As a small business owner, I avoid writing negative reviews on sites like these. However, after my awful experience at Michael's and my unsucceful attempt to reason with the management, I felt like
I had no other recourse. So here goes...
I chose Michaels because all of the great reviews I read online. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the worst pizza I've ever bought.
The employees also seemed indifferent to us; failing to greet my sister and I when we entered and neglecting to thank us before we left.
On the way to the car I looked at the pizza and commented that it looked horrible.
We later ate one small corner piece and confirmed that it was.
We contemplated whether we should call and complain or just accept that we made a bad decision. My sister did call and asked if we could return it, to which an employee said we could. I assumed that meant we could return it for a full refund.
I drove back and walked in with 99.99% of the pizza in hand. The employee saw me and fetched the owner.
The owner (Mike) came out and was immediately combative with me. He said it was "craziest thing he ever heard" and asked what was wrong with the pizza.
I told him it tasted bad and we were just dissatisfied. I told him we called and were told we could return it and I just wanted my money back. He begrudgingly walked to his register and told me he would only return half my money.
I told him that was not acceptable and I expected a full refund. He replied "this isn't Walmart" and alluded to the "buyer beware" policy. He was hostile and unreasonable. I told him I'd rather avoid writing a bad review and I would prefer the refund that I was promised on the phone. He then told me that he didn't care If I wrote a bad review. He said he's been there for fifteen years and bad reviews don't affect him at all. I became agitated and tossed the pizza on the counter. I told him to keep his crappy, over-priced pizza.
He then accused me of "throwing the pizza at him". He said he could have me arrested for assault. He said he had video evidence to prove it. I told him I didn't "throw the pizza at him" and I encouraged him to call the police.
I waited in my car for the police to arrive.
While we waited, my more cool-headed sister also went in and tried to talk to him. She said he was a total jerk to her too. The police came. They were nice and took statements from both of us. I then left and went to Papa Johns. I guess they weren't very convinced or compelled by his footage of my alleged assault on him.
My sister and I are professional people. She is a teacher and I am a fellow restaurant owner in another state. That is why I am uneasy about posting this review. But If my customers ever complain about their food or service in my restaurant I make every effort to satisfy their grievance.
I travel through this area a lot and try to support local restaurants whenever possible. I will not make the mistake of going to Michael's Pizza again.
I could've overlooked the sub-standard food, apathetic service, dirty environment, and expensive prices without writing a negative review but the rude, irrational and hostile behavior of the owner and his disregard for customer service are indefensible.
I wish I could give them 3 negative stars. read more
