RAVE: Popeyes Chicken, Calumet City

My husband loves Popeyes Chicken. Until we started dating, I'd never ventured to one.

I had a friend in high school who worked at the local KFC and told me stories about their food handling processes that made my skin crawl. So I spent most of my life avoiding fast food fried chicken.

But a few months back, I gave the place a shot, and really wasn't all that impressed. The service was beyond slow and the food was just okay. They did have really good cole slaw and mashed potatoes and gravy though, I give them that.

I've eaten there a couple times since then and continued to be less than impressed, especially with the slow service. I thought maybe it was because it was "Louisiana style" or something that they were just slower, but after visiting one of the stores outside of Chicago, I know this isn't true.

On the way to visiting my family for funeral services, we decided to stop and get a bite to eat. When we saw a sign for Popeyes his eyes lit up, so we stopped. We went inside to take a break from driving through traffic and the first thing I noticed was the incredible speed of the people behind the counter.

The man who took our order was yelling back into the kitchen as he took pieces of chicken, so they knew what to replace (normally, we see them yelling what they need AS they need it). Needless to say, I was impressed.

We asked the man if he was the manager there and he said, "why yes I am," and we complimented him on the efficiency of the store. He mentioned that they were short staffed even, but it didn't show. We got our food quicker than ever at a Popeyes. The food was fresh and just as we'd ordered it - another issue we've had in the past, not getting spicy when we order it.

After we ordered we sat down to eat and people watched. The manager was very patient with customers who would come in on their cell phones and talk while ordering, or taking forever to make a decision while holding up the line, and even customers asking tons of questions that are answered right on the menu. He certainly was more patient that I would have been :).

So I gotta say, if you're ever headed out of Chicago on 94 and have a craving for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, be sure to take the Calumet City exit and visit the store on Sibley Road. You're bound to be satisfied with food and the service.

Cheers!

Ashley

RANT: Cinemark at Seven Bridges

Normally I'm not one to just throw a complaint up on a blog for the world to see without giving a company the chance to make things right first, but my experience last night was so appalling that it must be shared.

So it's been a rough week, between the 18 inches of snow that was dumped on us in 36 hours, nearly getting sick (I barely got away with that) and dealing with the emotional strains of some family emergencies, I was in desperate need of a mid-week comedy to cheer me up.

Typically my husband and I rent movies in, either on Netflix or Redbox, but occasionally when there's a flick that looks promising we'll head out for a date night at the movie theater.

Since moving to Chicago, we've chosen Cinemark @ Seven Bridges in Woodridge, IL as our local spot. Sure, there are closer theaters but this one has a number of showings, stadium seating, clean bathrooms (yes, this is a plus) and IMAX, if you so choose. And up until last night, the customer service was satisfactory.

We went to see No Strings Attached with Ashton and Natalie. This is funny, if you're interested. Not in the typical romantic comedy kind of way either, like legit funny. We were quoting our favorite lines on the way home. It really helped take my mind off everything.

Anyway, we got in and settled as the previews were showing. As a treat, I decided to sneak out and get us some popcorn, and this is where the fun started.

*please note the implied sarcastic tone there*

Given that it was a slow evening and most people were hunkered down in their homes, ticket sales were taking place at the end of the consession counter. I've encountered this before, no big deal. BUT, when you have two people behind the counter, one just watching you wait for service while the other is selling tickets, that doesn't bode so well for someone who just wants to get her $7 bag of popcorn and get back before the movie starts.

Not only that, when the man was done selling tickets to these folks, they were not expected to get in line behind me at concessions, rather, they were helped immediately. So I waited, impatiently, while he microwaved their hot dogs for them (which, as I see it, he could have spent the time waiting for them to heat up by scooping popcorn for awaiting customers...just a thought on time management there). All the while the other woman behind the counter just stood there picking her nose. Okay, not literally, but she might as well have been, at least then she'd be doing something.

When I mentioned to him that I had been waiting in line, I was virtually ignored. So I ordered my popcorn and rushed back into the movie. Had I not had to wait nearly 10 minutes to get popcorn when there was no one else in line, I wouldn't have missed the beginning. Gee, thanks.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people in the customer service industry drag their feet and take their jobs so lightly. It's these people who hold the potential to give a company a bad name. In the end, isn't all about serving the customer? Unfortunate as it may be, I highly doubt we'll be going back there any time soon. AMC at Yorktown is looking like a better option...Clearly, the customers time and money isn't valued at Cinemark.

Ashley

RAVE: Outback Auto Wash

A couple weeks back the BF got a new truck. As such, he's very much taking care of it like a newborn baby. I think he's given it more car washes in two weeks than he did the last 6 months he had his other truck.

Though, that's not the point. Man, I can never stay on message here...

So one day he heads to Outback Auto Wash to give his bab

y a good clean up - and come to find out there's no soap in the machine. FAIL.

He calls the 1-800 number on the building and the rep tells him to expect a refund in the mail for his trouble.

Awesome! Just like that, they redeemed themselves. Sure, it was still a minor hassle, but a refund is a refund none the less.

