Small business owners put their hearts and souls into their operations
To the Expositor:
I’ve been visiting Manitoulin for 32 years. My friends are Daphne Campbell and her dear daughter, Lisa Campbell who has owned Campbell’s Drive-In for six years now. It’s always a treat to enjoy the food and friendship here. When I drive in to buy lunch and relax, there’s always a happy line.
But the other day, this August, something happened.
Lisa told me, “I went to do an ordinary clean in the afternoon and there was a box of partially leftover food with a nasty note written on a paper container that shocked me.”
The note written in heavy black letters stated, “Your food sucks. Hope you go out of business and your family starves.”
“Bonnie, I went into shock as I picked up the container with the writing. For almost 47 years our family has managed and enjoyed running our food business and appreciating our clients that come year to year. We have never, ever, experienced a remark from a client like this.”
“After some debate, I simply had to do something and chose to post this on Facebook; as a public service announcement as to how to address a complaint properly,” Lisa said. “We had her on camera and later could see how she sat in her truck and wrote this, and left it up on the tray rack in front of our restaurant.”
“I simply want people to be aware what workers in the service industry deal with, and how hard we strive to provide excellent food and service, always,” Lisa said.
When Lisa posted this on Facebook, she did not to expect receive 392 reactions and 261 comments!
“Wow, great!” I said to Lisa, enjoying the halibut for lunch, yes, that I paid for, sitting outside on the patio.
Lisa was so unhappy about the audacity of this woman on Manitoulin this beautiful summer. She asked, “Is this a lasting effect since COVID? It sure seems to have changed the way people treat each other. We’ve always had happy customers who come back, year after year to enjoy all that we serve…”
“I agree,” I said, “For 32 years, I’m always trying something new, like the pizza, pub style battered halibut, your regular homemade juicy hamburgers. And I’ve almost tasted each of the 28 flavours of ice cream, with two types of cones!”
“What unexpectedly happened, Bonnie, is that I’ve received so many phone calls and private messages. As well, other business owners have driven in from Little Current and Providence Bay just to have lunch and show their support to us. This is what our dear Island’s about, support, encouragement and uplifting us. Clearly that lady missed the mark on Manitoulin…”
As I finished lunch, Lisa asked me to write this, and it is my joy to do so.
“Please remember to respect us, working in the service industry, as we’re human and we strive to create delicious dishes that everyone enjoys,” Lisa paused. “We work tirelessly to create an atmosphere of welcome. We offer a patio where you can sit comfortably with family and friends and enjoy lunch, an afternoon vanilla float or a hearty dinner.”
On this Island, and everywhere, small business owners put their hearts and souls into their businesses and Lisa want us to respect and appreciate their dedication, and embrace what the beautiful Manitoulin is all about: kindness, respect and community.
You bet.
Respectfully,
Bonnie Kogos
Campbell’s Drive-in loyal customer
