I have always relied on Subways for a fast meal...until I encountered the Holden, MA location. On my first encounter I marvelled at the ridiculously small amount of vegetable toppings they put on my sandwich, and was confident this did not meet brand standards. But even more of a turn off was how the owner spoke to a young man working there. After experiencing these same issues a few more times, we quit going there.
We recently sold our house. While cleaning and packing for the move, it was more convenient just to run to Holden vs the longer drive to a Worcester location. My husband made the run for subs on a few occasions. The subs now had adequate toppings and it appears just the owner and his wife are working there, but a new issue cropped up. My husband said that the man now asks you to add a tip on your card, and becomes quite surly when you don't. Although we both do not believe in tipping in this situation, and are offended when we are TOLD to do it, my husband complied just to make the pick-up quicker and easier.
Yesterday I stopped in. I asked for a chicken breast sub, but asked to have the chicken breast left out of the bun - to just set it beside the sandwich. I have done this many times, literally all over North America, and it has never been a problem. I didn't tell him why but it is because I am a vegetarian...but my little dog isn't. When travelling this is how I feed her, especially in airports. This made him instantly mad and he said I was making it "so complicated". He took over where his wife was adding the vegetables. He started wrapping up the bun with the chicken breast beside it and said "is that all?". I said no, I wanted vegetables. He was huffing and puffing, complaining and sort of slamming things. At the till I asked for cookies and a fountain drink. I paid cash. He held up the tip jar and told me to put a tip in there. I ignored him and asked for my cup for my drink. He said he didn't charge me for the drink. I asked how much it was, and proceeded to take money out of my purse. He snatched the cup out of my hand and told me to pick up the dollar bill I had just put on the counter, and hand it to him "nicer"! I said to just forget about the drink and turned to leave. Again he told me to put money in the tip jar. I said no, I wasn't tipping him, that he had been extremely rude to me. He started yelling that he was trying to run a business. I said he wouldn't be in business long if he treated customers like this. He yelled that I was never to come back.
I am a 57 year old woman. I didn't go into the Subway looking to pick a fight! And I can't remember ever being treated so rudely, in any circumstance. There were three or four teenage boys behind me, their eyes big as they witnessed this crazy scene!
So, I wouldn't recommend this particular Subway since it has been uncomfortable every time we've gone in there. This guy has such a temper that you never know what he has done, or will do. I'm guessing the brand made him add more vegetables in order to keep the franchise but I'm also guessing it takes a lot for Subway's corporate office to intervene, since he is generating revenue in terms of franchise fees. Just avoid it all and eat elsewhere! read more
