Island Naturals Market & Deli — Restaurant in Hawaii

I went in their store for a gallon of apple juice fast, before catching my bus, a security guard approached me, and asked, what my service dog did. I told her right away; and she wrote it down. Then she refused to let me shop. She kept telling me, "We have a policy." After about 5 minutes of this, I asked her to show me their policy. She walked me to the front, and showed me a piece of paper. I read the paper, and asked her what my dog did or didn't do? Her answer... "We have a policy." She just kept repeating the same line, and blocking me from shopping. Finally, I raised my voice; and a manager came and told me I could shop, and talk to her before I left. I got my apple juice, and went to Amanda, the manager. She asked what my dog did, I told her; and she didn't accept my explanation. In exasperation I explained that I was in a bad car wreck, and she's never seen anything except an empty back pack, or a ukulele on my back in years. I explained how my dog picks up things I drop, and carrys my groceries, because my back is injured. That's when she said, "That's right, I've seen that; and that's when she allowed me to go.

It was illlegal to detain me after the security guard wrote down the first thing I told her.

I missed my bus; and got home after dark; because Russell Rudderman has a policy of harrasing disabled people with legal service animals.

I met another woman with a service dog, who left their store crying.

She's the one who told me who owns Island Naturals; and a vote for Tussle Rudderman, is a vote to harass disabled people.

Amanda offered to let me read their excuse; so I could know what they're thinking.

I don't care. There's no excuse for disobeying the law; and this review is what the customer has to say about what I think of their policy.

Too bad I have to give...

This review is for the deli only, the rest of the store and people who work there are lovely. I've lived on island for a while and have gotten ready made food from island naturals in Hilo quite a few times. I feel that they are extremely stingy. 2 pieces of tofu in an entire dish, the smallest amount of veggie possible, etc. In a vegan dish there needs to be protein and a balanced amount of nutrients but thats rare from this deli. Today we got their vegan hummus quesadilla and were so disappointed! Out of 4 pieces, only one had any hummus on it and the amount of veggies was pathetic. It was mostly tortilla with a few vegan sausage slices. I don't know how the meat dishes are, if they have a fair amount of meat in them, but for the veggie/vegan dishes, this island naturals needs to step it up for their customers, especially for the price. And the made to order sandwiches are almost always incorrect or again, stingy. Island Naturals in Pahoa does so much better at taking care of their customers when it comes to made to order food. I love the people who work here and I love this store overall, they offer great products and bulk items, but the deli needs...

Normally like this store, although I like Pahoa branch slightly better. However I had a not so great experience today which has lowered my opinion.

I ran in before work because I had forgotten to eat breakfast, and I grabbed a quick small item.

At the register neither of my check cards (same bank) worked even though there was money in both accounts. The checker was not helpful did not suggest I talk to anyone and my only course was to leave without my breakfast. I called my bank after and they said the swipes didn't even register on their system, and the decline didn't come from them (makes sense since I had a balance on both) so it was the store.

I called the store to let them know, got the same person on the phone (strangely) and they were still not helpful. Told me that they had run other credit and it had worked, I asked was it the same bank? They didn't know what I meant. They said well I can let HQ know, and I'm all well that's something.

No "I'm sorry," no "how can we fix this", just "other cards were working" so not their problem.

Very dissapointed. Won't know now if my cards will ever work or not, less...