Hi Joe,
Just wanted to share a disappointing experience I had with Cafe Milano. I normally enjoy their food and service but I was not happy tonight. I order a large pizza almost every Wednesday night because its right next to my daughter's dance studio and they run a special on it so it's our weekly treat.
I called to place my usual carry out order and when I got there, the guy gave me an extra large and a total that was $4.00 more than usual. I told him that I ordered a large pizza and he then argued with me, telling me that he took my order and I ordered an extra large. Now, my husband has been in the restaurant business for years and I know exactly what a pain customers can be, but I was upset. I know exactly what I ordered and he stood there and kept arguing with me.
In my opinion, he should know who I am by now since I order the same thing every time. I've ordered at least 10 or 15 times from there. Yeah, maybe it's only $4 more, but I felt stupid that this guy was trying to tell me what i ordered when he obviously misheard me or something. I ended up paying the extra money and going home because we were all hungry and I didn't want to keep them waiting on a new pizza.
Has anyone else had this happen? I've always heard great things about Cafe Milano and never had a problem with them, but this bothered me. I don't think I will be giving them my business anymore. Just wondering if anyone else has had any negative experiences with them. Thanks for your time.
C.K.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
One problem out of your 15 last orders and your on here trying to slam them. Get a life, nothing is perfect everytime. Its not like you paid for something you didn't get. I love the place and they are in a terrible place in town, but still do a great job.
ReplyDeleteYou took time to write this over $4? Are you serious? How did the pizza taste?
ReplyDeleteBecause It costs so much to make a pizza! The profit margin is insane. He should have just made you a large if he didn't want to own up to his mistake and give you the extra large for the large price. I have never eaten there, and certainly will not now.
ReplyDeleteYou now owe everyone who read this time back in their life. If you were that upset you should of not taken the pizza or spent the extra $4.
ReplyDeleteBy your own account you are usually very happy with their product/service. Now because of one mistake you want to trash the place? I hope you never make a mistake at your place of business. Did you try to talk to the manager/owner before you decided to try and run down their business?
ReplyDeleteThis blog needs to screen out the ridiculous complaints before good businesses are hurt.
Sounds like you are more suited for sushi... it's a frickin PIZZA!
ReplyDeleteNow you have enough for next Weds... Seriously, lady stop complaining about the little things and do something positive.
I believe she's upset over the way she was treated, not necessarily the $4. It's all about customer service, and all it takes is one or two bad experiences to tarnish a reputation. No one deserves to be humiliated like that... and then have to pay for it.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't someone vent once in a while?
ReplyDeleteJoe - the comments above, which are clearly worried about Cafe Milano's reputation (based on one minor complaint, no less), are proof that your blog is a force to be reckoned with on Delmarva!
I agree with Anon. 8:22. I think this would be an appropriate time for a quote from the American Cinematic classic, "Billy Madison"
ReplyDelete"what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
The same people that complain about small businesses closing will come on here and bash them if there service is not up to par 1 out of 20 times. You don't think that negatively affects them. Where were the 19 positive comments.
ReplyDeleteMost of you people just don't get it. It has nothing to do with the $4 it's all about customer service. CS as a whole is horrible everywhere. Rarely do I hear a "Thank you" after making a purchase anymore or even a smile. Most of the time they act like there doing you a favour by ringing you up. And while I'm at it! Why don't these stores do something about the lazy fools that park in front in the no parking zones. The rest of us have to park and walk, who do you think you are that you can just pull up block the doors and go in.
ReplyDeleteok i can see this ladys point. no one likes to be talked down to. but however i feel it was a mistake and no hard feelings.
ReplyDelete1st she made it clear she did NOT order a xlg.
2nd she continued to miss lead the issue.
3rd she took pizza anyways even after being talked down to.
SOOOOO moral of story is if u were spoken to so badly then maybe u should have just left the pizza.
Everyone makes mistakes. Arguing with u no he should not have done, but also people have off times.
No one is perfect. I myself would have been like oh well...I would have told him I didnt order an xlg if he said yes u did.. then oh well.
Life is to short to sweat the little stuff.
Now u have left overs..hahaha!
I eat at the one on N Salisbury Blvd and they have good food. The prices are a litle higher but their product is great. The shrimp is fantastic, great flavor and size is good. Salads are great also. Will be ordering there again. One mistake can be accepted but more than one needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the comments above are probably posted by one person-- maybe the jerk at the restaurant?
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the customer service, not the pizza.
Speaking for the 'customers' of Delmarva, we're tired of people with attitudes who act like we're bothering them if we need some assistance (or just show up at their register to buy something).
Business owners-- there's a huge surplus of help around right now, If you have people working for you who don't know what customer service is all about and don't want to learn, throw them overboard and get somebody else.
Customers also have a responsibility to be reasonable and polite (which many aren't), but in the end, as they used to say-- "the customer is always right".
You want your business to grow? Treat your customers like they're somebody special (ask Rommel's about that..).
