Review is for Railroad Ave. Same owners.
My wife and I came here to cash a few scratch tickets and get some wine. The clerk had a beard, scally cap, and glasses. As we approach, I ask if they're planning on stocking a type of beer their other store carries.
He says, "I honestly have no idea dude. We're lucky to have what we have."
His tone cynical, implied more so that I should feel lucky to be able to purchase anything, let alone have special requests. This attitude was an albeit weird but harmless display of unmerited passive-aggressiveness.
He rings us up and scans the tickets. We both observe the $12 winnings visually displayed. We ask for the winnings in $1 tickets. We turn to walk away and quickly realize there's only three. We tell him.
He says, "I don't know what to tell you. The machine said $3."
My wife says, "The tickets show $12, and the machine displayed $12."
He says, "Nope."
In other words, we're lying, an odd accusation considering the proof is in front of him.
We ask to see the tickets. Coincidentally, only one is torn, and it's the $1 winner. I'm not sure if that was intentional or not, but that would make more sense of his attitude.
We show him the $12 on the tickets. He says, "Take it up with the state. Not my fault."
She says, "No, you owe me $9."
The clerk then raises his voice, yelling at her that he has no control over the state. The state is his scapegoat.
I interrupt and tell him the attitude isn't necessary.
He yells, "I'm only giving attitude in response to hers!"
She had barely spoken except a few questions and that one statement. She was more than polite about it, considering his demeanor. Neither of us was loud or aggressive.
He again yells, "The machine is right! Nothing I can do! You just don't like it, but sorry I can't void it out, return your tickets, or pay you the difference. You'll need to take that up with the state."
I'm not sure if the machine is right or the state is wrong? I don't quite follow his logic.
Now there is a line forming and everyone watching, so another employee comes over to calm the situation. He asks what the problem is to which the clerk yells, "Nothing! This girl doesn't like what the machine says, and there's isn't anything I can do about it."
My wife now irritated, responds, "I'm simply asking for what I'm owed! There's no way to count your til or view your transaction history?!"
This display was the first attitude he received from us.
He shouts, "No!" Then storms away while this other employee notices the winnings and starts typing in the lottery machine. He appears confident and seems to know a way to view the history or check the til.
But, before he can make progress, his belligerent and incompetent colleague returns even more contentious. I deduced this from the pace at which he approached, his heavy breathing, and how he was now yelling louder. I assume he observed his colleagues impending success at proving him wrong In front of an audience, and his ego tarnished. He needs to reestablish dominance quickly.
The only other interaction I've seen anyone approach somebody in a confrontational manner like this was in violent situations. I genuinely considered if he was going to try and take a swing at us. His mannerism and tone were undeniably and intentionally threatening.
He yells, "You know what?! You want your money back? Here it is!" He flings a few bills under the divider.
We take the money saying thanks sarcastically. He yells, "Don't come back!"
I say, "We won't, and I'll be sure to let everyone else I know about this experience."
To which, he yells, "Do whatever you want, dude! I really don't care!"
Money is hard to come by right now. My wife is unemployed as a result of COVID. I'm sure many people are in the same boat. We've spent a decent enough amount of money here since moving. What I hear loud and clear is that he could care less. Owner, please take notice.
As an alternative, I recommend Good Harbor Liquors on 340 Main St. It's a two-minute drive from Railroad. They appreciate the value of paying customers. read more
