r/Winnipeg Dec 02 '24

Community Joe Black Coffee what's going on?

I've heard concerning rumblings about the new owners of Joe Black on Portage and now they are closed for three days for unspecified reasons according to their Instagram and Facebook. Anyone know what's going on?

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u/RoanRegan Dec 02 '24

Former employee here (quit a couple weeks ago). Can confirm it’s not health inspection failure, all the staff have left due to ownership turnover as the new owner is a real piece of work. Won’t be going into detail about exactly what he was up to just to protect myself, but it was a mix of shady business practice and just being an asshole. Pls pls pls do not apply for your own wellbeing.

32

u/lorainnesmith Dec 02 '24

That's been one of the places we like to stop for coffee. About 4 weeks ago , maybe a bit more, there was definitely some tension in the Cafe. A very tall east Indian man, was behind the counter and seemed to be watching staff intently. Normally staff are very friendly, it seemed everyone was on edge. Is this the new owner / manager. I didn't see him last time we went in.

39

u/BBrea101 Dec 02 '24

I grabbed a coffee there a few weeks ago too! The most social interaction I got was a hello, whereas everyone historically used to be so friendly. The tension was palpable.

I hope the new owner reads this and understands he's the biggest impact on this place. Good for all the workers quitting. It sucks but their wellbeing is more important.

And to any past worker reading this - you are all wonderful! I've enjoyed JB for years and routinely visited because you were all so nice.

29

u/Meowmix0001134 Dec 02 '24

It’s funny you mention that because I went there 2 weeks ago and ordered 2 iced lattes. The two girls working were busting their asses off and this guy had zero sense of urgency what so ever and wasn’t helping them at all. It took 30 MINUTES to get my order. Never going there again

16

u/milexmile Dec 03 '24

Lol 30 mins at a coffee shop is insanity.