Stopped in for a shine in between flights; the lone operator greeted me with only an irritated grunt when I chose the "wrong" seat to wait my turn. Not a great start. I observed him finish his existing customer wordlessly, and then noticed that customer DID NOT tip as he settled out. Clue #2. Then the surly fellow (sequestered in a double mask...no judgement...and a ball cap pulled over his eyes) went to work on my shoes without any interaction or greeting. Once he was done, he peremptorily nudged my feet off the shoe-horns and moved aside for me to hop down...again without speaking. I paid my $10 and tipped a courtesy $1 but that was a very dispiriting interaction. I got the DISTINCT impression from him (and every other worker I encountered at the ATL airport) that people of my race were not their favorite. I hate to put that in writing, but it is what it is. "My truth" or whatever. Anyway, if you just have to get your shoes cleaned in Terminal B at the ATL airport, I guess it works. read more