And don't browbeat this lady for posting this about Cafe Milano. This is a good example of what needs to change around here. Treat people right or they'll go somewhere else.
Depetrios mmmmmmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteI'll give you some good advice don't ever order food from Mc Donalds-Burger King-Wendies-Or any Chinese food joint around.
ReplyDelete8:41 I think it's more to do with everyone having an opinion on everything and this blog, like all blogs, giving those willing and with time an apportunity to opine that opinion. Doubt it has anything to do with consciously trying to save that restaurant.
ReplyDeleteTo 9:57...
ReplyDeleteMy point was that Joe's blog is apparently so influential that one minor complaint about a restaurant elicited responses like 8:02's "Get a life... I love the place... but (they) still do a great job." and 8:31's "This blog needs to screen out the ridiculous complaints before good businesses are hurt." And based on those comments, I would say that, yes, they were "consciously trying to save that restaurant."
~ 8:41
I had a problem once at Cafe Milano. I orded 2 pasta dinners and the total was $25. Well when I got there, i told the guy my name and he picks up a cheeseburgr order that was itting right next to my order and starts to ring it up. I told him it wasn't my order and my order was right there. So he starts to punch in my order WITHOUT taking off the burger order, so my new total was $32. I told him the mistake, and he said "No mistake, $32 the price. You don't like, you don't buy" I said fine, I won't take it. He said "Never order from here again"
ReplyDeleteBest advice I ever got. Delmar Pizza thanks you as well.
If you expect things from humans you are always setting yourself for a fall. They are not efficient.
ReplyDeleteThey dont see the lines.
" The customer is always right." The employee should have said something like, "I'm sorry; I must have heard you wrong. You can have this pizza for the large price."
ReplyDeleteGood, regular customer happy, good will built, more business in future.
The problem is that in today's world every thug and low life in every town tries to scam business owners by saying their order was wrong or something was left out. They then demand their money back or free food. That fact can cause business owners to adopt a hardline on complaints.
A smart business owner should be able to recognize a regular customer and give them the benefit of the doubt in such an instance.
TAL
They have good food but they ARE owned by foreigners.
ReplyDeleteAs far as a lack of customer service goes,heres an opinion from the other side of the counter.Why do some poeple feel it is appropriate to talk loudly on their cell phones the entire time you are waiting on them? I have overheard conversations about stuff I should not be hearing, ranging from plain old gossip to criminal activity and I just wish people would leave their phones on the car or turn them off when they enter a public business.Even worse is those blue tooth things,where someone wanders into your business appearing to be talking to themselves.Believe it or not,the rest of world actually doesnt want to hear about your couins girlfriend cheating on him or what kind of drugs you use(yes people say anything in public on cell phones it seems)or any of that!
I think as well she was venting about the customer service & the fact they still got the pizza because like everyone else, they are on the run. They should have immediately offered to remake her the right pizza and not argued with her. If it was because of the cost, they should have made it right the first time. And I don't think this will hurt the business at all but will give others an opportunity to be mindful when they do eat there. Oh and those of you not bothered by the $4 dollars over, give her your number and tell her next time they mess up, you'll foot the bill since you don't see any issues with it. I mean, it's only $4 you didn't order right?
ReplyDeleteThe question is did you talk to the manager first and try to solve this problem instead of airing it out to the public. What steps did you take besides talking to the delivery man.
ReplyDeleteTalk to the owner next.
Which cafe milano?! If it was the one in delmar on pennsylvania ave, that is NOT CAFE Milano, it is Milano's. a former employee of Cafe Milano started it and has tried to use the name to steal business away from the true Cafe Milano. Be very careful whose reputation you try to ruin it may come back to bite you. As for the real cafe milano on N. Salisbury blvd, I eat there all the time (at least the last 8 years) and the prices are great (check the specials, love the #6 daily special) and I have NEVER had a bad experience!
ReplyDeleteAnother post to prove my point: from 4:05...
ReplyDelete"Be very careful whose reputation you try to ruin it may come back to bite you."
~ 8:41
The one in Delmar isn't even open and operating yet ..so it wasn't that one
ReplyDeleteI LOVE CAFE MILANO!
ReplyDeleteThank god i'm not that sensitive when it comes to handling life's difficulties. Regardless of what the main point to the article was, whether its the Customer service, 4 dollars, or the fact that you were in a rush, but had enough time to argue back. Dont you think you are over reacting much?
ReplyDeletewe are in a recession save yourself some money and grief stay home and cook for yourself
ReplyDeleteI love Cafe Milano. The one by the cell phone company is the one I always eat at (north). Im gonna be honest though. The last time I ordered a sub from there I was disappointed. You can tell they are skimping trying to maximize profits. The quality of the subs have went way down. Similiar to how Tim's by the DMV went downhill after new ownership (dropped mint rolls from greek salads). When I want a big ass sub and you provide it I want to go there and get that sub and if its went up 85 cents so be it, but don't downgrade and charge me the same. My point, get it right. Charge more, don't downgrade.
ReplyDeleteObama supporter. Complain and never be happy
ReplyDelete