If you are looking for a Sidwell student in the wild, it’s always a safe bet to check Compass Coffee, affectionately known as Compass. The Spring Valley location of the coffee shop is a favorite for many Sidwell and American University students in the area. But behind its cozy sofas and comforting atmosphere, the Washington metropolitan area chain is facing serious legal and labor turmoil.
In July 2024, baristas at seven of Compass’s 25 stores, including the Spring Valley location frequented by students, voted to unionize in a National Labor Relations Board union election. Employees cited maintenance issues, erratic scheduling, a lack of benefits and the elimination of digital tipping as reasons for unionization, according to The Georgetown Voice.
The Georgetown Voice further reported that management retaliated by hiring new employees, including an Uber lobbyist and Washington restaurant executives, to vote against unionization. Compass management also wrote up employees for discussing unionization with customers and scheduled employee shifts outside of their work availability.
Compass is also embroiled in litigation. In January, co-founder Harrison Suarez filed a 43-page federal lawsuit against his one-time partner Michael Haft, alleging misuse of COVID-relief funds, fraud and racketeering. In the suit, Suarez claims the Haft family misappropriated over $10 million in pandemic aid, diverting the funds into personal investments, including Bitcoin, rather than covering business costs such as rent.
Compass has strongly denied the allegations; attorneys characterize Suarez’s claims as a “business divorce” and argue this is not a criminal enterprise but a messy fallout between founders.
However, even amid the controversy, Sidwell students continue to flock to Compass.
“The employees there are super social… and they really make an effort to talk to you which goes a long way,” senior Faris Price said. “I genuinely know them all and it’s cool that you can walk into a spot where you know they’ll always be friendly.”
Senior Maggie McDonald says Compass fuels her focus.
“I find it easier to work on my own assignments when those around me are working too – it’s motivating and allows for minimal distractions,” she said. “I love running into my friends when I go — I see so many people from school and outside of school, and it’s nice to be able to say a quick hello and get a small break for my work.”
Senior Coco Campbell similarly finds Compass a good place to focus, but questions its prices.
“I think it’s really conducive to studying, to quietness, to focus. I think the prices are a little exorbitant. Like, hello? I don’t need to be paying $7 for a matcha.”
Campbell shared that, while “it’s kind of scary that I see everyone from school” when studying there during the weekend, “it’s also nice because it’s like, hey, we’re both doing work. It’s a sense of community fostered somewhere that’s not a school campus.”
Senior Lexi Orr said that, while Compass’ food and drinks might not be as good as those offered by some other coffee shops in the area, “my comfort outweighs that. I like that Compass has sofa seats. I enjoy doing work more in softer seats, and the temperature in Compass is warmer.”
American University students who work at Compass have shared their reflections about the company’s turmoil. The Eagle reported that several students feel conflicted; while they recognize Compass’ broad appeal and brand reputation, they also acknowledge the serious nature of the lawsuit and labor tensions.
Compounding the controversy, Compass is also grappling with financial strain. Compass and the landlord of its roasting facility have been disputing their rent at that location; a judge recently ordered the company to pay $68,791 per month to the landlord, though lawyers for Compass warn of potential bankruptcy if current rent prices continue.
The controversy, while serious, has not deterred students. It seems faraway in the face of the coffee shop’s friendly baristas and warm atmosphere.
“I feel like I’ve built a loyalty with all of the staff members there to the point where they know my name and my order,” senior Lucy Verma said. “It just feels very nice to be recognized and to make small talk with people that I see every day, but who don’t really know me. I think that’s very special — It’s a special type of community.”
