Overview
- Poetica Coffee posted screenshots that circulated widely showing a $9.82 refund for Rep. Dan Goldman and a caption saying the shop “doesn’t serve…genocide enablers,” and the chain’s Instagram account was later deactivated.
- The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced it opened an investigation into the shop’s social post, saying federal law bars denial of service based on protected traits and that it will bring enforcement action if warranted.
- Goldman said his in‑person interaction at the Williamsburg location was cordial, noting a barista let his 7‑year‑old daughter use the restroom, he bought a coffee to thank her, and he left a large tip.
- Reporting identified Poetica’s owner, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, and past anti‑Israel commentary by him, and noted the business operates multiple New York locations, raising questions about company practice versus its hospitality claims.
- The episode, which drew boycott calls and heavy online attention, occurred just before the NY‑10 Democratic primary where Goldman and Brad Lander have sharply disputed Israel policy, and the investigation could affect how federal civil‑rights law is applied to public political messaging.