Vanellis, Villagio Food Court
I took my son for lunch in Villagio this afternoon. He wanted to eat some pasta. So I thought I would try Vanellis in the food court. 7 yrs in Doha I never tried this place either in Landmark, City Centre or Villagio.
You can choose what you want to put in your pasta. I tried to put my order to this lady (later on I found her name is G*****) that serving pizza to another guy. She said ‘go over there’ and pointing out to another male staff member. So here I go telling to this guy what my son wants to put in his pasta. Pasta, some cut sausage and some sauce. Then my son mentioned he wanted some cut tomatoes. Then when the male staff about to scoop some tomatoes to put in the pasta, G***** stopped him and said he cannot put cut tomato in my pasta. I asked her politely why not? She said if my son has a bad tummy I will complain to their stalls / establishment. I told her again … I guarantee I won’t complain if something happened with my son’s tummy. She insisted in not giving me the cut tomatoes. Hmmmm ….. right. Then I told her if she won’t give me the cut tomatoes can I ask the manager for cut tomatoes? She wasn’t very happy and scooped the tomatoes and along with a sour face, half throwing them to the pan …
By then I was really fuming … Why on earth I have to get treated like that? I paid the same amount of money like everybody else … Not discounted and not free either …
I decided to take it further. I told her I want to talk to her manager. She said there is no manager. I asked for contact number of the person who is in charge of the stalls. She won’t give me this either. Some other male staffs trying to say something to me but she shut them up. So I told her if I don’t get to see the manager I am not leaving, and will stand there until I got to talk to someone who is higher than her.
Then from the back of the stall a guy in a green shirt came out. It seems he is the one in charge of Vinnelis. He had obviously heard something going on and asked me what had happened. I told him that it was my first visit to Vinnelis in my 7 yrs in Doha, and if this is how his staff (particularly G*****) treated the customer, I can guarantee he will never see me again. He apologised to me and said he will have a word to the staff concerned.
So off I go sitting down and let my son enjoying his lunch. 5 mins later this man in the green shirt came to my table. He handed me his name card. Written as Mr.Tariq Siddiq Hassan Mawan as Manager. He asked me again exactly what had happened … I told him the same story. And he apologised again, and he promised he will have a word to G*****. I mentioned to Mr.Tariq … he should train the staff that any customer, with any skin colour, deserves the same treatment since everyone paying the same amount of money. I give a thumb up to Mr.Tariq as a manager for his very prompt response, although G***** was insistent there was no manager in the beginning, in the end I got to speak to him.
All in all the food was Ok and the manager was concerned about trying to keep the customer happy. However, if anybody reading this is running a business, make sure the staff are trained to treat the customer properly. Make sure they know that the customer is paying their salary and as they say in Europe, ‘The customer is King’. This is all to evidently missing across the board in Qatar!!!!!
[name removed by mod]
In defense of Mrs. Vanelli's, I've eaten at the one at Landmark many times. The pasta is good, and the employees are always nice even though they are usually swamped with customers. In fact, I often feel sorry for the employees because of the way they are treated by some of the more impatient customers.
man NFH, U just creeped me out, u took the words out of my mom's mouth, she said the same thing, now that they have been closed by the municipality and people have seen those infamous stickers all over the resturant..they'll actually start paying More attention to the quality of the food being served and the hygiene of the place alltogether..
hehe what a shame they're already blacklisted by me, along with other few places i know :)
Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back.
pretteyez, I've been here so long I've seen most of my favorite places shut down at one time or another. Figure the safest time to go is right after they re-open again and are actually paying attention to the health laws, lol!
i wouldn't go there myself, as it was closed by the health muncipality few months ago and had those stickers which says they breached the health rules, yikes!! ever since then i was like a big NO, am obssessed with my food and am scared of getting sick since i'm easily prone to
Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back.
They don't know the meaaning of "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION"
........... I got on with it some time ago, but people like you keep going on and on and on and .........
If Novita has been here for seven years or so, please don't tell me she has never encounter this type of thing-service before, in Qatar or Uk or Europe, come on... get real. i have encounter this all over the world in my travels, u get on with it and put it down to experience n smile...don't make a song & dance about it....
Thank goodness, some sensible posts at last:-)
I beg to disagree that you're rude! you are the sweetest wolfie I knew :D
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
:P
[img_assist|nid=73057|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
didn't knew that novita is being rude here?
never mind novi, we know how sweet you are:)))
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
Well said Alexa...I dont think Novi was rude at all or making a big deal of it, just sharing her experience and opinion as we all do here....
janeyjaney, stop flogging the situation. The poster did exactly what you said she should do, let it out (see original post:-) and that was that. Then you and others come out of the woodwork defending the rude staff.
