So, my biggest thing when doing business with an establishment is friendly, courtesy, & prompt customer service. Now here's my story about the market. I happened upon this place on my way to Old Forge this past week. I'd visited Old Forge many times but never noticed this place or thought to stop. The only reason I did this time was because my daughter had to go to the bathroom and couldn't wait until we reached our hotel. There was a young man who was very personable inside. We we're told we had to wait on the owner to get the key to the porta-potty outside. That gave us an opportunity to look around. We ended up pleasantly surprised at what looked like delicious foods, baked goods, & fresh produce. An older gentleman came in (the owner) & he was exceptionally friendly. We found out they even rent some nice little cabins, too. He gave us a couple of free Pennsylvania peaches (which were delicious). I ended up purchasing a package of s'mores cookies & a ham & cheese sandwich, both of which were delicious. I'd decided then that the market would become a regular stop for us. I decided to drop by the market again a couple of days later. This time there was a woman, who I assume is the co-owner & wife of the gentleman we'd met upon our first visit. She was pleasant. We purchased some more cookies. Still at Old Forge, we decided to stop one more time. This time there was a young lady (daughter?). She was very pleasant & courteous, & made us a couple of sandwiches. There was also a young man (son?) & the wife/mom there again. This time something was definitely off, though. I looked over at her & smiled, & she didn't not reciprocate. In fact, she looked back at me rather unpleasantly, which I found weird. While my daughter & I were waiting on the sandwiches, a couple came in. The son engaged in conversation with them almost immediately. The mom joined in shortly thereafter. During that time, the daughter had finished our sandwiches & my daughter & I brought our goodies over to the counter to check out. The daughter stayed behind the deli counter to presumably clean it up after making our food. So, the son & wife/mom stood there literally right next to us talking to the only other people in the market, while ignoring us while we stood there like jerks waiting patiently to pay for our goods and leave. The daughter, after a few minutes, turned around & looked to see us waiting there and quickly came over & assisted us. Thank goodness, because after the negative vibes from the other 2, I didn't want to engage with them at all. Here's my thing: I've run a business almost identical to this one. I've worked for establishments in which my position required me to assist customers & how important it is to be attentive, courteous, friendly, etc. How important it is to smile and make your customers feel valued & welcome & not like they are being avoided or ignored. When I've been engaged in conversation with someone while at work, whether it be a coworker or customer, & there's a customer that obviously needs my assistance, I excuse myself, help the customer, & then can certainly resume my conversation. Not one of the two broke away to assist me. Just left us there hanging so they could chat. It really left me with feeling sour. What also left me sour was, unfortunately, one of the $15.00 food dishes I purchased. If been looking forward to trying the shepherds pie, because it's something I've made & had many times and it's always absolutely delicious, or at least it always has been until now. Besides tasting sour, it was absolutely bland and tasteless otherwise. Maybe this had just been sitting too long in the cold case? That could explain the foul sour taste. It was...really bad. I ended up having to throw it all out. The sandwiches were delicious, as were the cookies. I haven't tried the other dish I purchased, the kousa, & I'm afraid to after the shepherds pie. So, after having a highly unpleasant experience this recent trip, I don't think I could go back. I hate wasting money & hate wasting food, & from a business whose proprietors don't all equally value all their customers equally every time, well, it's just is not one I can bring myself to do repeat business with. read more
