1/5 Phillip 6 months ago on Google
I've
been
a
loyal
patron
of
Halcyon
for
the
past
seven
years,
cherishing
the
countless
hours
spent
in
its
welcoming
and
peaceful
ambiance.
Unfortunately,
tonight
was
an
exception
to
this
pleasant
experience.
I
understand
the
need
for
rules
in
an
establishment,
particularly
one
located
in
the
bustling
downtown
area.
I
had
taken
my
seat
at
a
table
in
front
of
the
counter
where
drinks
are
served,
planning
to
finish
the
last
two
chapters
of
my
book
–
a
ritual
I
relish
at
my
favorite
reading
spot
in
Austin,
Halcyon.
Although
I
hadn't
placed
an
order
yet,
I
assumed
it
wouldn't
be
an
issue
given
my
regular
status.
Sasha,
who
acknowledged
recognizing
me,
approached
and
inquired
if
I
intended
to
order
something.
I
was
taken
aback
by
her
implication
that
I
should
vacate
if
I
didn't
intend
to
order,
a
feeling
I
had
sensed
before
she
even
spoke.
I
assured
her
of
my
intention
to
order
and
mentioned
my
long-standing
patronage.
To
my
surprise,
she
informed
me
that
I
had
10-15
minutes
to
place
an
order,
essentially
implying
that
I'd
be
asked
to
leave
otherwise.
Reluctantly,
I
got
up,
almost
finishing
the
second-to-last
chapter
of
my
book,
and
went
to
place
my
order.
This
treatment
was
disheartening,
as
I
had
never
encountered
such
a
situation
at
Halcyon.
Given
Sasha's
awareness
of
my
regular
visits
and
consistent
purchases,
I
was
baffled
by
the
ordeal.
I
felt
unfairly
targeted,
as
if
I
were
a
loiterer
or
one
of
the
individuals
who
sometimes
disturb
balcony
patrons
(which
is
why
I
usually
sit
inside).
It's
worth
noting
that
I've
observed
others
sitting
without
orders
during
previous
visits,
as
Halcyon
is
a
popular
spot.
However,
on
this
particular
evening,
the
establishment
was
far
from
busy.
I
asked
Sasha
for
contact
information,
and
she
informed
me
that
only
an
email
was
available,
while
I
had
hoped
for
a
phone
number
as
well.
She
explained
the
establishment's
concern
about
individuals
using
the
space
without
making
purchases
when
others
were
looking
to
use
it.
Once
again,
her
words
lacked
any
apologetic
tone
and
came
across
as
condescending,
despite
her
calm
demeanor.
My
emotions
shifted
from
a
state
of
calm
to
clear
frustration,
as
I
had
never
been
treated
this
way
at
Halcyon.
I
realized
that
Sasha
might
not
be
the
one
making
these
rules
and
was
likely
following
instructions.
Therefore,
employees
who
recognize
regular
patrons
should
not
be
tasked
with
enforcing
such
rules.
I
told
Sasha
that
there
was
no
need
for
her
to
explain
this
to
me,
as
her
explanation
lacked
the
professionalism
and
empathy
I
expected,
especially
given
my
visible
distress.
She
referred
to
me
as
"babe,"
which
I
generally
tolerate,
but
in
this
context,
it
was
inappropriate.
Her
smirk
while
taking
my
order
only
exacerbated
my
frustration,
as
it
seemed
she
found
amusement
in
my
dissatisfaction
with
her
insistence
on
an
immediate
order,
despite
her
knowledge
of
my
patronage.
I
couldn't
find
any
signage
in
prominent
locations
specifying
the
need
to
order
within
the
first
15
minutes
of
being
at
Halcyon
or
a
warning
against
entering
without
making
a
purchase.
This
experience
felt
entirely
out
of
character
for
the
Halcyon
I've
come
to
know
and
love.
The
owner
has
yet
to
respond
to
my
email
and
it’s
been
over
24
hours.
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