Recently a friend (who returned to the neighborhood — I live in a different town now) recommended I pay it a visit and try their sandwiches (which were said to be “very good”.

My visit started wonderfully with a woman at the door who, not only greeted me with a smile, but brought my cart over to me after having just cleaned it. What an encouraging start to a place that was once like home!!

Sadly, the same care was not present at the deli. Alas, the behavior of the man there was one of quiet hostility.

As I wrote to the person who suggested I pay them a visit:

“As for their “rep”, he finished with a client, saw me, turned around and started touching the hot baked chicken containers. When I said, “Hello”, the first time, he ignored me. The second time, he turned around, asked if I needed help, turned back to the chickens for 2 seconds (seriously — no joking), then turned, came forward and asked me what I wanted.

In the end, the only chicken salad they had left was the cup (or so) that they had plopped over the bottom of one of their silver bowls (or so he said when I asked if there was any fresh).

Either he doesn’t like his job or me (it was like I was bothering him). Either is fine. There are other places to spend ones money.”

There were other good aspects of my trip (large aisles, clean store, good bargains, etc.) but all of those pale in comparison (for me) in how one should treat ones customers.

All that to say, it’s best for people who feel interrupted (when it’s a part of their job) to find a job that will suit their desires.

When they don’t (and they bring their ill-mannered personal attitudes to work with them) they only do harm to their employer/company.