Poor service from American fast food outlets

THE EDITOR, Madam:

FRANKLY SPEAKING I don't know why people in Jamaica choose to own and operate North American fast food chains, locally. These establishments require fast movement and courteous personnel, both of which are not a part of our "culture", as we do nothing fast, and most people look at you in these establishments as if you have come in there to "harass" them for service.

I have been moved to write this letter, as I had an experience recently, which is the straw that has broken the camel's back. At lunch time I entered one of the more healthy (in my estimation) fast food chains, to purchase my lunch. Before I was asked about my order, the server asked me "cash or credit card"? I didn't have any cash on me, so I answered "credit card". She stared at me blankly and said "credit card machine not working yuh nuh". So I asked her what that meant to me, because as far as I am concerned, a non-functioning credit card machine means that one has to revert to the manual mode.

She explained that they tried calling the bank once, earlier in the day, and had no luck as the bank's phone rang unanswered. "Really"? I asked, "so what should I do, should I leave your store?" She looked at me blankly and said, "I don't know", then she turned to the person behind me and started taking their payment order. I ended up driving to another establishment to purchase my lunch.

I had enough time to really think about how poor service is in this country, and why it hasn't occurred to us that we are reaching nowhere and reaching there fast. I recall going to another prominent establishment and overheard the cashier arguing with a customer about why he didn't say he wanted spicy or regular before she punched in barbecue. My friend and I stuck our nose in, as we were being held up in the line, due to her unnecessary lecture to the customer, which is not a part of her portfolio. Even though we explained to her that the customer reserves the right to change their mind, she was too busy telling us that sometimes they have to correct us (the customers), as we should make up our minds before placing an order.

I honestly feel that we need to boycott some of these establishments sometimes, and support our own. One thing is for sure, there are many local chains and restaurants, who offer far better service than these foreign ones, at a lower cost. I think that these franchises need to do serious staff training.

I am, etc.,

NATASHA C. PARKINS

E-mail:

ncparkins@jamweb.net

Kingston 6

Via Go-Jamaica

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