I guess she didn’t get the memo

Feb 05, 2004- Permalink

I recently filed a health violation complaint against the Yonge & Eglinton Burger King in Toronto. The employees were using the cups that they were serving the drinks in to scoop the ice, instead of using the nearby ice scoop. This is a health hazard as their hands can come in contact with the ice.

After filing a complaint with Toronto’s DineSafe program, I also filed a customer service complaint with the head office of Burger King in Canada. I received a swift response apologizing for the incident and thanking me for bringing it to their attention. I was told that the regional manager and the restaurant would discuss the incident. As thanks for my part in the “education process” they sent me a couple of coupons for a free Whopper meal.

A week had passed. In this day and age a week is more than enough time to call/email/fax the restaurant manager and make sure that the staff are informed about proper procedures. Taking my coupon, I decided to visit the Yonge & Eglinton location again. I handed in the coupon and ordered my meal.

The employee grabbed my drink cup and scooped up the ice. I was amazed at the irony. I asked to see the manager. It turns out the person serving me was the manager. I informed her of her error. She didn’t apologize or react when I mentioned why I had been given the coupons.

I guess she didn’t get the memo. Perhaps I should buy the Burger King folks a copy of the Cluetrain Manifesto.

When something like this happens to you, be an empowered consumer. Use the tools you have to alert others to the situation and get it corrected.