Thinking that was it, the issue was dropped. Until Friday, when he received a $20 customer value card in the mail for the inconvenience. REALLY? That's freaking awesome!

This company went above and beyond to make the customer experience that much better.

I can tell you, that I've used that car wash before and it's great. I certainly won't be taking my business anywhere else in the area.

Thanks again, Outback. We'll be recommending you around town!

Cheers!

-A

RANT: The Gap

So this week I had a not-so-great experience at (formerly) one of my favorite jean stores - The Gap.

Now I know there are a lot of blogger brand ambassadors out there for The Gap, and unofficially I considered myself one before this incident. I've had good luck with their jeans. They fit well, are durable, and have lots of different styles depending on your taste.

But this most recent trip only left a bad taste in my mouth.

This past weekend I headed out to the mall to find some replacement jeans after an accidental shrinking incident with a frequently worn pair.

After getting $4.20 for them from the little bitches at Plato's Closet - that's an entirely different story all together - I headed to the Gap where I assumed I'd still be able to find a matching pair.

And I did. They seemed to fit a little snug in the store but I assumed they'd relax out over time. So I made my purchase and headed home.

As I was getting ready to head out later that evening, I tore the tags off with excitement and donned my new denim.

After about 5 minutes I realized these were uncomfortably snug and that I would need to return them. So I took them off, folded them back up with the tags and receipt and put them back in the bag.

Let's fast forward to yesterday where, after work I headed back to the Gap to exchange. After trying on about 10 pairs of jeans I finally found ones that fit like I wanted them to. Upon my attempted return, the cashier inspects the pair I'm returning and calls a manager to the front.

They whisper to one another and speak in code, and finally the manager (who is a rude little 19 year old herself) asks "have you worn these?"

Me: "No."

Manager: "They look worn."

Me: "Well, they're not."

Manager: "Are you suuure?"

Me: "Yes. I had them on for a total of 10 minutes before realizing they didn't fit the way I wanted."

Manager: "Well, if you didn't wear them, then why are the tags off?"

Here is where I explain my excitement as I did above...

Manager: staring blankly....pause.... "are you really sure you didn't wear them?"

Oh no, you're right, I did, I'm sorry.

HELLO! Asking three times doesn't change the fact that I DID NOT WEAR THEM!

This actually went on for about 5 minutes. It was like pulling teeth trying to return a pair of jeans that I didn't wear - only to buy a more expensive pair. Oh, I didn't mention that? Yeah...

As I was leaving with the new pair of jeans she finally "let me" have, I was scolded for taking the tags off.

Manager: "Listen, next time, don't take the tags off and we won't have issues like this."

For a second I thought she was going to wag her finger at me like my 1st grade teacher used to...

Seriously?! I don't need to go to a clothing store so some chick on a power trip can talk down to me like this. Unacceptable in my world!

I hate leaving places knowing that I'm going to be writing one of these rants. Why can't customer service just be up to par everywhere - we'd all live in a much happier place.

Cheers!

-A

RANT: Fitworks

I'm all about customer service! If I have a problem, it can be easily resolved with friendly customer service reps.

In fact, I often respect a company more when an issue is taken care of smoothly and they are doing everything in their power to ensure that I'm a satisfied customer. You may notice that a lot of my RAVEs about companies has to do with good customer service.

Well, now I have a rant about a company because of their sales people. READ: before I'm even an actual customer. Yeah...not good.

So for those who may not know, I'm moving. Not very far, just to the other side of town, but far enough that it requires me to look into new services such as a gym.

(Yes, for those who are wondering, I'm moving in with the BF. It's an exciting time!)

Anyhow, I did some research online and found that Fitworks in Mentor has a good special running right now. So I decided to print off a discount coupon before visiting the facility.

Of course, in order to get the discount, you have to give them all your contact information. In hindsight, I should have "accidentally" transposed two digits in my phone number.

Almost immediately I was receiving calls from their sales reps. When I didn't answer, because I was at the office DURING WORKING HOURS, I received an email. I replied politely and said that I'm in the process of moving, I may be in this weekend to check out the gym.

Later that evening I receive another call from the gym, but this time no one left a voicemail.

This weekend rolls around and I'm running around like a mad woman, moving, and shopping and everything. No time to hit up the gym. Well these sales folks hated that, because on Sunday I received THREE calls and two voicemails - within 30 minutes!

I called back one of their reps and told them I'm busy moving, I'll try to stop in soon.

His response was: "ok, but we only have specials through the end of the month." I almost retorted that those specials will then be replaced with new ones, but I bit my tongue.

At this point, I think I'm done. NOPE!

Yesterday, again, during working hours, I receive a phone call, voicemail AND email from these people. My response was simple - I was considering getting a membership, however, I'm really only interested in the classes you have to offer. Given the recent spamming from your sales force, I've decided to go with a nearby yoga studio that doesn't call me 3+ times a day just to make a sale.

