I recently moved to Clayton St, just around the corner from this market. I had been in once before to check out the deli counter, though they were closed for the evening. The menu looked good, so I figured that I would be back to give it a try.
I headed over today around lunch time to begin, what I hoped, would be a long relationship involving many quick, hungry jaunts around the corner. When I arrived I carefully inspected the menu. A line on the menu board suggested the addition of avocado to my sandwich or a side of french fries for $.99. A line below that, centered and in bold italics, roughly read, ""All sandwiches come with a side of spring mix."" I ordered a chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, tomato, red onion and pesto sandwich on ciabatta bread with french fries. I paid for the sandwich and the additional $.99 for the fries.
I had planned on getting my food to go, but the weather was nice, so I decided to eat my sandwich by the window. When I picked up my sandwich from the counter, there were fries on the plate, but the spring mix was absent. When I enquired about the spring mix, I was informed that I had received fries instead. I replied that the sign clearly states that all sandwiches come with a side of spring mix and that fries, which I paid for, are extra. I was argumentatively informed that I was wrong about being entitled to a side of spring mix. I replied that the sign should reflect this and sat down to make an attempt at enjoying my meal. I was unable and asked for my sandwich and fries to be prepared to go.
I will not be making the Ashbury Market a regular lunch spot. In fact, I plan on never setting foot there again. This is additionally a disappointment, because they have a nice little wine shop, which would be so convenient for grabbing a quick bottle for dinner parties.
My questions to the owners of this market are these: When did it become acceptable to argue with customers, especially when they are in the right? Do you realize that due to your location, nearly all of your customers will be from the immediate neighborhood and must be treated with courtesy if they are expected to return?
Lastly, a hint at the answer to the latter and a portent. Tourists and San Franciscans from other parts of town will not be trudging up from Cole Valley and Haight St to patronize your market. Without neighborhood business, your market will fail.
Pros: Close to where I live
Cons: Arguing with a a customer that is in the right
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