Toxic, manipulative management and unsafe working conditions — avoid this company - Barista Caffe D'arte Employee Review

- Management is unprofessional and toxic. The upper management, especially Faith and Lori, constantly talked badly about baristas and even about each other. Gossip and favoritism are part of the company culture, and it creates a tense, uncomfortable environment. - Zero transparency or fairness. You can be removed from group chats or schedules without warning and called into vague “meetings” that turn into write-ups. They lie about what the meetings are for and never let you prepare or explain yourself before accusing you of something. - Extreme double standards. Some employees are written up for minor things, while others (the “favorites”) are never held accountable. I was disciplined for missing one shift (that I found coverage for), while others missed several and faced no consequences. - Unsafe and unsanitary working conditions. There was mold under the floors that management denied existed — even after it was found during a rushed two-day remodel. There were also mice in the hut due to an unrepaired door gap. Management ignored every concern. - Zero empathy. I was taking care of a family member, and the owner actually said she “didn’t tell me what time to come help because she figured I wouldn’t show up anyway.” - Severe underpayment. Managers make only $0.75 more than baristas despite doing schedules, covering shifts, and working off the clock constantly. There are no bonuses, no recognition, and no appreciation. - Discrimination concerns. Management clearly favors white or white-presenting employees. Employees of color are often treated worse or left to handle the hardest shifts alone. - High turnover. People quit constantly. When I left, multiple coworkers left with me — that alone should say enough about how bad it’s gotten. I know of 3 other coworkers who have left since then.