Then I asked them to please remove me from any lists I'm on so I no longer receive any phone calls or emails. Thanks! :-)

I haven't been contacted since - though it has only been 24 hours, so we'll see... Let's just hope they get the hint.

Sure, it's not exactly "customer service" related, but spamming potential customers doesn't get you anywhere. At least, not with me.

Did he really think "if I call one more time maybe she'll get fed up and buy a membership." SERIOUSLY?!

I get that the economy is down, and everyone needs that extra commission, but be a little courteous of my time and let me make the decision on my own. In this case, you made the decision for me, Fitworks.

On the plus side, I can't wait to start my new yoga classes after the first of the year!

Cheers!

-A

RAVE: Dave's Cosmic Subs

It appears as of late that I've been doing most of my reviews on the food and beverage industry. What can I say, I'm a girl who likes to eat!

Well today's review isn't going to be much different thanks to my current obsession: Dave's Cosmic Subs.

This NE Ohio-based sub shop blows Subway, Jersey Giant, and all the other sub chains away.

When I first moved to Cleveland almost 3 years ago (holy crap, hard to believe I've been here that long), I noticed Dave's as it sat on the Detroit Rd. "strip" in Lakewood. It was one of those places that I asked friends about, some swore by it, others said it was bland.

So, given that I'm not a huge sub person anyway, I decided to spend that $5 elsewhere.

And then came the day I was introduced to Dave's. My boyfriend and I were out in Mentor, heading to Pennsylvania to skydive, and decided to grab sandwiches on the way out to the dropzone.

At first, I wasn't thrilled with the sub, but in my defense, a friend of mine had passed the night before and my appetite just wasn't up to it's usual standards.

But the customer service experience was good, so I was willing to go back when the boy recommended it a couple weeks later.

To my surprise, I fell in LOVE with these subs!

As a vegetarian, I have multiple menu options to choose from, all of which include the incredible and addicting Dave's sauce. Mmmm...I can't even explain how yummy it is!

The bread is always fresh and they're totally cool with swapping out wheat bread upon request.

All that combined with the fresh veggies and cool, laid back atmosphere, it makes for a great dining experience.

As a west sider, I'm still very partial to the Dave's in Mentor where I've come to know one of the owners, Anthony, and his crew. He always remembers what the bf and I are going to get when we come in - even my substitution with no artichoke hearts on the #12.

(Some of the guys from the Mentor Store. Photo from Facebook Fan Page.)

It's this type of neighborhood feel that keeps me coming back to Dave's in Mentor.

Occasionally I'll hit up the Lakewood location out of convenience to my place - and to get my fix when I'm not on the bf's side of town - but it's not nearly as chill, friendly and laid back as the Mentor location that I have come to love.

Here's an overview:

Price: $$ (Right on par with other sub shops)

Menu Selection: **** (even for a vegetarian there are plenty of options)

Taste: ***** (not a single complain on the freshness and taste)

Service: **** (especially at the Mentor store)

Atmosphere: **** (chill!!)

If you're in the NE Ohio area, I can't recommend Dave's enough. It's quick, it's fresh, and it's freaking delicious.

In fact, I might just be getting some tonight.

Cheers!

-A

Financial rave and rant

Today's review is two-fold. One RAVE and one RANT. 

Both of them have more to do with customer service than anything else. 

Given my delicate financial state at the moment - who isn't in one, really - these issues came at a highly appropriate time.

Let's start with the rant to get this out of the way.

RANT - PayPal.

I recently found a very gently used skydiving rig. This is something that I stumbled across after searching for weeks. It's perfect, and fits amazing. So, I bought it.

This, my friends, is a massive purchase. But one that's well worth it.

Luckily, the girl I bought it from allowed me to use PayPal so I could charge it. Well, I thought I was lucky.

After a number of issues getting this to go through on the site, I called PayPal customer service to some assistance. This is where the real problems began. 

The rep. was not only incredible rude, but completely unable to help. I wasted 20 minutes on the phone with a person who essentially told me that I'm an idiot and that there's nothing she could do.

Just how I wanted to start my morning.

Where I was truly lucky, is that the girl on the other end of the payment allowed me to pay through her dropzone and avoid PayPal altogether. 

Thanks for nothing, PayPal.

Now, onto something more positive.

RAVE - American Express.

This past week has been intense when it comes to travel. I went from Cleveland to NYC back to Cleveland, to Michigan that same day then to Lexington, back to Michigan and now I'm finally back in Cleveland. 

Get all that? Whew!

Within the last hour I was in Lexington for a client meeting, I went to lunch with a colleague and left my credit card at the restaurant. Oops.

Naturally, I got on the phone while driving, didn't have an account number, credit card number, anything. 

Within 5 minutes the lovely man on the phone was able to confirm my account, cancel my card, and have a new one shipped out that arrived at my office about 20 minutes after I did today.

Talk about some bad ass customer service!

Needless to say, when it comes to my finances, AmEx made my day, even after PayPal did their best to ruin it. 

Maybe AmEx could pay their reps to train those over at PayPal - certainly they could use it.

Cheers!

-A