Mary H.
Yelp
On Saturday, July 8, 2023, my 79-year-old Vietnamese sister-in-law asked me, her 78 year ol African American, born in Georgia and raised in Washington, DC, if I could take her to LEES SANDWICHES located, 3037 Annadale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042. This place was recommended to my sister-in-law from another Vietnamese as being a shop that has a variety of Vietnamese and other Asian foods. I picked up my sister-in-law from Upper Marlboro, Maryland and we drove in heavy traffic and sometimes spotty showers to get to this place.
When I walked in three Vietnamese elderly gentlemen were playing a form of checkers. I said checkers, but they never looked up, which I can only assume they were too much engaged in their game.
I followed my sister-in-law down one aisle while she began to pick up some food items that she liked. I asked her if they had a basket which she could not find so I told her I would go to my car and get some grocery bags. When I got back, I noticed my sister-in-law a little anxious and she appeared agitated and was trying to rush me along.
I also noticed that the elder Vietnamese male behind the counter (perhaps the Owner) looked upset and hollered something to a young Vietnamese lady behind the counter. It was then that I said, "I speak Vietnamese." I learned later after my sister-in-law and I had left the shop that he had told the young Vietnamese lady behind the, "not to wait on me."
I also found out why my 79-year-old sister-in-law was so upset. She told me later that the Owner (elder Vietnamese male) wanted to know why she was with me, and told her many disparaging things about me and my race. At this point I didn't know he had been berating my sister-in-law. I knew that I wanted to get 2 baguettes, but my sister-in-law was telling me no she would get them. Apparently, this place is known for their fresh baguettes and if you buy 5 you get 1 free. Not knowing that the badgering was going on between the Owner and by sister-in-law, I went up to the counter and before I could say anything the owner looked at me and said in a loud any angry voice, 'WHAT" I looked back at him and said, "WHAT" as well. I told him I wanted to pay for what I had bought.
I bought 2 spring rolls, 1 round white dough roll but there we no label on it to tell me what was in it or the date made, container of peanut brittle and bowl of VIFON instant Rice Noodle.
These three items cost $23.55. My receipt did not have these items broken out on it.
This was a very bad experience that I had with this Vietnamese Shop owner. I feel I was discriminated against by this owner and I would like this shop to be investigated. No one should have to experience the way he treated me. It was so uncomfortable that my Vietnamese sister -in-law was so upset that she told him that his behavior was inappropriate and that my money is just as good as hers. I will be sending a copy of my complaint to the Governor's Office, Department of Commerce, Office of Civil Rights and Senator Mark Warner and Tom Kaine and the franchise corporate office
This owner needs to be sanctioned and charged a fine. All individuals should be able to shop in a store and not feel intimidated or discriminated against. If you are Black or a person of color please don't shop here until this place is investigated.