I have been experiencing what seems like a big “fuck off” from customer service people lately. Perhaps it is because it is hot outside, or maybe something is in the water, but I feel like it has been happening more and more.
Specifically, places like the Kroger at Edgewood, the employees are consistently rude and flat out disrespectful almost every time I shop there. I have had employees run into me without saying excuse me, and have noticed more often than not that they roll their eyes when having to do something for you (such as check out); especially if you ask for something in addition to their normal routine. All in all, it is annoying, and I wish there was more kindness out there, especially in service employees, but again, maybe it is just a reaction to the heat or something that is driving this problem.
Well, none of that applies to the complete freak out that I witnessed last night. Some friends and I went for dinner at Machu Picchu up on Buford highway, and we were excited to be getting together and trying Peruvian food. What followed, however, was one of the WORST dining experiences I have ever had in my entire life.
I won’t go on and on about it, but the long and short of it was this: our food was ordered by number, because the names of the dishes were in a different language. The waiter, when bringing out said dishes, kept asking us “who had the fish”, when most everyone had ordered some variation of fish (or seafood, not even fish); but all were different and all were ordered by number. When we laughed at the confusion, rather than getting angry like some tables do, the waiter flipped his shit and started YELLING at us. Let me reinforce that for you; he was yelling, not just talking louder to get our attention. I have never seen anyone flip the fuck out like that; especially not someone who is supposed to be serving you, and is definitely working for tips. He yelled at us not once, or twice, but a minimum of 3 times. It was almost like an out of body experience, because a few people at the table tried to calm him down, but he just kept getting more and more belligerent.
As I discussed with the table last night, I have waited tables before in my life; all in all I did it for about 5 years. I have taken a mountain of shit from people, and as such, I respect people that work in the service industry more than most. However, I cannot understand what this man thought was okay with his actions, and I was completely taken aback when his “apology” simply put the blame for his yelling on our unwillingness to claim the fish dish that he had no idea what it was or where it went.
All in all, people seem to be getting more and more rude these days, but I have to say, that I haven’t seen anything like this before. Here’s hoping that’s the last of it too. Needless to say, I yelped that experience, and I am sure my fellow foodie group will as well. It’s a shame that he made an ass of himself to a table full of bloggers/yelpers, isn’t it!?
it should be noted that their yelp rating has dropped a full star-level based on the poor reviews in the last day. the ‘Rating Over Time’ graph in the Rating Details box is kind of funny.
If I got yelled at by a waiter, I would have gotten up, taken my party and walked out of the restaurant. That is too much.
As for the Kroger, I think so many places now people are getting paid less and in a lot of service jobs, they really don’t care. I mean, really, if you were a checking out in a supermarket or working in fast food, would you? They probably don’t get treated that well, and I bed the staff is really revolving. There are so many people that just don’t care anymore.
I am in the service industry but I am in the professional side, so I have to care, and I do, but I know what you mean. People are just tired and rude and cranky.
I hope you didn’t tip the fucker when you guys left!
As far as I can tell I’m still being treated quite sweetly here in Midtown. I haven’t noticed anything foul so far but will be on the look out just in case.
Though I haven’t been comped for a free beer/drink in my favorite pub and or bar.
I saw all the reviews and the yelp Rating Over Time graph is pretty amusing. Looking back on it - WTF? Why didn’t the owner comp us stuff? Something to make up for her employee yelling at us? Gr. Was nice to finally meet you!
I know this in no excuse for that kind of action from someone in the service industry, but I think less people are eating out because of the economy which is sort of a double edged sword for people in that industry. On one side, they do not make that much money to start with and with less people eating out, they are making even less. On the other side, they are spending more as prices of the necessities continue to rise. I think people in general are more easily aggravated due to the effects of the economy on their personal finances.
bobafred, that is fucking awesome. Don’t piss off bloggers! HAHAHAHA!
Doug, honestly, there is no excuse. I waited tables for 5 or so years. I worked at two grocery stores, and checked groceries for more than 3 years. I worked in a shitty Hollywood video until midnight almost every night when I was in college renting crappy movies to people. If anyone could have been rude, I could have been, but I never was. They need to just suck it up and be more polite.
Sean, that was the part that pissed us off most, I think… the 15% gratuity was already included in the bill
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Bugboy, you need to flirt more!
ETK, I couldn’t agree more. The more I thought about it, the more I was just astonished she didn’t do anything to compensate. It was almost like she didn’t think it was relevant. It was great meeting you as well!
mitch, while I see where you are coming from, I still don’t think that justifies their actions. If people are upset about the economy (we all are at least a little upset; I know it gets me enraged to spend $55 every time I fill up at the tank) don’t take it out on us, who are the other consumers that are feeling the pinch too! We are all in the same boat; some of us are just bailing more water than the others!
I’d imagine that even if the service was superb dining at a Peruvian restaurant would be a pretty repugnant experience. Did anyone have the cuy?
Bad service and rude employees seem to be the norm these days and that’s what I expect so when I’m served by a friendly person it’s a pleasant surprise and it makes my day.