Busy Bee Cafe — Restaurant in Pearland

Complaint Against Busy Bee Cafe and Staff (1 of 2)

Summary of Incident

On Nov 3rd, 2024, I visited Busy Bee Cafe and experienced the worst customer service of my life, primarily due to the behavior of a waitress named Cindy. Cindy was not only inattentive and rude, but her actions reflected intentional neglect, deception, and outright prejudice. Her conduct, combined with the negligence of management, created a humiliating and unsafe experience that must be addressed.

Detailed Account of Events

Initial Visit for Breakfast:

I arrived at Busy Bee Cafe earlier in the day for breakfast with my business partner. During this meal, Cindy was already inattentive to our needs as a waitress, failing to provide adequate service. My business partner and I was very disappointed with Cindy's service. This was my second time being here.

After breakfast, I informed Cindy that I would be staying at the cafe for a while because I had another business meeting scheduled later in the day. Cindy acknowledged this and said, "Okay."

Attempt to Get Service:

After my business partner left, I remained at the table and raised my hand multiple times to get Cindy’s attention. I needed her to clean the table and wanted to order hot cocoa because I was feeling cold.

Cindy saw me flagging her down repeatedly and even acknowledged me, saying, "I’m coming." However, she intentionally ignored me and proceeded to serve every table around me.

Final Attempt to Get Service:

After being ignored several times, I waved at Cindy and told her, "I have been trying to get your attention to order and to clean off my table." Instead of assisting me, Cindy hollered at me loudly, over a couple’s table that she was serving, and rudely stated, "You’re taking up space, and I’m not going to serve you."

This behavior was humiliating and clearly demonstrated her lack of professionalism and prejudice. Cindy’s actions deceived me into thinking she was coming to help, only for her to intentionally neglect and refuse service.

Manager Involvement:

I immediately reported Cindy’s behavior to the manager and requested another waitress to assist me. Another waitress was assigned to my table, but Cindy continued her rude and unprofessional behavior.

While I was speaking to the manager to report her behavior, Cindy interrupted me and continued hollering at me. I firmly told her, "Ma'am, you didn’t want to service me at my table. Please do not talk to me right now; I am speaking to your manager and reporting your behavior."

Safety Hazard Neglected:

During my time at the cafe, I noticed water on the floor, dripping from the AC unit in the ceiling. The water had created puddles large enough for someone to slip and fall.

I informed the second waitress about the hazard, but she refused to clean it up, claiming the puddles were "too small to bother with." I then brought the issue to the manager, but nothing was done. The water remained on the floor, posing a clear safety risk to all customers, especially elderly patrons and children. This 2nd waitress was my first waitress I had tipped the very first time I came here and tipped her 20 dollars. Which I was planning to give Cindy a nice tip but her service was terrible from start to finish.

Violations Committed

Federal Violations:

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II (42 U.S.C. § 2000a): Cindy violated federal anti-discrimination laws by refusing service and treating me differently than other customers based on prejudice.

42 U.S.C. § 1981 (Equal Rights Under the Law): Cindy interfered with my contractual right to equal service as a paying customer.

State of Texas Violations:

Texas Penal Code § 39.03 (Official Oppression): Cindy abused her position as a waitress by refusing service, hollering at me, and intentionally humiliating me.

Texas Penal Code § 22.041 (Reckless Endangerment): Cindy and management endangered customers by ignoring the hazardous water on the...

Continuation: 2 of 2

Complaint Against Busy Bee Cafe and Staff

Summary of Incident (continuation part 2)

Violations Committed

Federal Violations:

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II (42 U.S.C. § 2000a): Cindy violated federal anti-discrimination laws by refusing service and treating me differently than other customers based on prejudice.

42 U.S.C. § 1981 (Equal Rights Under the Law): Cindy interfered with my contractual right to equal service as a paying customer.

State of Texas Violations:

Texas Penal Code § 39.03 (Official Oppression): Cindy abused her position as a waitress by refusing service, hollering at me, and intentionally humiliating me.

Texas Penal Code § 22.041 (Reckless Endangerment): Cindy and management endangered customers by ignoring the hazardous water on the floor.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 110.002 (Freedom from Discrimination): Cindy’s discriminatory actions violated my right to be treated equally in a public accommodation.

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): Cindy engaged in deceptive practices by falsely acknowledging my requests and intentionally lying about her intentions to serve me.

Texas Health and Safety Code § 757.002 (Premises Safety): Cindy and management failed to address the water hazard, violating safety laws meant to protect customers.

Negligence and Safety Violations:

Premises Liability (Common Law): Cindy and the other waitress and the management failed to fulfill their duty to maintain a safe environment, exposing customers to unnecessary risks.

OSHA Standards: The dripping water and Cindy’s neglect of the hazard violated OSHA’s safety requirements.

Hospitality and Professional Standards Violations:

Breach of Implied Contract of Service: Cindy breached her obligation to provide reasonable service by intentionally neglecting and deceiving me.

Deceptive Practices: Cindy’s actions of saying "I’m coming" multiple times and never returning were intentionally deceptive and unprofessional.

Requested Action

I respectfully request that:

Cindy is terminated for her discriminatory, neglectful, and unprofessional behavior. Management undergoes training on proper customer service, anti-discrimination policies, and safety protocols. The restaurant is held accountable for failing to address the hazardous conditions and management negligence. The incident is investigated by appropriate regulatory bodies for violations of federal, state, and safety laws.

Next Steps

I will be filing complaints with the following authorities:

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for discrimination and civil rights violations. OSHA and Local Health Department for safety violations. State of Texas Civil Rights Commission for discriminatory practices. An attorney to pursue claims for emotional distress, negligence, and discrimination.

This complaint is submitted to ensure that Cindy and Busy Bee Cafe are held accountable for their unacceptable behavior, unprofessionalism, and disregard for...

Let's go in order. They made my family of five sit in a tiny booth, with barely enough room to put the food we ordered on the table. (Was expressly told NOT to go in the back room which has a sign that said restricted to parties of 5 or more... even asked about the sign and was still told no) Scrunched up and on top of each other the entire time. Bumping elbows as we attempted to eat the food.

The food:

Coffee tasted like water from an ash tray. Couldn't drink it. Ordered over medium eggs and they were so runny that cutting one egg soaked my entire plate in yolk. I actually don't mind over easy eggs but these were so undercooked that the yolk was still cold. Couldn't eat them. Hash browns were soggy/mushy, and being soaked in cold yolk from my egg made them inedible. Couldn't eat them. Biscuits and gravy were completely devoid of any flavor (which I had to pick up and eat by hand because they didn't give us enough silverware). Only ate half because I got tired of eating with my hands.

Everyone at our table ended up leaving almost all of our food on our plates because it was just... not worth eating. No better way of putting it.

Of all of the restaurants I have eaten at in Pearland, this one is the first one that I can say completely disappointed us. The entire experience was awful. We couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Our waitress seemed like a sweet lady. That is the only thing remotely positive I can say...