Larry I.
Yelp
I used to live a few blocks from La Tomate. I have always considered it a wonderful neighborhood restaurant. Some time ago, for old times sake, I bought a Groupon for the restaurant. The Groupon expired, but it states clearly in the terms of the purchase that if you don't get the "deal", before it expires you still will get the value of the Groupon purchased.
I stopped by today to see what if anything could be done with the remaining value, and was told, dismissively by a young manager on duty, "we haven't dealt with Groupon for over a year, your coupon has zero value!" When I noted I didn't want a deal, just the value I'd paid for the coupon I was told, again dismissively, "it has no value!" (in direct contradiction of the statement on the online coupon.)
I've never written a negative review on Yelp! Not once. But the dismissive tone was offensive. I told the young manager I might spent another $100 on top of the value but I should not have to eat the full cost of what I'd paid for the Groupon, especially since La Tomate got paid for my purchase. He didn't budge.
I also have to wonder if my being a Black male in a hoodie and sweat pants played a role. I was walking home from the DuPont Circle Market on a weekend afternoon. The young manager had a relatively empty restaurant but was eager to have me leave and was incredibly condescending. I don't raise racial issues lightly, but in this case I have to ask the question.
I haven't been to the restaurant for years as I've moved out of the neighborhood. It held many fond memories. The attitude of the manager today erased all those memories immediately. His attitude angered me, but, worse, it saddened me...