Blockin' Out The Scenery, Breakin' My Mind

by Ed Heil on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 04:16 AM

My reactions are mixed. Two signs on the door seemed very unfriendly to me. "Restroom for customers only" and "Wireless for customers only (1 drink minimum)". This is a coffee house in a strip mall out in the pucks. Do they really have a problem with an excess of people walking by and trying to use their restroom? Has that really caused a problem in the past, such that they need to put it out there on a sign? Or are they just kind of jerks who resent the idea that they might possibly be duped into providing a service to the public without remuneration? As for the "wireless for customers only (1 drink minimum)", I can understand that they don't want people plunking down and using their connection for hours on end without buying anything. I would never do that. But I'd like to imagine that they feel they could trust me to do that without the sign. (Also, isn't the "1 drink minimum" redundant? How could you be a customer by buying less than 1 drink? Are they saying it wouldn't count if I bought breath mints? Have they seriously encountered a problem with customers coming in and using their wireless but buying LESS than one drink?) Oh, there's also a handmade sign saying "Kava Cop says STOP: One Drink Minimum." So not only can't you use the wifi without a drink, you can't even be there without a drink. The signs out front give the impression that these people are obsessed by the fear that someone may get something from them for nothing -- that their precious seating space and ambience and wifi may be abused by the unwashed, no-drink-buying masses. This comes across as massively hostile to me. I have not seen anything like it at any other wifi enabled coffee house in the area. It's bizarre. I have a hard time believing, given the location, that it's based on actual problems with deadbeats rather than just a general mean-spiritedness. Apart from the signs it's been good. Lots of available power-pluggage, pleasant atmosphere, reasonable connection, a guy who I assume was the manager was helpful, wanted to make sure I could find a plug, friendly staff. Everything's good, but man, the signs really convey hostility to the public.

Probable Explanation

by Ed Heil on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 04:16 AM

Discussing this on my blog, Alan said "where there are signs like that it almost always means there is a high school nearby." There's one across the street from this Kava House. I bet that's the reason for the signs. Fair enough! As I said, it's a cool place in general.

Kava House - Nice!

by Jeff Meyers on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 04:20 AM

Today, 2/19/05, was my first trip to this coffehouse. Signal in all areas of the building was excellent....over 85% signal strength. The connection was good, the background music was hip, the staff was friendly. With all the new construction in the area this will be a high traffic and active place soon. Kava House on Kzoo is now a fav spot of mine.

Under the Surface

by Luke Holwerda on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 01:21 PM

Though at first glance this looks like a good coffee shop and at decent environment, customers do not by any means come first. The more frequently one visits this particular shop the more hostile the Old owner George get. With his imperialistic bull and rudeness to his employees, it's no surprise why he has lost his residual customer base. His only success will be because of location and convienience. However the clientel that frequent the location are generally pleasant and of a decent nature.

by Rebecca on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:37 PM

i think this cafe is awesome. And all who disagree with me isnt really thinking straight. However the whole wireless issue, makes perfect sence. You could be paying Mulla each months for your internet, but then again you can come here and enjoy the peace and get your work done here. And so what you have to get a drink; they are actaully doing you a favor so get over it! Sorry, if this is distubing to you, but i would have to say to the DISGRUNTLED FORMER EMPLOYEE (Luke) I think you should get a LIFE! Pah....

A Cozy, Friendly, Happy Place

by Beth Murphy on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:42 PM

Kava House on Kzoo Ave is my new fave hangout (sorry Schuler, gotta get wifi!) The staff is friendly and fast. The shop is always very clean and tidy, without being devoid of personality. The environment encourages customers to stay a while, leave a joke in the notebook on the counter, put up their feet in a cozy corner, or plug in their laptop and check email. The wifi is easy to use, no logging on required. I usually bring my iPod, and then don't end up listening to it because they play a great variety of music. Oh, and the coffee is really really good, at very reasonable prices. Overall, I highly recommend Kava House for your next term paper night, book club gathering, or just a great cup of coffee.

M-6 Kava House

by Leigh's Mom on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:43 PM

I've lived in the area for 29 years and have been an evaluator for *$$$. This is so much better! Very clean,"homey" place, missing in the corporate chains. Beverages are well-made/quality and very reasonably priced. Very large selection. The waitstaff is quick and friendly, lots of smiles and personable.

Clean, Bad Music, decent wireless

by Debirah on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:47 PM

I've been in there several times and the place is clean, always playing some terrible music (anything from WLight to annoying jazz on satellite... I can't take it!... Probably keeps the teenagers out). My friend was waiting for me one day though and I owed him a cup of joe. He was told he had to leave if he didn't buy a cup of coffee now. He refuses to go back. He waited for 3 minutes for me! Not 15! I've never personally had any problems there. They've always been nice to me. The wireless is pretty fast for a coffee shop. Blows panera's wireless away.

Must buy coffee now?

by Jack Browne on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:47 PM

Yes, I had the same experience. I was told by the manager that I have to buy the coffee before I can you the internet. I havn't even sat down yet. I've just walk in the door. I will never go back again. Bad customer service.

Definetly small town coffee shop

by Sherri on Fri Aug 18 2006 at 03:51 PM

The appeal of Kava house is that of a small town coffee shop. However, they do have the High School students to contend with and knowing the behavior of some of the students there I can only imagine the problems the shop has had to deal with. That being said I have always enjoyed my visit to the shop and found everyone friendly. It is definetly not a downtown Chicago Starbucks so if that is what you are looking for stay away. Kentwood has no downtown so this is the closest us locals will get to that hometown feeling. I am just thankful I live in a town with several coffee shops to choose from and have also found a 24 hour coffee shop only 4 miles away!!!

Wireless doesn't work with my Mac.

by Chris on Thu Jul 19 2007 at 02:35 AM

For those of us who use Macs, steer clear of this place. Other than that....it is a great place to hang out.

Disappointed

by glad4 on Wed May 07 2008 at 06:42 PM

I have been going to this establishment for three and a half years, and always found it enjoyable. Until today.... I had not even been there fifteen minutes and was trying to get online. I had unloaded my bag so I could work on correcting papers, and unthinkingly placed a travel cup with another establishment's logo on the table while I had stacked up books, etc. The owner came over and hostilely told me there was a one drink minimum and that my cup was from a competitor that would love to put him out of business. Really, I worked in retail for years! I would have got my head on straight and put the cup away, but all he had to do was say hi and ask. I am offended by the way he spoke to me. I am obviously way past high school age, and I don't think the nearby high school is an excuse to treat the rest of us like we're morons! His approach cost him alot more than that cup ever would have!