Stopped by Sammy's Deli while taking in the weather in downtown Annapolis-my little loves coming here to dine, get ice cream and just walk the area-she says it's her favorite place and always tells people how it's the capital of MD, lol. So we walk in Sammy's and my husband and I are impressed by the pickles and hot sauce varieties. We didn't plan to order food, yet as a foodie I love specialty shops and always patronize them. This one was no different, although I regret doing so.
At first the woman (who I imagine is the owner) seemed personable she asked all the customers to let her know if they needed help and she was smiling and all, but for whatever reason that changed after we got to the register to pay. She then became very condescending, rude and uptight. She asked a multitude of questions like for instance she asked what brings us to Annapolis. I told her we always visit and she says well you picked a busy day to come, like I made a poor choice in visiting or something, like we shouldn't be there. I thought to myself, um, did you not here me, I always come to the area, therefore I know it's busy, ALL THE TIME..it's been that way since forever in Annapolis. Then she just kept going on about our purchase saying we made good choices..like she literally said "oh you made good choices..you made good choices. Her tone sounded to me as if she was surprised that our pallet was sophisticated enough to get truffle chips and hot sauce and garlic dill pickles; like give me a break. She then asks my husband if he likes cheese. He says no but my wife does, she is the cheese expert. She didn't say another word, she did not crack a smile nor engage me in any way after he said that. As a store owner that would have been the perfect opportunity to sell me on cheese or whatever it was that you thought you needed to ask him that for. Finally even after all this, I asked her if she had a tip jar because I was going to tip my change (approximately $3.xx). She said no, I don't take tips, I just want you to go home and enjoy your purchase-as if she was too good or prideful to take MY money and wanted us to leave the store. I guess black families who love on each other and their children, who travel an hr away from home to visit downtown Annapolis are foreign to her and/or rub her the wrong way. And wouldn't you know as I am leaving I saw a tip bucket on the counter. Go figure.
My husband and I discussed our visit and he informed me that while I was off doing another final lap of the store she had asked him if he was hungry and he said no...so maybe that's why she was mad-that we didn't get her food. He said she had a look as if to say then what are you doing here. Terrible. And I know from reading this it seems like she asked basic questions, but it is one of those you had to be there conversations; her tone, lack of eye contact and all made for a very uncomfortable experience.
One thing is for certain, I will never patronize this store again and for anyone reading this and the other reviews, believe the ones that say these people are mean and rude because they certainly are. read more
