Text Ordering FAQs

Just send a text message to (844) 314-4242 with your order. Write it like you'd tell your barista: 'large iced oat latte' or 'two cold brews.' We'll confirm your order and total, and you reply 'Y' to pay. That's it. Your coffee will be ready for pickup in about 5 minutes.

Our text ordering number is (844) 314-4242. Save it in your contacts as 'Fathom Coffee Text Orders' so you can find your fix even faster next time.

No. Text ordering works through your phone's built-in messaging app. iPhone, Android, or any phone that can send a text message. There's nothing to download, no account to create, and no passwords to remember. If you can text a friend, you can order coffee.

Absolutely. First-time customers are welcome to order by text. Your first order takes just a few extra seconds because we'll send you a secure payment link to enter your card information. After that first order, you can save your card for instant 'reply Y' ordering on future visits.

No account needed. We identify you by your phone number. The first time you order, we'll ask for your name so we know whose order is ready. After that, we remember you automatically.

Eligible drinks and grab-and-go items that appear in the text-order flow. Espresso drinks, drip coffee, pour overs, cold brew, seasonal specials, and any customization we support in the ordering flow. If it shows up in text ordering, you can text it.

Just tell us what you want in plain language. Our system understands natural requests like 'Large oat milk latte, extra hot' or 'Cappuccino with almond milk, no foam.' We'll confirm the details before you pay.

We offer whole milk, skim, oat, almond, and coconut. Just include your preference in your order: 'latte with oat' or 'cappuccino, almond milk.' If you don't specify, we'll use whole milk unless you've set a default preference with us.

Use whatever terms feel natural: small, medium, large, or our cup sizes. We'll confirm the size in your order summary so you can double-check before paying.

If you haven't confirmed yet, just text us the correction. We'll update your order and send a new total. Already replied 'Y'? Text us immediately with the change. If we haven't started making your drink yet, we can usually fix it.

Include everything in one message: 'Two large lattes and a small cold brew' or 'Three cappuccinos, one with oat milk.' We'll list each item in your confirmation so you can verify the full order.

Some grab-and-go food items are available when they appear in the text-order flow. If an item does not show up in text ordering, it is not available by text right now.

Yes. Just place the order from your phone and let the other person pick it up. You can also text us: 'Order for Sarah: large latte' and we'll put it under Sarah's name.

Not through text yet. Right now, text orders are prepared for immediate pickup after you confirm.

First-time customers receive a secure payment link after confirming their order. Tap it, enter your card, and complete the purchase - takes about 30 seconds. Returning customers with a saved card just reply 'Y' to their order confirmation, and we charge the saved card automatically.

Yes. We use Square for payment processing, and card details stay within Square's checkout flow. We do not store your full card number in plain text.

When you receive the payment link for your first order, you can complete payment using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any card saved in your mobile wallet. For returning customers with a card on file, payment happens automatically when you confirm.

We'll let you know if there's an issue and send you a new payment link. Common reasons include expired cards, insufficient funds, or bank security holds. You can try a different card or contact your bank if the problem persists.

When confirming your order, you can include a tip in your reply: 'Y + $3 tip' or 'Y plus 20%'. Tips go directly to our baristas. We appreciate it, but it's never expected.

Yes. We'll text you a receipt after your order is complete. If you need a more detailed receipt for expense reporting, just ask us in-store or text 'receipt' and we'll email you one.

Text us 'update card' and we'll send you a secure link to enter new payment information. Your old card will be removed once the new one is saved.

Text us 'remove card' and we'll delete your saved payment information immediately. You'll need to enter payment details again on your next order.

Most orders are ready within 5 minutes of confirmation. During busy times, it might take a few minutes longer. We'll text you when your order is ready for pickup.

We'll send you a text when your coffee is waiting for you. You'll get a message like: 'Your order is ready! Pick up at the counter.'

Pick up at our counter at 1682 Baltic Ave, Virginia Beach. Text orders are grouped together so you can grab yours quickly. Just give us your name if we don't recognize you.

Text us and let us know. We'd rather wait to make your drink so it's fresh when you arrive than have it sitting. Just send something like 'running 10 min late' and we'll adjust timing.

Yes. Just let us know in advance: 'My friend Alex will pick up.' We'll make sure Alex knows to give us your name or order details when they arrive.

Text us 'cancel' as soon as you know. If we haven't started your order yet, we'll cancel it and won't charge you (or we'll refund if already charged). Once your drink is made, we can't offer a refund, but we'll save your order preferences for next time.

We keep track of your order history tied to your phone number so we can recognize repeat customers and speed up future orders. Over time, we can reuse details you've already given us when you text again.

If you've ordered with us before, you can text what you'd like in plain language and we'll use the details you've already given us as a starting point. We'll still confirm before charging you.

Yes. Just tell us in your next order: 'I'm switching to oat milk from now on.' We'll update your default. You can also text 'update preferences' and we'll walk you through your options.

Text us 'order history' and we'll send you a summary of your recent orders. It's helpful if you're trying to remember what you ordered last time or want to reorder something specific.

After you've ordered a few times, text us 'set my usual to [order details]' and we'll save it. Example: 'Set my usual to large oat latte, extra shot.' Then just text 'my usual' anytime you want that order.

First, make sure you're texting the right number: (844) 314-4242. If you still don't hear back within a minute or two, try texting 'hello' to start fresh. If problems persist, call the store at (757) 689-7411 or stop by in person. Occasionally, carrier issues can delay messages.

Let us know right away, either by text or at the counter. We'll remake your drink immediately, no questions asked. Getting your order right matters to us.

Text 'cancel' as soon as possible. If we haven't started making your drink, we'll cancel and refund you. Once it's in progress, we'll do our best to accommodate, but the drink may already be made.

We want to hear it. Text us directly, talk to us in person, or email hello@fathomcoffee.com. Good or bad, your feedback helps us get better. We read everything.

Text (844) 314-4242 and send 'help', call the store at (757) 689-7411, email hello@fathomcoffee.com, or visit us at 1682 Baltic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Real people respond to every message.

We keep the information needed to take your order and support repeat ordering, like your phone number, order history, and saved payment details when you choose to save a card. We do not sell customer data.

Text us directly if you need help with your order history, saved card, or message preferences. We can help you work through account questions, but we do not advertise a one-text delete flow here.

We text about your order, payment, and pickup. If we ever launch marketing messages, we will clearly ask before sending them.