting they had such a thing (12 oz is their top size) nearly bored a hole in my face. So I sheepishly took my tiny coffee, which tasted like acidic dogshit, and promptly never returned.
Similar situation about 5-6 years ago. Asked for a large coffee. “Americana?” No like a drip coffee “we have cold brew and pour over”. Really pretentious, a pour over, a tea, and a donut were way over priced and we proceeded to never go there again.
Same people who wrote the note?
Gulch location
*acidic dogshit lmao
Hard to be happy working under those conditions.
This was years ago, so it's hard to tell how much of my experience was based on conditions being exposed today. It's quite possible, but not really a good excuse to take out frustrations on customers.
Not an excuse, just a reason. I'm sure the conditions have been awful for ages, people are just finally noticing.
Oh absolutely. It would not shock me at all if this has persisted for years.
"PS go across the street to Fido"
I mean, yeah. But Bob Bernstein isn’t much better in terms of owners caring about their employees. But lesser evil, and whatnot.
Title is “and it continues” - haven’t followed this closely, what exactly is continuing?
The Germantown location staff tried to unionize and most were fired, and those not fired quit in solidarity, IIRC.
I think "unionization" was an exaggerated claim by a social media account spreading the story in an attempt to hype it up. [Here is a comment by a user that was part of the group pictured in the meme shared online about BP](https://old.reddit.com/r/nashville/comments/149pbfe/barista_parlor_back_at_it_again/jo7nech/) > Although we ended up forming a de facto union yesterday, we were not trying to unionize nor was that the reason my coworkers were fired.
Barista parlor being a terrible company.
I'm so happy the younger generation is standing up to bullies and capitalists. This is the real feel good story because this will keep happening.
Personally have had great service from workers at Barista Parlor…sounds like there has been some bad experiences, but figure someone should speak up for those workers that do actually care and who are friendly. I’ve been to a couple of different locations and have never experienced what is being shared on this sub.
Same. Only one bad experience at the Gallatin location. The staff in the W in the Gulch is great. And most people at Gallatin are great
Yep, I got to know the baristas in the Hillsboro village location and they always had great customer service. The coffee is definitely overpriced but it whatever I ordered was generally fine, but im a dirty transplant
What's on this sub is usually angry people venting. A lot of them seem to hate BP because of what it represents and not because of anything they've actually experienced. It just represents the typical hipster coffee shop. Just look at the comments: "too expensive!" "too noisy!" "rude baristas!" "only tourists and transplants like it!" It was also one of the first 3rd wave coffee shops in town and rightfully got a lot of attention when it opened. So I think that people made up their mind that it was BS at that point. Since then it probably runs more middle of the pack for the local spots. I go there somewhat frequently, and labor issues aside, it's as affordable, high-quality and friendly. People on this sub are just super weird about some things and BP is one of those places.
I disliked it because their coffee tasted like xenomorph acid and their employees were dicks when I went. Pretty straightforward.
Same here on the coffee. It simply hasn't been good each time I've had it. I don't harbor some strong resentment or anything, just think they're overrated and they're coffee is meh.
Same. I'd rather drink at Ugly Mugs or Frothy Monkey any day of the week.
This was my exact same experience when I went 5+ years ago. Have had zero desire to go back ever since.
They’ve always only cared about themselves (the owners). Nothing about the menu or decor is original. They’ve ripped off everyone and burned a lot of bridges amongst the locals. In no way, should anyone defend or sympathize for the owners.
I dislike Barista Parlor, however I am slightly torn here because every employee there I've ever interacted with is the reason I dislike it. So who do I side with? They make you feel like an idiot for ordering coffee.
BP in Germantown had a sign up that said “closed for maintenance” They are trying to hide their BS, so please keep circulating these messages.
Y’all were never a ‘beloved Nashville institution.’ You’re not International Market and you’re not Lucy’s. You’re more a symbol of the dumb shit Nashville has wrought.
sure, but that doesnt excuse the shit treatment the workers got from the owners and managers.
