Cafe Owner Claps Back at Critics Over 'Obnoxious' Service Style
A cafe owner on the Central Coast has fiercely defended her unique approach to customer service, hitting back at what she calls 'idiot' haters after some patrons complained about her 'potty mouth' and 'obnoxiously loud' attitude.
Sophie Handsaker, 37, along with her partner Jason Seage, has been running Albie's Coffee Bar on Tuggerah Parade at The Entrance since 2021. The venue is named after the couple's five-year-old son, Albie, adding a personal touch to their business venture.
Social Media Fame and Notoriety
The personal trainer and business owner has gained both popularity and notoriety on social media platforms for her sharp-witted jokes, often delivered at a customer's expense. In one notable instance, she poked fun at a man's outfit, telling him not to 'come here in your bloody camouflage sleeves'.
In another viral video, when a customer gestured to the coffees in front of him and asked if they were his order, Ms Handsaker quipped: 'One question. Are you married?' When he nodded, she added: 'F***, good luck to your wife.'
Customer Backlash and Online Reviews
However, not all customers have appreciated her sassy responses. Some have taken her comments too seriously, leaving grumpy remarks on Google Reviews. One customer wrote: 'Obnoxiously loud people behind the counter screaming to other customers... not coming back.'
Another critic stated: 'The staff are incompetent and the manager has a potty mouth.' A third added: 'Loud, obnoxious and overpriced,' highlighting the polarising nature of her service style.
Unapologetic Response from the Owner
Despite the backlash, Ms Handsaker remains unoffended, describing herself as 'polarising' and noting that people 'either love me or hate me'. She told reporters: 'If you've got the time to sit and write about me, and there are hundreds of comments on every video, I think: "F***, you're a loser".'
She elaborated: 'Being hated by idiots is the price you pay for not being like them. I think I trigger people because people are so scared to be themselves. In this modern age, we clone ourselves to fit into a community or a group.'
Ms Handsaker, who holds two degrees in communications, explained: 'When they see me be myself, whether it's f***ing rude or obnoxious or loud or crass, they think, "How does she get away with that?" Because I don't care what you think, and people are upset because they can't do it themselves.'
Business Success and Viral Impact
Contrary to the negative reviews, Ms Handsaker asserts that many people adore her style, and business is thriving thanks to her unique delivery of one-liners. A compilation of her jokes, shared by coffee influencer 'Breakfast Shirts', has amassed an impressive 1.5 million views on TikTok.
'We're authentic, we're funny, we're quick-witted and, at times, it can be offensive to those who don't have a sense of humour,' she said. 'We aren't this boring, basic hospitality line. We're creating energy at Albie's Coffee Bar that is unique to the brand.'
She added humorously: 'Apparently, when I'm not working at the coffee shop, they ask Jason: "Where is the blonde girl, I want to get abused".'
Family Concerns and Personal Branding
While her partner is supportive and their business has cultivated a cult following, Ms Handsaker revealed that her parents have struggled with the tone of her customer service. 'My parents don't love the content. My dad said to me once, "That's very full on. That's enough."'
Her mother questioned: 'Why would you want to put yourself out there like that? What do you think people are going to think about you?' However, Ms Handsaker, who also hosts the podcast That's Full On, laughs off these concerns.
'Instagram and social media are the way of the world. This is who I am. This is how I show up,' she stated firmly. 'I'm being myself, and it's basically boosting our brand as a coffee shop.'
