I am a return customer of this establishment, and this past Saturday I experienced some of the most dehumanizing treatment I've ever encountered while simply trying to pick up my order. I was given a wait time of 35 minutes, which I respected. I arrived on time, walked in, and approached the counter expecting a normal pickup. What followed was anything but normal.
There were three men clearly running the operation. One appeared to be the head cook, while the other two--dressed in plain clothes--were assisting with orders. One thing that immediately stood out was the head cook wearing black rubber gloves while touching everything--door handles, the phone, the computer screen--without ever removing or sanitizing them, then continuing to handle food. That alone raised concerns about cleanliness.
I stood at the register for about five minutes and was completely ignored. Not one acknowledgment. For context, the restaurant is very small, and I am a 6'4 man--it is impossible to miss me. Directly behind the register is a bread rack, and one of the men--the shortest of the three--kept coming within arm's reach of me, repeatedly ignoring my presence. I could have physically touched him, that's how close we were, yet I was treated as if I didn't exist.
After being ignored, I sat at a nearby high-top table. The three men continued preparing orders without acknowledging me. A DoorDash order was called, and someone came in and was helped once their name was called. Shortly after, another man walked in and was immediately asked for his order name ahead of me.
At this point, I had already waited about 15 minutes past the promised pickup time and watched multiple people be acknowledged before me. I stood up, went back to the register, and firmly stated my order name. I received a few looks but no real action.
While this was happening, another customer came in saying he received the wrong pizza. I asked if it might be mine. I was told no, and the box was quickly moved out of sight. When the shorter man returned, the head cook tried to speak to him about my order, but they were speaking in their native language. I then saw the short man put his hand up toward me in a dismissive way, as if to say I could wait.
Without even looking at me, he raised his voice and asked if I placed my order online or over the phone. I had to confirm he was speaking to me. After I answered, he disappeared briefly and came back with what looked like the same pizza box that had just been moved.
Suddenly, his demeanor changed. He became overly friendly--calling me "bro" and acting like nothing happened. I responded with silence. I was honestly too stunned to speak.
Before leaving, I checked my order to make sure everything was correct. As I got into my car, the same man ran after me with a 2-liter Coca-Cola, saying he could "see it in my face" and offering it as a gesture. That's when I spoke up. I told him how unacceptable and disrespectful his behavior was and reminded him I had just spent over $60 at his business.
He admitted I was right and started offering me "anything I want." He brought out a slice of strawberry cheesecake, which turned into two slices and repeated apologies. But the damage was already done.
I made it clear this wasn't about free food. It was about how I was treated--as a paying customer and as a person. I reminded him that his business depends on people like me, and that behavior like that is unacceptable.
I do not give him credit for trying to fix it afterward. It felt reactive and weak compared to the disrespect I experienced. However, I am glad I spoke up and made sure he understood how badly he handled the situation.
I share this because I walked away feeling hurt, dehumanized, and racially targeted. That is a lot to feel over picking up pizza. No one should ever be made to feel invisible or disrespected like that.
So I'll say this for myself and anyone else who has experienced something similar: F*CK that. Do not let anyone feel that comfortable disrespecting you. Sometimes you have to stand your ground and make it clear--you do not have permission to treat me however you want. read more