Letter to the editor: Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!
Circa 1955, my G-grandad, Philmore T. Ledford, gave me a word of wisdom: "If you can find time to criticize you can find time to give praise." So, here's a little of both.
I just recently spoke to you and the owner(s) of the local Wendy's about a recent advertisement that was not available. Well, consider this a follow-up to my own letter. The 'surprise' is that I finally got it.
I needed a couple of plumbing parts. I rode to a Lowe's for them. As I was leaving I thought I would try Wendy's one more time
as it was next door. I entered the dining room and went to the counter. No one around. After a few moments I saw the cook. He yelled to the back that a customer was at the front door counter.
Almost immediately a female yelled back and told him that I would have to go through the drive-thru to order. I asked him, Why? The cook said that they had no attendant for the counter. I wondered why the dining room was even open and why I couldn't get service at the counter. I was told drive-thru only.
I am an 80 year old biker, motorcyclist. We don't do drive-thru orders. The reason is that the lanes get oil leakage that can bring a motorcycle to the pavement. I explained that to the cook. He told it to the woman. I was told no order. I turned to leave. However, as I did the woman came to the front and, reluctantly, asked for my order.
I ordered the biscuit specials and to my 'surprise' she rang them up. I asked her for a receipt, as it was a VISA purchase. "NO problem," she replied. However, she was an exceedingly long time out-of-sight with my card. I thought the receipt would be with the order. It was not.
When I asked for the receipt she paused and said, "The printer doesn't work." And, she walked away. I told her I needed a receipt to reconcile my billing. Again, I was told the printer didn't work. I told her I needed a receipt. She went to the back and after some minutes returned with a hand-written, half-sheet of torn printer paper. It read as follows:
2 Bac 1.07 a peice
2 Sag
Total
4.27$
*No other information, no signature. The abbreviation, spelling and order of numerical notations are all hers. (I truly hope my future billing statements have no unauthorized issues.)
In closing, the food was great. I was pleasantly surprised to finally get the specials. They were really good. But I've wondered--for a long time--why the Chick-fil-A next door is always packed and Wendy's parking lot is empty. I believe I now know why. But, my opinion is just that of one man.
Dr. John Isenberg, Sr.
Kinston, NC
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