I visited a familiar place Luci's Chicken in Irving on Pioneer Blvd on March 2, 2026 expecting the same wonderful experience I have had since just after Covid...A nice little place that had kind of had become home...Back then the mood was mostly drive thru but I preferred taking my children, family members and clients inside because of the comfort, cleanliness and hospitality. The food was always plentiful and the Tea was perfectly sweet. Over the years my children and I became staples to the same table, and then my visits with my mother became mid lunch time memories. What I particularly liked was the fact that tarter sauce was free (because I dipped my fries and okra into that rather than ketchup). Over time everyone knew my order and some of the help rang it up before I could tell them.
Tonight changed all that. An employee met me with a smile. My guest and I ordered Catfish, Fries and Okra...Sweet Tea! I mentioned that I had not seen this younger woman for some time...I asked her how long she had been working there this time and she mentioned a year. She started to prepare the meals and I mentioned that I usually get 4 tarter sauce dollops instead of ketchup ( I presume the cost is about the same for not taking the 6 packets of ketchup you get for free). She started to look up the additional charge and I mentioned that most of the staff knew me and does not charge me in lieu of the absence of ketchup. She stated that wasn't the policy. I said I know but you can see my reasoning. I even said you can check with the manager on duty. I thought...I should clear up the air. I walked back to the counter to find the manager, the cook and the counter help laughing, and worse the counter help was Vaping in the kitchen as she blew out her exhale...I was seen but no-one arrived. Once the order was ready I noticed she had only place two per order so I inquired. I asked "You can't give me more tarter sauce for all the years I have been coming here with family, friends and clients?" She replied " You can bring anyone in here you want, it's two per order" I replied "Really you want to lose a faithful customer over "tarter sauce" No reply. I returned to my seat. My guest picked up his order and the manger gave him two more tarter sauces. I took my order and sat at the table with my friend. I opened my container to find two smaller, thinner fillets of catfish, lukewarm fries and okra.
We ate. The counter help disappeared. I returned to get a refill of tea and the manager told me there was no more sweet tea so I asked for a Coke. I told her Thank you for the extra tarter and then she looked and me and said "You scared her!, She's only an 17/18 year old girl!" I said " Did I curse her? Did I raise my voice to her?" The manger said "She's just a girl". I was "wow" and proceeded to sit down. It bothered me. I thought of all the times, memories, and good food and good service I had received. "Wow" over two tarter dollops.
I waited until the area was clear and approached the counter. I asked if I could some how make things right as I had been visiting this establishment longer than they have worked there by easily 5-7 years. I mentioned that I would like to apologize for the misunderstanding... the Asian Manager lit into me "Telling me she doesn't like me, she never like me"...that "she has worked several places and I am the only one she doesn't like". She exclaimed that I was pushy to her on her first day and telling her how to do her job. (on her first day she billed me 4$ over the correct bill, and I had to explain to her that she entered the wrong food items on the register and that it was a simple mistake...I was very patient. Even introduced myself and my son). She then told me "She has a great memory and she never forgets a face, mine or my sons". I was astonished. The cook just smiled. (Figure it out) I said "Well Okay!, I guess I will take my family, friends, clients and money elsewhere".
My guest and I talked about the event and watched the staff have a good laugh...I presume at the owners reputation and expense. Sad, and unfortunate..Looking back I'll wish I would have paid for the tarter sauce rather that have such an ugly experience .I will NEVER return. read more
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