Coffee punch cards cause a stir

D.C., pizza shop and shot a hole the ceiling after false online rumors of a pedophilia ring based there appeared on alt-right message boards.

Mr. Miller noted that callers frequently hang up when he answers the phone, but when Ms. Corts or another female employee answers, some callers unload with misogynistic attacks.

Black Forge is right next to the Pittsburgh Police Zone 3 headquarters, and Ms. Corts said officers, who are among their regular customers, have shown support and found the cards amusing.

The coffee shop has in the past hosted “Coffee With a Cop” programs that foster communication between neighborhood residents and police.

Despite the unexpected vitriol, Mr. Miller and Ms. Corts said they’ve been heartened by the outpouring of support locally from customers, strangers, the service industry, and arts and music communities. They are quick to note that not a single complaint that they’re aware of has been locally based.

“It’s more overwhelming on a positive side then negative,” Ms. Corts said. “Our sales have skyrocketed. We’ve had hundreds of people come in to show support.”

She noted one anonymous call that brought her to tears, thanking her for the outlet the shop has given to artists, musicians and “outcasts.”

“Stuff like that makes me have faith in humanity again,” she said.

In the meantime, they are politely defiant to the criticism and said the cards aren’t going anywhere.

Chatting with a customer, Mr. Miller quipped, “Maybe Bill O’ Reilly will visit.”