Blue Line Coffee

It's an Omaha staple and the staff is very friendly.

05/07/2018

Laughably-backwards experience. OWNER: ALERT!

Preface: I travel frequently and patronize restaurants/coffee shops often upwards of thirty times per week; only 3 of the past 300 experiences were negative, this one being such a standout failure that I felt compelled to share my experience and perspective.

I visited when employee, Rex, was behind the bar.

I ordered 4 drinks, and Rex was helpful enough to provide a recommendation (I was curious about the frozen cappuccino, which was great!).

I have been frequenting this business (as well as the now-closed 14th street locat) for nearly 10 years, so I decided to add a T-shirt to my order. I purchased a navy Blue Line shirt (American-Apparel-made, formerly), before moving out of Omaha in 2014; and I have worn it coast-to-coast, receiving compliments and fielding inquiries all along the way—It’s one of my favorite articles of clothing, and I loved bragging about Blue Line!

Rex informs me that the Army Green version that I requested was out of stock (along with the grey, brown, & black), so I ask if I can have the display shirt hanging, to which he declines, rudely informing me that he can’t sell it. Slightly taken aback, I mention that perhaps they should put the navy one on display, as it is their only offering. Rex rudely, sarcastically mocks my ‘suggestion’. As he’s tuning me out, he runs my card, before I can order a San Pellegrino water for my mother. I ask to purchase it
separately, which he then declines, stating he won’t run my card twice.

Here I am, shocked: a merchant who refuses to run an additional transaction. As I have relevant industry knowledge, I inform Rex that such a practice is a violation of Visa Rules and Regulations. He then tells me that he does not care about my advice. I calmly remind him that perhaps the owner (whom I’ve met on multiple occasions) would care to know that he’s in violation of Visa’s acceptance requirements. Flustered and combative, he repeats that he doesn’t care at all. Meanwhile, the gentleman at the table behind me is witnessing this customer service trainwreck and laughs, shaking his head in disbelief.

Though disappointed, my family and I will laugh about this exchange for the rest of our relatively few days on Earth. What I do not laugh at is the abhorrent, childish demeanor I had the displeasure of engaging—I pity Rex; at this rate, he’s not success bound in or outside of a cafe, with such horrible interpersonal skills or rather lack there of. He is a detriment to this business, and made it publicly known that he doesn’t care about the best interests of the merchant, who employs him.

What I find funny (ironic) is that a customer who is eager to advertise for a business for free (the shirt is a wearable billboard; the wearer has a mouth and an opinion, mind you) is turned away and treated so poorly, in front of their family, no less; my attempt at an immediate repeat patronization is mocked and belittled.

Needless to say, Blue Line won’t receive another one of my hard-earned red cents; I have also contacted my card issuer, to file an inquiry about this situation.

ALSO: merchant does not accept American Express or Discover, which is highly inconveniencing.
[Discover/Amex rates are actually less expensive than Visa/MC’s for half of their transactions and costs no additional monthly fee; sadly, they are turning away both loyal repeat customers and cardholders simultaneously]

Best Smoothie I've ever had! The young man working the counter was also very friendly, sweet spirit.

Good coffee. The staff was helpful by helping me w my drink/order. I'll be back. The environment was very relaxed. Very chill. The clientele was diversed. I loved it.

Stopped in on my way out of Omaha for a coffee. I got a cold brew and it was very good! The staff were friendly and the place had a unique vibe.

This place rocks! where better to go the next mourning after a late night in dundee. Besides my friend has meet so many cool people from his neighborhood and got to know his local community from Blue Line!

Really good coffee, first time there. Staff kind of seemed irritated we didn't know what we wanted when we first walked in. Otherwise great place.

Nice and simple local coffee shop. Coffee is decent. Good place to relax n enjoy Dundee vibes!

The coffee and baked goods are great. The people who work there could not be more wonderful. I *love* this coffee shop!

Walk down here every weekend. The coffee is good and they sell by the pound you. Try the thai tea. It is brewed fresh and is great!