At some point we get to the place when we have to say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Today is that day.
Father's day is a special day. I was invited out to breakfast by my two daughters. We decided to go to the Springboro Bob Evans. Planning ahead, we decided to arrive early to beat the crowd. The parking lot was near empty. We parked up front and entered the near empty establishment. It was just after 7:30 a.m. well prior to any crowd. We stood in the front lobby waiting to be seated. There is no hostess so the cashier, who was checking someone out had us wait. No big deal. A couple minutes later, she seated us. There were empty booths all around the table that was chosen for us. It took almost 5 minutes prior to the server to come to our table. She said she was busy with a lot of tables. I guess she was the only server, but there were several people behind the countertop area. She asked us for our drink orders. Pretty simple coffee and water for the 3 of us. My daughter asked for the French Vanilla creamer that was not at the table. She asked us if we were ready to order now. Yes we were. Good thing so we can beat any crowd coming in. After repeating the order to her, she finally had everything written down. Nothing special Farmers choice for 2 and pancakes and hashbrowns for one. Simple enough. The coffee comes out. We sit and chat for a while waiting to be served. We watched as the crowd grew and others being seated.
After a long stretch, I noticed others being served their food. These are people who arrived 5-10 minutes after we did. I wondered where our food was at. Not too happy, I went to the manager and said "We have been here for 45 minutes and others are being served and our food has not arrived. My daughters brought me here for Father's Day and we came to enjoy a good breakfast!" She said "Oh, your food is up now, we will bring it out to you." I replied, "This is not a good way to start a Father's Day" and was heading towards the door. I knew I needed to cool down a bit. As I was walking out, the manager said with a bit of an attitude "Well, have a Happy Father's Day!!" The people in the lobby just looked stunned at me and back at her. No, I could not let it go. I turned and said "Really, I do not appreciate the sarcastic tone in your voice!" Yes, a scene was unfolding. Of course then it was... well we will take care of the bill... like that makes things better. I go back to the table and eventually the food comes out. The manager says over and over that the bill is taken care of... again like that matters at this point. Then she said, the order was put in 24 minutes ago. I would guess about 10 minutes after our order went in. I have one daughter who left the table crying and another one explaining how belittling it was to be treated in such a manner. What manner is that? Well, whether it was a factor or not, we did not fit the demographics of the establishment. Yes, we were the only minorities in the place. Attention is now on us and we are defending ourselves because of poor customer service. I know most if not all of you reading this can understand this feeling. I know most will chalk it up to poor service or a plethora of other reasons. But when this happens to you over and over again, it makes one wonder, is there another factor involved.
This was not the first time this has happened. This has not always happened because we have supported this business for years. But recently, this is the 3rd time this or a similar situation has happened to me. Poor service, undercooked food, and now, an attitude that was incredulous on a day meant to celebrate Fatherhood with my daughters.
Those of you who know me have seen me very supportive of this community that I have been a part of for over 2 decades. I have been involved in the community and even support those businesses that are a part of the community. I have coached your kids, been on several boards and organizations. I have been an active part through scouting, soccer, schools, etc.
But today I say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" My goal is to end this type of treatment and will call for the community to either join in doing what is right for all or continue the status quo! Your choice and remember, your example to the future. Stand up or just accept it because it does not affect you.
DO NOT SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT TREAT PEOPLE IN A DEMEANING MANNER! DO NOT ACCCEPT BIAS ACTIONS OR MISTREATMENT OF OTHERS. If you do not do something about it, you implicitly support it.
I ask you to join me in boycotting the local Bob Evans. Up to you, but remember your money talks. Remember all those businesses you miss ... this is one I will not miss unless they change their service and their attitudes.
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