I'm disappointed in how Mr. Gatti's handled a birthday party I attended this afternoon.
My wife worked for the company and has continued to offer advice and assistance whenever asked, including answering calls and texts to help keep the store running smoothly. Today I was simply a guest at a friend's son's birthday party.
All three birthday party packages include 10 free kids. There were only nine children present. I paid for my own children, so only six kids used the free spots included in the package. Despite this, the General Manager on duty, Sandra, instructed her employees to approach HER specifically and state that the party parents would be charged double for "too many kids."
When I clarified that I had already paid for my children, she then asked for my receipt so I could be refunded. I declined the refund. My only concern was that the family celebrating their son's birthday not be overcharged or made to feel uncomfortable.
Instead of resolving the matter professionally with the party hosts, Sandra became upset with her own employees for confirming we were still within the package limits--and continued attempting to overcharge the family.
Targeting a former employee in this way and disrupting an innocent child's birthday celebration is unprofessional and unnecessary. Guests should not have to defend a clearly stated package policy or watch management attempt to inflate charges after the facts have been corrected.
Additionally, the location was unprepared for customers--half of the soda options were unavailable.
I expect better from a business I once supported and still occasionally assist. Professionalism and accurate application of your own party packages should be the standard, not the exception. read more