I chose to visit this restaurant because I enjoy supporting small businesses, but unfortunately my experience today was extremely disappointing.
I called in my order at 2:55 p.m. and was told it would be ready in about 20 minutes. I ran a few errands and arrived around 3:23 p.m. When I walked up to the counter, the elderly gentleman working abruptly said, “Give me a second, I’m busy,” before I had even spoken. To his credit, he apologized a few moments later and explained that his coworker had gone to the hospital. I understood the situation, told him not to worry about it, and waited patiently.
While waiting another 20 minutes outside in the heat, I observed several food handling practices that concerned me. I saw him working the cash register, preparing burgers, and handling fries while wearing the same pair of gloves throughout. I also witnessed him wipe his nose with his gloved hand/wrist and then continue preparing food without changing his gloves. In addition, I saw him rest his forearm on the same surface where the burger buns were being prepared.
By approximately 3:45 p.m., after waiting about 45 minutes for a burger and seeing what I considered to be poor hygiene practices, I decided I no longer wanted the food. I quietly gathered my belongings and walked to my vehicle with no intention of causing a scene. I simply planned to leave and not return.
As I was getting into my vehicle, the owner ran outside yelling that my order was ready. I explained that I would not be patronizing the business because of the hygiene concerns I had personally observed. Instead of acknowledging my concerns, he became defensive and denied wiping his nose with the same gloves I had seen him use. He also muttered a snarky comment under his breath as I drove away.
As someone who works in healthcare, proper hygiene and cross contamination prevention are extremely important to me. I understand that unexpected situations happen and that being short staffed can be stressful. However, those circumstances do not excuse unsafe food handling practices.
I had no intention of leaving a review until the way my concerns were handled. Because of both the food safety issues I observed and the owner’s response, I cannot recommend this restaurant. If you choose to eat here, I encourage you to pay close attention to the food handling practices you observe for yourself.
Edit: your response is exactly what I observed.. dismissive and no accountability.