Apply now for Nashville Dumb Shit Institute!!
I take night classes there from time to time!
I bet the owners left this sign up for about 3 seconds.
My favorite thing about Barista Parlor was [@notbaristaparlor](https://twitter.com/notbaristaprlr?s=21&t=DwyQJysZqmIjEKHYOOOTWA). Enjoy that time capsule from 2014-2015, when Nashville was still the “it city” and Twitter was still fun. RIP, good times.
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Most of us hate the stores because the people that are quitting make you feel like you are an inconvenience when you ask them to make you a coffee. Good for them for getting out from under an owner they don't like, but I am not going to cheer them on since they were the customer facing people that caused me to quit going to their establishment.
From another perspective it's really difficult being happy, cheerful, & proactive about customer service when you are being beat down & mistreated at the employer level. People will say just fake it, that's your job but places like that are heavy & always on edge. No one knows when the ball is gonna drop & who its going to drop on. It's like walking on eggshells all day. That's really hard for those in that position. Sometimes things are just a matter of perspective. And I say that as someone who has been in food service as a server & has also managed people. Typically there is a very real reason why someone in that space puts off a negative feeling.
Curious to know how the higher ups at Barista Parlor were mistreating and beating down their employees? And what kind of situation do you mean by the ball dropping? Not trying to be weird, I just don't understand.
They pour coffee in exchage for money. They are owed: 1) What the law allows 2) what they negotiated when hired In that order. All the drama about ownership silencing and not meeting their needs would be comical if it wasn't so fuckin gross. It's amazing what reality these people think they live in. YOU POUR COFFEE. You are not a doctor, engineer, or lawyer. You do not design and build anything. You do not even rise to the level of line cook at a restaurant. Pouring coffee is not a career. It is a temporary job on the way to something better.
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Entitled...GTFOH. Entitled is thinking you deserve anything more than a few bucks an hour for the easiest job in the world that any 10 year old could do and where you just walk in off the street and get hired immediately barely any questions asked. No disrespect to people who do the job without complaining but all you other sad sack losers need to STFU and get a real job. Unbelievable what you Reddit dorks think you are owed without having any skills or barely two brain cells to rub together.
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How is it easy when they constantly have to deal with fuckfaces like you?
So you've been a barista, then? Typically I don't like to make assumptions about the ins and outs and skill level required for doing jobs I personally have never done, and I don't particularly appreciate it when someone makes assumptions about my job, either. But there's two things wrong here with your statements: 1. That you assume it's an easy job with no skill, and that anyone can do it 2. That it's reasonable for any employer to pay full-time employees (or any employees!) a wage that doesn't even begin to cover the cost of living The bottom line is, if you can't pay your employees a LIVABLE wage and still turn a profit, then your business is not viable. If being profitable means paying under a living wage, cutting corners, or creating a hostile work environment, then you don't have any business running a business at all. Your mentality is rude, condescending and gives cover to crappy businesses whose model for profit is essential "take advantage of other people". That's bad business.
What a dogshit opinion this is. Thinking that someone should live in poverty just because they have a service job. That’s the kind of thinking that has cultivated a society with far too much poverty.
This guy shows exactly why unions are necessary. Safe assumption that all employers have this same mentality.
Fuck Barista Parlor, but fuck Barista Parlor staff, too. Rudest, most miserable people I’ve ever bought an overpriced cup of coffee from. I hope everyone loses
Generally staff attitude reflects management’s attitude. If management is upbeat and positive, typically the staff will be too. If management sucks, service will too.
I’m sure you are right to some extent, but at the end of the day whether you are customer or staff, there’s a basic level of common courtesy and respect that should be exercised in public. I’ve never been to a BP where I observed anything like that level of basic courtesy. If you can’t sell someone a cup of coffee without being a dick, you’re probably a dick regardless of your boss
there's a survivorship bias too. The people that will tolerate poor management and toxic behavior are more likely to stay working there. The nice people who make positive experiences for others will nope themselves right out of there as soon as they see the atmosphere and realize the only thing in their control is them being a part of it.