I suggest you read the whole thread again and you can see that n77 has not said a lot.
Oh, obviously you have not worked for major hotels if they allowed you to be rude to your guests on a 'bad day'. As I understand, no matter what your day is like, the Hotel industry likes you to smile to your guests.
janeyjaney .... let it go!
:) Now, where did that come from? I just said to give it a break. What's the big deal about that?
You get bad days too sometimes, don't you? Just let it out and that's it. Move on. That's my point. Novita stated that she knows how it is because she worked in a hotel then she should understand.. I just don't see that. After all, we're all here in this country for work.. give it a break. You can pass a day or two w/o smiling. That's just what humans are capable of.
Life goes on............ :)
But if you think going up to the Manager will help your issue, then do that. Whatever floats your boat! IMO
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Janeyjaney, if you enjoy bad service, good for you! Some people just don't like paying money and receiving bad service. Employees sometimes forget that their salaries are paid because of the customers who spend money there. I actually do hope G**** whoever she is goes through a disciplinary hearing of some sort. There are tons of good employees out there that would die to come and earn a salary here, no matter what salary that is.
I don't think I am making a big deal here, just relayed my experience. It is some of the other posters above that have blown it out of all proportion.
It was a clear that my topic was 'customer service', why others need to bring Salary, tomatoes, respect, 'crapping in shoes' and even sacking the poor girl beats me. only said they need to train their staff properly.
Maybe you should read my post again in the correct context.
Okay Novita.. you have to relax and breathe. What do you want do happen here? For the lady to get fired? Is that worth it? Just so your son can have tomatoes in his pasta?
Give it up..let it go. It's one lousy day.
If you really value customer service then I suggest you work as a secret shopper and not rant on this small matter and make it as if someone got killed.
So, now.. everyone that reads this will have the impression of G*** of whoever whom shall not be named (ughh) is a lousy employee of Vanellis and that no one should eat there.
Pff. Btw, I do know what I'm talking about because as yourself I've also worked for a hotel.
Uhh.. whatever.
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"It's just one bad day, tough shot that Novita had to experience that. Just my 2c.. she has had a bad experience with this food stall that's it. Everyone does once in a while. Why make a huge buzz out of it?"
-----> It is swing and round about ... if i received good service i reported just as equally. Do read my thread on this link :
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/78046
feel sorry for novita,we always incounter same filipino,like in al alhi cafeteria,they dont know how to talk politely.but that lady whos name g maybe she what to tell you about the tomato is not good for your son,he might have diaria beacause they will not cook it good or something but she doesnt know how to explaint it to you...shes concern, but doest know how tell.i experiece ,after eating in fastfood with soup with tomato
my son had stomach pain and diarria.then he has viral infection.
it is always good to know the other side of the story. No offense to you, Novi......
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
btw, somehow i also experienced the same treatment in that particular place.
its so disappointing that i got that bad customer service to a female fellow kabayan.
i just dont understand why most of the filipinos here in doha who are working in that category are not friendly and not customer oriented.... even to a fellow kabayan. knowing the fact that they are not only representing the company they are working for, but also the country where they came from.
why and why?
what's wrong with them?
" if we are not part of the SOLUTION, then we are the PROBLEM "
Actually, it can be bought. Why do you think they are here in Qatar? Charity? Perhaps they acquire genuine hospitality, good manners etc, I guarantee you when they started their work here, they're not as horrible as what Novita has described them to be or that lady at that matter.
It's just one bad day, tough shot that Novita had to experience that. Just my 2c.. she has had a bad experience with this food stall that's it. Everyone does once in a while. Why make a huge buzz out of it?
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@vegas, 700 QR plus accommodation, food, and utilities. It adds up to more than just 700 QR ;)
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.
So sad if you think throwing your money around can buy respect.
Unfortunately you can throw your money around all you want, give it to whoever you want and tip everybody you like, and of course they will be ‘good mannered’ and say thank you ‘kind sir’.
But genuine politeness, good manners, customer service and even friends should not need to be bought.
You are also very selective in what you read, here’s an excerpt from one of novita77’s post above:
“On the way to the food court i even stopping by to some other restaurant that i frequent in villagio because some of their staffs recognized me and my son. I always spend few mins just to say 'hello' to them even though i did not go and eat in there.
I used to work in the hotel line before i came to Qatar ... before i being let out to handle the hotel guest queries on my own i had to go through 2 weeks full day training and 1 month on the field attached to senior.”
