Mac's Mart & Deli — Local services in Auburn

RE: Owner's Comment

The only embarrassing thing is discrimination as experienced by many others. There were no other customers to block, clearly, as you have time to respond during work. Of course your racism dictates only you were concerned about courteousness. Your disturbing behavior was anything but courteous, which is why the car didn't continue on. Be a better businessman; you won't have to write your own reviews then.

I understand that you decided to open an independent grocery store in an area that experiences crime, but potential customers should not suffer because of your poor business choices, your lack of forethought, and your narrow-minded worldview. I was immediately profiled by the attendant - presumably the owner - upon entering the store, despite greeting him with a polite "Good morning, how are you?" and clearly stating what I'd come in for. My identity wasn't concealed by a mask, hood, or hat; I wasn't carrying a tote, purse, backpack, or anything that could be used to conceal any items; my hands were visible and it was broad daylight. I'd even presented my ID as I was simply stopping by to purchase a lottery ticket on my way to a separate store in the same parking lot. None of that mattered.

He immediately refused to serve me, vaguely pointing toward others in my party (two of whom were children, by the way, and who never entered the store; all women and girls, as if that would make any difference to a racist) and saying that they could not wait outside in the car. I explained that I wasn't the driver; I explained that the car wasn't waiting, and it wasn't parking because they were heading to another store in the same parking lot. I was going to walk over to meet them after my purchase. He wasn't interested in hearing that. He'd made up his mind the moment I entered the store that he wasn't going to serve someone like me, and he kept repeating that they could not be there, becoming more visibly agitated (e.g., pacing around, shaking his head, looking over his shoulders, waving his hands). This was disturbing to both me and others with me just outside the store who, at that point, had seen what was happening and decided to wait because they were concerned about my safety. I didn't know this until I exited the store.

I'm a small woman compared to the larger, lone, male attendant who had all of the leverage in this situation, so his reaction was as disproportionate as it was confusing and, frankly, frightening. I certainly didn't want to aggravate him by turning suddenly to exit or reaching for my phone to tell the car's driver to move, so I asked for him to clarify what he meant and what he wanted me to do. He refused to explain, aggressively waved his hands to dismiss me, and told me to get out in a loud voice. Mind you, this entire exchange happened within two minutes of me entering and exiting the store. He has the right as a business owner to refuse service to anyone, and I wasn't there to cause any trouble despite what his despicable prejudices might've lead him to believe. I left as soon as he'd told me to, and I did spend my money elsewhere as he'd told me to. I genuinely hope that display made him feel better because I can't imagine moving through my daily life with that kind of bitterness toward strangers who don't look like me.

I'm writing this review because I see others have had similar experiences with this attendant, and it's simply not right, appropriate, or safe in a place of business. We've driven by this store many times on our way to other businesses, and this was the first time we decided to make a quick stop and check it out. I understand now why most people continue to pass it by, and I strongly encourage anyone reading this to do the same. I'm sure business is booming between the boarded up windows and lack of cars parked out front, so he clearly doesn't need any new patrons. His openly racist and discriminatory behavior, combined with his needlessly aggressive gestures are a clear indicator that this should be the first and last time that anyone visits this...

As much as I’d love to support small businesses, this establishment left a distasteful impression. The old gentleman ( never told me his name ) was the only one working. I was respectful and said hello and started browsing. It took some time for me to choose what I wanted to drink. Walked a lap around the rows and couldn’t find a snack. Then I came across the mints, deciding which ones I wanted, the old man raised his voice and said “ Are you done? “ with a tone and delivery of annoyance. Yes,I have a shoulder bag on and took some time to decide what I wanted— was that a violation of what an average customer would do? What conclusion did he jump to? Startled and frustrated I walked towards the register and asked if there was apple pay available or if it’s only a physical card that is accepted. He said a couple sentences with the same harsh tone and very much rushed to the point where it was inaudible. Finally after I politely asked him to repeat SEVERAL times, he slows down his sentence and I understood the message he was trying to get across. A small charge for total less than $6. Was that so necessary?

As for the rest of the reviewers, i’m glad you all have felt safe and welcomed at this establishment. I’ve only been here once with a clear conscience and an expectation of being respectful to one another.

To the old gentleman, thank you for showing me that you only want to nurture your relationships with your regulars. I’m holding you accountable for your lack of understanding of how to communicate with a new customer. It is none of my concern whether you had a bad day or not.. Your projection of your misplaced anger/frustration(s) is a clear display of lack of emotional intelligence.

You should do better, or don’t. That’s okay, I hope anyone else who gets the same treatment as I did holds you accountable as well.

May the reviews of your establishment reflects the truth of your services.

Have the day that you...

I've been going to the store for over 10 years now. The people who run and operate this facility are some of the best people I have ever met in my entire life when I've needed people and nobody else is there. These people have always been there for me. They are so kind. They have the biggest hearts and lately punks around here have lately started taking advantage of them breaking into their stores, stealing things and it breaks my heart to see that happen because these are some of the best people on the face of the planet. If you need cigarettes if you need beer if you need candy if you need anything you should be going to this store. Forget 7-Eleven forget all the brick and mortar stores. This is where you should be spending your money...