The Acai Shack — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

Walking a dog through your food prep area is inappropriate at any time and for any reason. To the older lady more senior person, we would have let it go with acknowledgement that it was wrong, except when advised, you chose to be confrontational, aggressive, condescending, rude and specified that it wasn't 'a big deal'. This was not handled in any way, in a professional or satisfactory manner. One would assume with COVID, all customers would be treated with due respect and consideration, and supporting local business at this critical time would be valued. The food wasn't exceptional enough to warrant me not making it a big deal, or to return or recommend. Just because we live in KeriKeri, and it is a casual lifestyle, it does not mean that casual is the way to address legitimate concerns of food handling protocols and work place health standards. The reason given by said person, was the dog was quickly walked through, on a lead as it was the only access point to reach the back of the building. Unbeknownst to said person, we are neither blind nor stupid enough not to notice the two access lanes leading to the back of the shop where the dog could have been quite easily and rightfully lead. Suggestion to the owners. Better staff training on how to address legitimate concerns from a paying customer, and to the young manager, perhaps a course on customer relations, problem resolution and health standards. In response to how he expected it to be handled, her response was 'good luck with that', when he said he would be taking it further. I too work in the hospitality industry as a cook, and have never, in all my time, experienced this. With all of that I give you a rating of one...