A Deeply Disappointing Customer-Service Experience…read more
Among many wonderful experiences, there are unfortunately times when an experience is simply horrible. That is the only way I can describe the customer service I received at Chuck Wheeler's Vienna Beef Hot Dog Stand in Gary, Indiana.
After waiting approximately one hour, I began placing my order with a young lady at the counter. Although I had already told her what I wanted, she asked her coworker to take my order instead. I found this odd, but I remained patient. She then looked at me with what appeared to be disgust and, although she seemed to be hoarse, yelled at me.
Surprised by her behavior, I said, "Wow, I waited an hour for these hot dogs, and now I'm not sure I should have waited." She immediately snapped at me and said, "You are not going to disrespect me." She then refused to continue serving me and began taking the order of the person standing behind me while I was still at the counter.
I stood there in complete disbelief. The cashier looked at her coworker, then back at me, and finally said, "Ma'am, she is not going to serve you." When I did not respond immediately, she repeated it.
I want to be clear: I did not yell, curse, threaten, or disrespect this employee. I was simply shocked by the way I was being treated. If she was not feeling well or was unable to assist customers appropriately that day, she should not have taken her frustration out on me.
I am originally from Gary and had returned home for my family reunion. All I wanted was a taste of the past and an opportunity to support a local Gary establishment. Instead, I left feeling embarrassed, disrespected, and deeply disappointed.
This establishment is in serious need of improved customer-service training and a reminder that every customer deserves to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. No customer should wait an hour only to be yelled at, ignored, and refused service without justification.
I sincerely hope management addresses this situation so that no other customer is treated the way I was.