Adi writes:

I ordered a pizza online tonight, and since there was no field to enter my coupon, I brought my coupon to the store. The staff member at the register was unsure how to enter it, so she got someone else to help me.

When I showed her the coupon in question, this woman informed me I couldn't use it. I asked why and she said I ordered online. I re-read the coupon and when I pointed out there was no online exclusion she said it didn't say it COULD be used online. I said that unless there was a printed exclusion, it should be acceptable. She refused, and I said that I would like to cancel my previous order and re-order my pizza using the coupon. Her answer was, "Fine. You can wait." She threw the coupon back across the counter and I asked, "Isn't the pizza already made? You're going to throw it away and make a new one?" She replied that she was and after commenting that that was ridiculous, I stepped back to wait. She then yelled, "What do you want?" I began to answer and she interrupted me, yelling, "I can't HEAR you." I spoke louder and placed my order and she held out her hand for the coupon. I handed her the page of coupons and again she threw it back, saying, "You have to tell me which one." I pointed it out for the third time, and she typed in the code and then threw the page away. I asked for the remaining coupons back and she snapped, "I'm not your secretary!"

At this point I asked if she were a manager and she informed me she was the co-owner. I was shocked a business owner would take part in such a display of such deplorable customer service. Of course, an employee would be fired in a minute for such belligerence.

When I got home I relayed the experience to my boyfriend, who insisted on calling and demanding an apology. After speaking to the owner, she refused to apologize and he informed her we would be contacting corporate. I realize she is a franchise owner, but I assume she is NOT the sort of person you want as the face of your company, and I suggest action should be taken, perhaps in the form of customer service training. I would also like to be compensated for my time and for the fact that I endured such vitriolic interaction.

I've been a Papa John's customer for a few years, and have never had a problem before, but something of this nature makes me think about never stepping foot in one of your stores ever again.

(Photo: LiveU4)

Jennifer Little, a Pizza Hut spokeswoman, said the new strategy is to treat cheese "almost like an extra topping." Little said the price change also could be justified because a typical cheese pizza has about 50 percent more cheese than a similar-size pie with one topping, such as pepperoni.

Rising cost of cheese cuts into pizza profits [The Courier-Journal]
(Photo: Mr Waby)

On the night of April 14, 2007, Mr. Kenneth E. Cole (yes, really) of Midwest City, Oklahoma called a Papa John's to order a pizza—a decision which triggered a series of events culminating in a Papa John's Pizza Guy and his twin brother doing a drive by on Mr. Cole's house (allegedly). It all started when Mr. Cole was treated rudely by the employee. Mr. Cole called back, complained to the manager, but didn't feel satisfied with the conversation. Mr. Cole then called another Papa John's and complained about the poor service at the first Papa John's. Finally, Mr. Cole called the franchise headquarters and left a message requesting a return phone call. That's when it started to get interesting.

From the complaint:

Immediately after calling defendant DCT Enterprises, plaintiff's phone rang and plaintiff's caller ID indicated that it was the first Papa John's store. Plaintiff answered the phone and was immediately confronted by the first store employee plaintiff had spoken with earlier. The store employee, among other things, said:

a. He knew of plaintiff's address and where plaintiff lived;

b.He also lived in plaintiff's neighborhood;

c. He was a gang member belonging to the "Blood's" gang;

d. He was going to "shoot up" the plaintiff's house in a "drive by" shooting; and

e. He was going to kill everyone in plaintiff's house.

Four (4) days later, on Saturday, April 21, 2007, a drive by shooting occured at plaintiff's home at approximately 11:30 p.m. At least four (4) bullets were fired at plaintiff's house. Plaintiff's car was struck by bullet, as was the car owned by plaintiff's brother. Plaintiff, his minor children and plaintiff's adult brother were all home at the time. Plaintiff immediately contacted the police who responded quickly. Four (4) bullet casings and one bullet were recovered from the scene.

The Papa John's Drive By Complaint (PDF)

Courthouse News (Thanks Attorney Wrangler!)

Atmosphere? Seriously? —MEGHANN MARCO

Papa John's gets consumer satisfaction honor [Louisville Buisness First]