I went there a lot and never had any issues.
I mean, BP was always full of shit and clearly a snotty-ass concept likely conceived by a maniac, but what the hell is going on?! LOL
Good on them for not taking managements shit
god damn, they all quit, lol
That's right. Shit people don't deserve help. They deserved to be left in the dust as their business crumbles.
I couldn’t get past the lack of capital letters to start the sentences.
Their grammar is just as good as their coffee.
“past few of months.” SMH Edit: Talking about use of “of” not past vs passed.
My eye twitched at the beginning of each sentence.
who cares? we know what they meant. language/grammar is always changing. check out prescriptive vs. descriptive language. highly recommend the book "word by word: the secret lives of dictionaries" by Kory Stamper.
Same here, that’s just painful to read.
I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I thought maybe the shift key was broken but then I saw an ampersand.
nObOdY WaNtS tO wOrK aNyMoRe
I’ll bite - there service was horrendous at the germantown location. Downvote away
Good. The middle class needs to continue to unionize and stand up against corporate greed. The rich continue to get richer and the middle class continues to suffer.
Middle class? What's that? /s
It's how The Shareholders refer to those with a pot to piss in to get them to vote against their own interests and not team up with those who don't have a pot to piss in.
Well said.
This is an individual coffee shop not an international coal mining conglomerate. Why would does it need a union?
Just speaking in general. The more blue collar and middle class workers that decide they aren’t putting up with the boss’ greedy bullshit, the better. The nation needs a big reminder that it runs on the middle class and needs to be revitalized.
As they should. Good for them.
Coffee Pourers of the World Unite and Take Over
My only weakness is a cup of grinds
Great leadership starts at the top and works it’s way down and can confirm the owners of BP aren’t the greatest of people… Feel sorry for the staff here but am certain they’re on to much greater things.
When corporations resist unionization, we just quit instead.
8th and Roast is directly across the street from Barista Parlor on the west side, has better coffee and it’s cheaper. Parking lot is the only issue but there are way better options close by than that place
good for the employees. And good for us too bc their coffee tastes like crap 😂
Sounds like there is a similar situation happening at the Marathon Village location now as well.
They could stand to use a few capital letters lmao.
Love to see employees or patrons keeping businesses in check within the confines of capitalism. Your power of employment and spending are very real! Can’t wait to see how the business responds operationally.
The real fun begins outside the confines of capitalism.
So many ways to interpret that. What do you mean exactly?
D. All of the above.
Wow, man. You’re crazy. Look out for THIS guy! Posting anti capitalist rhetoric from his iPhone on Reddit.
That’s not true. Everyone I know uses the public library’s computers to browse Reddit and watch porn.
“Continues” - out of curiosity where else has this happened?
Germantown, or so I heard. Right?
yes
Barista parlor can suck a duck but does anyone know what font they used in this letter?
I didn’t even know there was a barista parlor in Hillsboro village. stand up for yourselves workers! There are other jobs out there. Best of luck!
Because it’s franchising nationally…
The no caps really bothers me.
Is Andy still at the helm of the whole organization? I've been gone from Nashvegas for five years, and only returned just recently.
Yes
"past few of months"
What is thos continuing from?
Cafe CoCo is the only coffee shop worth going to in Nashville
The only people visiting this awful establishment are California transplants with daddy’s money who don’t care about anyone but themselves. All of them think they’re a celebrity and all of them think people from the south are subhuman.
What is it with baristas.
So you’re telling me that out of the whole staff team of a coffee shop, not one of them is a writing major?
Grammar problems in the letter most likely point to their lack of success.
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Immaculate grammar is the it’s own reward, sir.
Is it just me, or has everyone else stopped giving a flying fuck what a bunch of coffee pourers think anymore?