Justy's Produce & Flowers — Local services in Gladstone

I just went to Justy's this afternoon to purchase some pumpkins as I enjoy baking with fresh ingredients. I had my service dog of 3 years with me as I was looking outside, and I picked out the two pumpkins I wanted and came into the store. Since my arms were full with about 20 pounds of pumpkin, I had to have my dog on a slightly looser leash so I would not choke him as I placed the pumpkins on the counter. He is a very friendly dog and works in an elementary school every day and likes to greet people when he has the opportunity. Thinking he had that opportunity with the looser leash, he simply sniffed in the direction of some customers exiting the store to say hello. Then the owner Justy, began screaming at me! He told me that my dog was not allowed in the store, and I had to remove him immediately. I tried to explain that he was a service dog (who was now obediently sitting at my side). He kept screaming. His employee tried to explain that he was a service dog, as she pointed out that his vest clearly says, "Service Dog". He kept screaming. There was no changing his mind. I calmly tried to explain that he was violating ADA law and that I simply wanted to buy his pumpkins. He kept screaming. I said that I had come into his store many times with my dog before over the past 2 years and he had no issues with my dog in the past. He kept screaming. He threatened to call the police and I asked him to please do so. I asked again if I could buy his pumpkins. He angrily removed them from the counter and put them back outside. He called the sheriff's department and I waited for them to come with the employee apologizing to me over and over again, and my dog calmly sitting at my side. I do not recall ever in my life being treated so rudely by anyone. I have always desired to purchase from small businesses to help support our economy, but Justy did not allow me to purchase his product because I had a service dog. He lost a loyal customer today....

I'm sad to read reviews about customers receiving rude treatment and worse. That has never been my experience and it's just confusing to see stories of such wildly different experiences. While the man who's always helped us has never been in the running for Captain Chatty & Cheerful Extroverted Golden Retriever, I don't recall him ever being rude to me or my children. He has answered questions about both inventory and usage, he's been patient with my kids even when they were smaller and probably more stressful to have in the shop, he's help load my car when I've had weightlifting restrictions or was dripping in babies. In my head his name is Justy, but if I remember right from the website, that's his mom or grandma's name so maybe one day I'll actually remember his name if that's the case. We don't make it over there every year, but have been going for many years, maybe 8 years or so.

It's a small, local business. Yes, the fancy little things and the dairy and whatnot are going to be more expensive than at the grocery stores, even when it's the same product. If you think of it as getting a special treat or a nice gift rather than regular grocery shopping, maybe that will help you with the increased prices. They have a huge variety in their selection. I've enjoyed looking around with my kids and just seeing all the cool things available. We've enjoyed the fresh cut dahlias that don't last long but are nice and inexpensive, my kids have purchased fancy little rocks near the registers, we've enjoyed more unusual winter squash varieties, had fun picking out apples and other fruits, get less common peppers for making pepper jelly, and definitely get apricots by the box on years when I make apricot jam to torture my beloved mom, thrill my dad, and add some cheaper-than-berries jam...

I really wanted to like Justy’s. It was listed as a family must do on Red Tricycle. I took my 10-month-old and his older brother for a family expedition there to pick some tomatoes. When I had called to inquire about the price they told me it was $.49 a pound, but didn’t mention that there was a minimum. We didn’t know the difference and found out once we got there. We took our time and ended up picking some grapes as well and once we arrived at the registers I, feeling very embarrassed, had realized that I had left my wallet in my bicycle bag at home. I asked them if they would take a check for me, and I definitely understand the risks that come with that. However, Justy was entirely rude and just waved his hand in my face and a very dismissive way as if to say, “I don’t take checks and I don’t need your business.” I was so disappointed. We had such a nice time that I was ready to give all of my friends with children a glowing review of this place. I told him exactly how I was feeling and that I didn’t understand why he would be so rude to a new customer. He really didn’t care and didn’t pay attention to me at all. I believe his cashier was pretty embarrassed (seemed like she was his mother or relative) and was even ready to let us leave with the goods for free, but I would never dare taking produce from a small business owner for free. So sad, but I definitely didn’t leave my items there just to turn around and pay for them. It takes very little effort to be kind to others, and I wish that Justy would have done that for me...