Nuriyah Cafe owner Adam Kaakati stands up for employee with Tourette syndrome

After a Sydney cafe received a horrifically cruel review making reference to the ‘bark’ of one of its neurodiverse employees, they shut down the criticism in the kindest way possible.

A cafe review mentioning a barista’s disability as the reason why a couple suddenly left without paying after ordering food has left the owner furious and a community disgusted at its casual cruelty.

Vari Desho is the best barista at Nuriyah Cafe in Gregory Hills, according to owner Adam Kakaati, and works hard to support his wife and kids.

“His knowledge towards coffee, everything about the machine, and the way he makes it, no one does it better than him,” Mr Kaakati says. “And I’ve come across a lot of baristas.”

Mr Desho also happens to be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, known commonly as Tourette's, and has verbal ‘tics’ or involuntary movements.

It was those ‘tics’ which the review focused on, and despite writing that Mr Desho had been such a “pleasant worker”, the couple claimed they were unable to sit and have a conversation at the cafe while he was there, and suddenly left without eating or paying for their food.

Adam Kaakati (l) owner, Nuriyah, with barista Vari Desho (r). Picture: Facebook/Nuriyah

The Google review stated: “Unfortunately the front of house team member had a physical condition which we initially dismissed. It causes him to “bark” and as we said, we thought it would pass especially as when he took our order it stopped completely.

“Unfortunately it then got much worse and much louder and more constant. We felt sooo bad and really wanted to stay but when it got so bad we couldn‘t even have a conversation we very reluctantly had to cancel our order and leave.”

When he read the review, Mr Kaakati said he was in shock and told his barista he had nothing to apologise for.

“I was so angry to see that review. It’s not right,” he said.

“I told him don’t ever say sorry to someone like that. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

Patrons have stepped up in force to defend Mr Desho too, sharing support on Facebook.

“I know this man personally, and it is very heartbreaking to see someone go to such lengths to write a review like that,” one commenter said.

“He is such a nice man, who would do anything to make sure you are happy and comfortable. Shame on you.”

Rachel Worsley is the founder of Neurodiversity Media, which produces evidence-based resources for neurodivergent people and employers in the workplace.

She said Mr Kaakati’s response to the review was spot on, being professional but direct and explicitly noting the business welcomes “all staff”.

“That’s how you foster a neurodiverse workplace,” Ms Worsley said. For other businesses with neurodiverse employees, she recommends employers sit down with staff to have conversations about how best to support them as individuals.

“Open conversation is important. With Tourette’s, it’s about acknowledging tics. There’s nothing to be ashamed about,” Ms Worsley said.

That could be in the form of a sign at the front of the counter explaining the employee’s tics — if they’re comfortable with that.

Nuriyah is Mr Kaakati’s first business, and he has been validated with his hiring decisions so far.

“People said ‘he might affect your business’, but I don’t care,” Mr Kaakati said. “He has a family to provide for and he’s one of the best workers I have.”