Trashed—Fueling The Debate For Not Tipping Corporate Standards & Customer Satisfaction Reach New Low

After reporting that Starbucks was forcing workers to pressure the public into tipping them—when paying by credit card—we were throttled to see trash piled up and a puddle of what looked like spilled coffee over the floor, creating a hazard, at their Tilton, New Hampshire location.

Disappointing, after notifying the corporate office of other hygienic deficiencies found at its Chestnut Hill location, on the outskirts of Boston, and other locations, we were assured they would look into our complaints.

Most disheartening is filthy stores are not the exception, but the rule. Employees are blatantly ignoring the obvious while believing they are entitled to a reward, even though they aren’t providing a safe and clean environment for their customers.

In the past, most corporate fast-food take-out locations refrained from allowing tipping and were always clean. Fast forward, it seems like this standard has been reversed; while burdening the consumer with their fiscal responsibility, they have become lax in customer service and appeal.

It is important to note that it isn’t just this coffee house that is ignoring the poor quality of employees and management. We’ve included a photo from a parking lot in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where Chipotle is located. Trash was accumulated not from a single day of use, but from many. The image shows seagulls and ravens scoring a meal and leaving the remains scattered for vermin to enjoy.

Inside, we found dirty tables and areas that needed a good cleaning—it wasn’t surprising.

Over at Jersey Mikes, in Wareham, Massachusetts, not far from the tip-cup, was a table that sat untouched during our visit. Opting for take-out, we lingered to see if an employee ever tried to clean the table. Sadly, while there were very few customers, leaving plenty of time to clean up, the staff enjoyed discussing their social life.

These are a few examples of what can be found daily. There are exceptions; however, we’ve noticed the best-kept dining rooms and parking lots are located at privately owned businesses.

We don’t mean ill will towards these companies, but we feel obligated to ask if there is an expectation to be met. Could it be the targeted demographic of these food service providers may not care or notice these issues? Or, perhaps, the employees are running the institutions, and these are the results. H