This place will be a unique review, as it will center around the fact that one of their staff members reprimanded me for being a mean customer, or more precisely, a caricature of the customer who all staff members hate: the normal brute that becomes an abusive monarch when their delusional sense of worth becomes so big because they spend a couple of bucks at a place. I will attempt to give a balanced account as the following question deserves a properly vetted answer: When does a customer's expectation for appropriate service become too much for tired staff? A different version of this question becomes: When does tire staff have the right to express their own frustration at a customer who can no longer be heard?
I pass this place. I saw a man who, read like he could use a meal on me, sit outside one of their tables. I asked him if he would like some pizza, the man said yeah. Truth be told, my helpful heart was also full of selfish intent. If there was a customer only rule for the bathroom my new friend would provide the opportunity for me to pay my way into their facilities. I entered and a worker behind the counter. I informed him that I was going to pay for him, while I went to the restroom. He did not utter a word, and just kind of let me go forward in my quest to empty my bladder. I go to the bathroom door, and it told me that I needed a token. So I looked at the first man, and he pointed to the cashier, who I would later find out was named Efrain. I asked him for a token. He extended one to me, and then pulled it back and said "for customers only". He could have said, "of course, sir, but please know that the facilities are only for paying customers" or something akin. And his choice was not made in consideration of economy in words, it was more like a statement of curtness. I clocked it. I felt it. I said I will be buying him a pizza, pointing to my new friend. I went into the bathroom and came out. Mike, the man who let me buy him some pizza, had ordered a pepperoni slice? Just one, I inquired. He added a second. I mean, who can eat just one slice, when one is hungry? I know I can't.
I paid for the slices, and then both went into the oven. I wondered why wasn't the first slice already in the oven? Mike had already told them his preference. Did the policy of this place run so deep that they could not warm a slice until it was paid? That seem excessive and I could not shake the belief that these were procedures put in place because we read like we lacked the funds to pay. And, again, this is conjecture, but also not extreme. And I was already annoyed at Efrain's lack of etiquette when I asked for a token. And call me wild and needy but I believe that service should be given with a smile and courtesy to patrons. I know that when I am of service, I am grateful for the chance and that gratitude shapes my actions and language because I must uphold the respect and dignity of the person who trusts me with their needs, even if they just need me to hand them a fork with pride.
As I was waiting for the pizza to be warmed, another customer came in and Efrain greeted him like they were two friends, with a handshake, glee, and smile. Why was I not given, even a drop of that vibe?
I asked Efrain, why the pizza was not ready? Efrain, started to seem irk at my question. I took the cue. I told him never mind. He said, basically tell me what you want to say. I said a new never mind, and then he pressed. Ok, if you want to have this conversation let me approach you so I can share with you my thoughts from the way you spoke to me regarding the token and my concerns over wait for food. And then it happened, I was reprimanded by a cashier, not loudly, but sternly and in front of others. I cannot remember all that was said but I did immediately write some things on my phone: If you need to feel superior by yelling at a cashier, I deal with people all day that are demanding and rude, if you need to get a win for today and this is the only way you can get it, this was an awkward social interaction, you do not treat people like this who handle your food. Efrain even said I get off soon--- and you know what that implies. I took his words and said nothing.
I felt like I was hearing a child trying to convince me that toys come to life when nobody is looking because they saw it in a movie. I needed to hear him to placate him because I knew that his whole belief system was wrong. . So did I live a moment where I was a villain finally conquered by the spirit of all staff members in unison? No. Efrain had made me a punching bag that did not deserve the hits.
If my nephew were to go into the service industry, I would tell him to remember customers might be tired or lack class but as someone who serves it is your duty to do so with care and joy and that will protect your dignity and remind customers to behave in kind. If not, remember that dealing with brutes is part of the gig-- love is at home and with friends read more