Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. — Attraction in Pittsburgh

I truly hope this review is a wakeup call to you. To begin, I have been shopping Penn Mac for a very, very long time. Even when we moved out of town for about 15 years, I always stopped in when we were in town. So when we moved back to pgh two years ago, making Penn Mac part of my regular shopping routine was both a pleasure and essential. However, since returning to your shop I have noticed an increase in the negative attitudes and aggressiveness of the checkout staff. I can't say how absolutely disappointing and off-putting it has become. I don't have to shop at your market, I do it because it is normally a pleasure and it gives me a sense of inspiration, even during busy times. I am always polite and thankful with your staff but those folks at check out actually have made me regret, and quickly forget my enjoyable time in your shop. So much so that I have actually begun shopping elsewhere, successfully, for italian produce in the area. Today I was in for a few things I need for a dinner party. After finishing up my shopping I grabbed some fresh produce. I was very aggressively told I had to put everything into plastic bags by one of your male employees, an older man. I politely refused, as frankly, I don't use plastic, haven't for many years, and bring my own canvas bags for shopping. The guy proceeded to scold me about refusing the plastic and referenced the "ladies" don't like it at check out. The person, then went over to the checkout area and WITH the ladies proceeded to yell across to each other complaining about me and the situation in very passive-aggressive manner. I truly can't remember the last time I was made to feel so embarrassed while in a shop. I will again reiterate, I don't have to shop at your store - nor do any of your patrons. I definitely will not tolerate being treated so horribly and insulted by your staff simply bc I refuse to use environmentally stifling products such as plastic. Just to be clear, I normally ignore your negative staff bc frankly I enjoy shopping there so much, but today was absolutely too rude and inexcusable to not voice my disappointment and disgust. I often feel hurried at checkout, rarely get assistance bagging my produce, often get eye rolls and huffed at by your staff because I bring my own bags, and even have been asked to pay and finish up bagging after so they can get on to the next patron in line. I have the impression that they feel so comfortable with their positions and the economy that they think they are able to speak to me the way they speak in their own living rooms. I am not their family members, I am your soon to be ex-patron. I/anybody can get many of your products other places (including online) and in many cases at the same price or cheaper - but most of all, without being insulted and attacked by your staff. I know you can do better. I hope this message catches your attention and helps to wake up some of your staff members before you lose all of your business to more friendly shops around...

Nice selection. Efficient and helpful counter staff. One rude and high-strung checkout person. Still, overall a good experience.

I took my mother Saturday shopping today in the strip; coffee, chocolate, sundries. Stopped at Penn Mac for meats and cheeses. It was early afternoon and not overly busy. I asked a counter person about an item and she came right out from behind and walked me over to it.

When we arrived at the checkout with our ~15 items there was no wait. As I brought my basket up to the line the cashier told me to put everything on the roller. I noticed it was said as an order as opposed to a request. I just said, ‘yes Ma’am’ and complied.

Beyond the checkout I noticed some empty boxes and I asked if I could use one. She looked and said they were full, so I pointed out that they weren’t. She seemed rattled.

The cashier from the next aisle asked what it was I needed and I said “ I was just asking…”. Our cashier then, raising her voice, began to tell me off to the effect of:

‘If you would just be patient I’ll take care of this. I’m handling it. You don’t need to..[I was stunned and don’t recall the details]…Just be patient and I’ll take care of it.’

I said nothing and just looked at her pretty much dumbfounded.

I wanted to say that’s ok we’ll just use the available bags. I decided, given her outburst, that it was best to just keep quiet and I never said another word to her. I would have been happy with a ‘no, we don’t provide boxes’.

I think the other cashier then went to look for another box. Our cashier said as much and mumbling something about the size of the box either being too small or too large.

At this point, what had been no line was now 3 or 4 deep. Our cashier ‘apologized’ to those in line, presumably on my behalf, saying that there would be a little wait.

A box (about the same size as the one I had pointed out) was dropped off. The cashier boxed the items and wished us a good day.

[edit: I originally had this rated as a 2 but in retrospect I’ve upgraded to a 4. I believe the other cashier was trying to be helpful and someone (a manager?) did seem to appear to oversee at the end. Probably why we were...

I've always looked forward to coming here when visiting Pittsburgh, but a recent experience has changed my perception. I purchased a product I really enjoy and brought it home. The item was in my kitchen when I noticed a smell and investigated. The paper seal was completely on the jar, but the jar was greasy and then lid moved a bit. There was a big grease stain on the gift bag the jar was in. I suspect that the lid’s seal had been broken. And as the product spoiled and fermented it oozed out of the jar. I didn't see a date on the jar. I contacted the store's customer service, and sent them photos. I asked what I should do (a lot of times, stores want a batch number or some other identifying information) After a little run around it was decided I should keep the lid, dispose of the spoiled contents, bring in a receipt (I don't typically keep grocery store receipts, especially on a tried and true product.) with the lid next summer when I'm in Pittsburgh again, and they'll exchange it for me. The PA Macaroni Co. has an online business. It would have been quite easy to simply apologize and put one in the mail to me. Especially since it might have been the handling of items by their cashier or a stock person that loosened the lid in the first place. Or it could be a legitimate case of contamination, botulism or the like. Most businesses would want to investigate further. Not these folks. Instead, I was told "see you next summer" by Rose in Customer Service. So, I guess I'll wait 8 months for a replacement. In the meantime, I'll let the let the manufacturer know in case they want to look into it further. The product sells for almost $30 or I’d simply have cut my losses. The hallmark of any business is how they handle a customer...