Extremely Disrespectful Treatment Toward Veterans — 24 Minutes for a Cup of Coffee
I’ve been to this Whataburger multiple times, and unfortunately, every time I encounter the same employee that’s always at the drive thru, it’s the same disrespectful attitude and excuses.
The employee I’m referring to has long hair, chubby cheeks, and wears a blue jacket. Based on my repeated experiences, I genuinely feel like this employee has a problem with military veterans.
Every other Whataburger I visit treats me like a normal customer, regardless of whether I request the complimentary coffee offered to veterans. However, at this particular location near my home, the moment I request the veteran coffee along with the food I’m paying for, this employee’s entire attitude changes.
Suddenly, his tone becomes rude, his responses become short, and he barely acknowledges me as a person. I’ve heard excuse after excuse from this same employee: “Oh, I forgot,” “The machine isn’t set up,” or “I don’t think that’s today.” Meanwhile, the promotion is literally advertised on the walls and ordering screens!
During my most recent visit, I immediately recognized him and already knew what to expect. He handed me the food I had paid for and then instructed me to move to the designated VIP parking area while they prepared my coffee.
My wife and I sat there watching and counting as SEVEN other vehicles received their orders while we continued waiting for ONE measly cup of coffee.
By the time I finally received it, 24 minutes had passed. Twenty-four minutes for a single cup of coffee.
At this point, it’s not even about the free coffee. It’s about basic respect, professionalism, and how customers are treated. I’m not asking for special treatment because I’m a veteran. I’m asking to be treated with the same courtesy and dignity as every other paying customer.
If Whataburger chooses to offer complimentary coffee to veterans, then employees shouldn’t make customers feel like they’re an inconvenience for accepting that offer.
What makes this even more frustrating is that I’ve experienced this behavior repeatedly from the same employee. Once or twice might be understandable, but when the same attitude, excuses, and delays happen every time, it becomes difficult to believe it’s simply a coincidence.
Management needs to address this employee’s behavior. Veterans shouldn’t have to feel unwelcome or disrespected for accepting a promotion that Whataburger itself proudly advertises.
I have no problem paying for my coffee. What I have a problem with is being treated like I’m less deserving of basic customer service simply because I requested the complimentary one.