PHOENIX (AZFamily) — For over three years “Graveyard Shift Coffee” has served drinks to health care workers at various hospitals across the Valley, with overnight hours being their bread and butter.
This week, the owners reported that someone took offense to their name and logo, which is causing them to miss out on 40% of their business.
“The graveyard shift, hence the name and the logo with the skeleton and the scrubs,” said Tyler Tremaine, co-owner of Graveyard Shift Coffee.
“Our own little niche,” said Sierra Tremaine, Tyler’s sister, who works as a barista.
The goal is to fuel the life-savers.
“This trailer was made for the night shift workers at hospitals,” said Tyler.
Tyler and Sierra’s dad, Michael, got the idea after his own experience working as a first responder. It’s become a family affair, spanning generations.
“It’s great like learning together, growing together,” said Sierra.
For two years, they said Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix has been their main spot every Monday and Friday.
“Effective immediately they cancelled all of our bookings,” said Tyler. “Like that. One phone call.”
Why?
“Our name and our logo was offensive,” said Tyler.
“What exactly did they say is offensive?,” asked Arizona’s Family reporter Micaela Marshall.
“The skeleton and the word ‘graveyard,’” said Tyler, who explained the skeleton in scrubs and the shop’s name are not new.
“Been the same for three and a half years, never been an issue before at any other hospital,” said Tyler.
“This is just so out of nowhere,” said Sierra. “We’re trying to portray how the workers feel.”
The Tremaines were told that one person complained.
“Out of all of the good feedback they got one complaint and that was it for us,” said Sierra.
The news is taking a toll on both their finances and emotions.
“All we want to do is pay our bills and put a smile on people’s faces,” said Tyler through tears. “My grandma’s been working for free for three and a half years.”
To help make ends meet, they hope Mayo reconsiders and gives them another chance.
“If it is so offensive I would even be willing to put a banner or a different logo over ours, but we weren’t even given that option,” said Tyler.
“We don’t have any bad intention with the name or the logo. We just wanted the night-shift workers to feel seen,” said Sierra.
The trailer will be parked by the emergency room at Abrazo Central on Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The owners are looking for other hospitals interested in being part of their schedule moving forward.
Arizona’s Family has reached out to Mayo Clinic and is awaiting a response.
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