A Chicago coffee shop is facing backlash after viral TikTok videos and online discussion threads questioned whether some of its drinks are priced as high as $16, raising questions over transparency and rising costs in the coffee industry.
The controversy centers on Sakrid Coffee in Lincoln Park, where several customers shared experiences of unexpectedly high totals at checkout.
TikTok user dear.arabella described walking out after being shown a $16 charge for a single iced vanilla latte, calling the price “absolutely… ridiculous.”
Others reported similar totals for specialty drinks, while some customers later said they were refunded after being told they had been double-charged.
The dispute has fueled confusion over whether the prices reflect actual menu costs or isolated billing errors.
In a response posted to social media, the cafe acknowledged, “a consistency failure on our side that has caused customer dissatisfaction,” and said it was working to improve transparency and correct mistakes.
‘A record high’
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of rising coffee prices nationwide.
“Prices for coffee have soared, fueled largely by volatile weather that’s reduced crop harvests among major growers like Brazil and Vietnam,” according to a CNBC report.
The outlet also noted that, “ground roast coffee prices in the U.S. hit $8.41 per pound in July, a record high,” citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
While commodity costs have increased, the posts have focused more on customer experience and expectations at the point of sale.
Some TikTok contributors said they felt blindsided by unclear pricing or inconsistent explanations from staff and the business’ online responses.
Reaction online has been swift and critical, with pundits questioning both affordability and transparency.
One TikTok viewer remarked, “A lot of people don’t even make $16/hr.”
Another declared, “Coffee should never be over $6.”
A third comment responded to explanations from the company, “if they double charge so many people, it’s probably not a mistake.”
Others offered more mixed experiences. One follow-up TikTok from customer luccyyw said the $16 charge in her case was due to the double charge and that standard espresso drinks were not priced that high, though she acknowledged expecting elevated prices based on prior reports.
However, after seeing comments from other users, the customer wrote in her own comment section, “or maybe they are $16 after all,” admitting that the company’s response to her complaint may be shadier than she initially believed.
As more about this coffee shop is revealed, customers have continued to question whether economic pressures justify the prices, particularly when communication appears inconsistent.
The cafe has said it is working to clarify its menu and improve operations as scrutiny continues online.
Newsweek has reached out to Sakrid Coffee for comment via email.
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