Frye's Roller Rink — Local services in Concord

I had my daughter's birthday party here this past weekend. Everything about the experience was absolutely horrible. I understand that theres always a few bad apples in the bunch but this basket was full of rotten prunes. I have never been somewhere where ABSOLUTELY ALL of the workers are rude, condescending, and seemingly mad at the world. After giving a deposit over the phone, I called back a few days later confirming that I could stop by for the invites. I was told by the lady answering the phone "Honey, you have to call me back because its lightning" click. I would later find out that this same lady is the person you pay at the window upon entering. She acted more like a Gate Keeping troll in one of those fantasy stories (with a baseball cap and fanny pack). She seemed to be hating life and wanted others to join in. During the party, I felt like I was bothering them if I asked basic questions. I was there about 20 min early to set up the extra decorations that I wanted in addition to the purchased birthday package. I was told that I could not enter the room until it was the actual party time. I had to sit and wait with all my stuff in the skating seating area. (I later found out that there was absolutely NO OTHER parties going on in the rooms- they were only continuing in their efforts of making everyone miserable like themselves). There were lots of younger children in my group so we needed the beginner skates- they looked like they found them in the dumpster behind another rink. They smelled the way they looked. When the obvious smell was pointed out to the guy behind the counter, he picked up a big can of lysol and gave each a quick spray- good as new (lol). My nephew fell and got hurt badly. He was scooped up and was being carried off by a staff member to God knows where. I literally had to chase the guy down asking him where he was taking him. I was IGNORED until I screamed like a mad woman "Where are you taking my nephew?!". The guy the stopped, gave me a nasty look, and told me he was taking him to "the green room" (whatever that was). For whatever reason, he decided to sit my nephew on one of the seats by the actual rink while he got ice. During this whole ordeal I missed the call for me over the loudspeaker to come up front and pay. The second time they called me- I felt like my mama was calling me to wake up for school for the 5th time. The food was nasty. Half the games were broke. Everyone who works there seems to have permanent frowns- I will never spend another dime here. I paid ALOT for the package but I dont care if I paid $1, at least pretend to appreciate...

The place itself and the issues others have with it

There are some major things to know that are significant about this place, including where problems typically arise and why you might see one-star reviews. First, this place is like a time capsule; it's been here for almost forever and has so much history! A lot of the architecture remains the same, as do the materials used, which are replaced or refurbished every few years. The charm is always there. Yes, this is an old building, but it gives you the true experience and vibes. If you don’t like feeling the A/C blowing, the carpet on the walls and floors, or the smell, then I recommend not going. These all provide a classic feel.

Keep in mind that kids have been coming here for years. This is a business involving shoes and skates, socks and feet, candy and drinks. Management vacuums and cleans almost daily, but spots will be missed. This place is huge, so anyone complaining about cleanliness must understand how trashed it can get on a Saturday night, especially pre-Covid when things were wilder with more people.

Regarding how management acts, they're fun people outside of work but stern when it comes to business. They don’t take things lightly, especially when it comes to safety or liability. They cover themselves and protect themselves, which is why they often stick to classic rules and are strict.

Unfortunately, being in Charlotte, drama does happen. Many complaints come from customers who are unsatisfied, either due to party room dissatisfaction or people who can’t control their kids and disrespect the people in charge, ending up getting an equal amount of attitude back. Workers will do that here when fed up, and so will management. They don’t put up with nonsense. Often, managers will mock customers who are arrogant, rude, or misinformed.

People often tend to believe things here are racially motivated when, in reality, people act in ways that inspire others not to put up with childish behavior or lazy parents who decide not to watch their kids and let them behave however they want. People often create their own issues, and management is not entertained by their behavior. I would say management isn’t necessarily racist, as some reviews say, but they definitely don’t put up with 'ghetto' behavior with the whooping and hollering and the sas, and some people need to question themselves about how they acted and how they let their kids create problems while they sat on...

Fryes was a holdhold name for my family until the night of my youngest sons bday celebration one of the staff members apparently took her job too serious.

Again, we come here several times a year and maybe bc Im skating, involved in a bday party or enjoying adult skate I never noticed but Ive read the reviews. This time I was quietly sitting enjoying my son skate on his bday.

Here goes, the staff member which I later found out it was the managers wife went out of her way to pester us about an empty water bottle I had brought in to split the water we bought from the concession stand. Then shortly came back to pest my son about his hoodie, kept sweeping the broom around us looking for something to pester us about.

The harassment was subtle but targeted and I couldnt believe it was happening. An argument brewed between us when I finally had enough and couldn't ignore it any longer. She was pessimistic, sarcastic and bored obviously. This seems like a routine for her as Im remembering the reviews I read earlier.

The couple next to me said she does this all the time to them and it was normal and aggravating.

An argument erupted, I finally told the woman to move on. She said I'm working and Im staying right here. I asked if she would not address me. She asked me would I like to speak to a manager. I said nothing. Walked over and asked for the manager. I should of known it was a set up. The manager was her spouse. He looked at me as I complained as if he didnt care to hear a word coming out of my mouth and stated well she's my wife after I pointed her out. It clicked, this woman feels entitled bc shes married to mgt. And this fool dumb enough to allow her to run customers away!

I too run a business so I understand customer service. This type of Kkk behavior will get you no where. I retreated, told the mgr nevermind and told my crew to return the skates were leaving. The woman comes back over and starts sweeping right next to me.

This subtle form of pessimistic behavior is whats wrong with America. When a family cant go somewhere and enjoy themselves without being harassed just because.

Its sad, you lost another family bc you were too cowardly to stand up and be a Mgr not a husband. This is normal, the staff that witnessed it didnt flinch. The customers around were not in shock as if this is ok. Harrassment of any kind is NOT ok, and I will not be...