I spend money with at least 1 Cups location every single day. Today, I have chosen to no longer support any Cups location because of the blatant disrespect and unapologetic nature of the owner at the Flowood location. Today as I stood in line ( with the person ahead of me ordering) I was sending a video message regarding funeral arrangements to a member of my family. As I waited for the person ahead of me to place her order, the owner instructed the person ordering to pick up a sign (which indicates that a customer's order will not be taken while talking on the phone) and show it to me. This is upsetting for several reasons.
1. I visit this particular location almost every day. Therefore, I am well aware of the policy. And I WAS NOT EVEN AT THE COUNTER TO ORDER. THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME HAD NOT YET COMPLETED HER ORDER, BUT WAS ASKED TO TAKE THE TIME OUT OF PLACING HER ORDER TO PICK UP A SIGN AND SHOW IT TO ME!
2. The sign was already in plain sight, and I am more than capable of reading and comprehending it. There was no need for another customer to be asked to speak to me for ANY reason.
3. I was not at counter, so it was not my turn to order. Therefore the policy did not apply.
And to add insult to injury, when I expressed my concern, the owner did not even attempt to apologize. Instead, she became defensive and attempted to justify her actions. No paying customer is deserving of such treatment.
I would also like to note that as the only African American in the establishment, I felt attacked that the sign was specifically placed in my face and not the faces of any other patron in the establishment who was on their phone. I will be filing an official complaint with the chamber of commerce and any other organizations necessary to bring this unjust treatment to light. Thank God Starbucks will be opening soon.