Respect has to be earned, not bought. From this I don’t see that ‘respect’ is an issue, you are being contradictive.
Looks like somebody here has lost the thread. It is quite clear here that the original post is not all about the tomatoes, its about the customer service.
If you believe you need to tip Gxxx for saving a life ……………… then ask her at the same time why she is displaying and selling something she knows will harm people!!!
Unfortunately many people here work for a low wage in comparison to others, It’s not their fault, they need to make a living, not the crap that you say you would fill their boots with.(lot of respect there, hey?:-) So if you say that the more money you have/earn gives you the right to [deleted by mod - no swearing] in other people’s boots, then supernurse is right, you obviously have some huge chip on your shoulders.
I do not know novita77, apart from her posts on QL,and I see no disrespect there, but for you to attack her personally like this is way out of order, she does not seem to have said anything offensive.
They obviously think that..
Well, I say get over it. It was obviously a bad day for that person..
Forget it and move on.
Vegas, how about we up size your meal?
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If you treat people with respect you get respect back...
Some people obviously think they are better than others...
I never have a problem cause I treat all people with respect...
You can't teach experience
If people actually know what they are doing (in that kind of job) at least a bit of sympathy would be present.. well, that's hardly the case though.
It's becoming more like "I'm paying you the right amount of money so what's with the attitude?!"
LOL.
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So when I see them comming I treat them like [deleted by mod] too
MOD me [deleted by mod - no swearing]
You can't teach experience
Maybe those are just bad tomatoes that she cut herself and she doesn't want Novi's kid to get a tummy ache or something.
It's possible. LOL
Well, you should always consider that they are under paid and probably works more than just the regular work hours and the phrase "The Customer is Always Right" is always abused only here in the Mid-East.
Nothing should be taken personally.. nothing against them at least. It would suck to be working longer than 8 hours, lousy management and be it underpaid. Their managers probably treat them like shyte.. I don't see any reason to smile about that.
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Poor poor lady whine about no tomatoes...
She was probably trying to do you a favor...
[deleted by mod - no swearing] I can't believe we making such a big deal about this...
I'm gonna go there and give her a tip for saving life...
You can't teach experience
I think Vanellis is disgusting either way.
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Speaking of customer service, I found such a difference between Qatar and the States and only when I got here did I realize how bad customer service is in Qatar. Sales people actually smile here,talk to u and try to help out!!
On the other hand, I think there are factors that come into play such as salary (ones in Qatar are underpaid and overworked) and this whole inferiority mentality, i.e. some customers may think that the sales people are below them or the sales people may fear that if they talk to the wrong customer they risk getting deported, etc so all of that doesn't help in the customer-salesperson relationship.
I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong -Garfield
Genesis thanks ... i guess that would be my first and last visit to the establishment ...
I'm sorry to read about your experience. However, i must point out that the vanellis stall was shut down twice on both Villagio & landmark by the municipality.
I wouldn't think the pay had anything to do with it unless one has a massive chip on their shoulder! Its just about good old manners!
You can't teach experience
........Vegas, U so small minded!!! I earn a lot less than the majority around me, but that is no excuse for being impolite and bad mannered. I have met newspaper sellers earning a pittance, but they have the time to be polite, my cleaner is also polite. A lot of the lowly payed labour are polite.
So what has earnings got to do with being friendly/polite to those you meet and serve?
I imagine you earning a good bit more and arrogant with it!!! Does this mean that you hold those earning more than you in contempt and are rude to them?
You can't teach experience
I dont really like blog, i love messed around with pics though.
I do enjoying reading your blogs in few sites. Especially the toyota and qatar airways , my husband thought it is hillarious :-)
Novi, I am thanking u for bringing something entertaining into my life, the summer was gonna be boring. I'm goinv to Vanellis today most likely, to begin the games MUAHAHAHAHAHA :D
I'll mock the living hell out of that G****** :P
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"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" - George Galloway.
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You know I was talking about this yesterday.
I was at Burger King in City Center and the woman wasn't rude, but she wasn't friendly either.
No, "Thank you sir, please come again". No "30 riyals PLEASE".
Very direct and rude. From my experience Philipino people are so amazingly friendly, but it seems that in places that are fast food, they aren't trained at all (This is based on my experiences).
For me, I think I'm a strict boss. I'll treat my employees nicely, give them perks, and proper training. I'm very strict with complaints though, and if staff aren't friendly and courteous, they're out. Simple as that.
Novita, you should seriously consider blogging more.
Grab a blog at http://www.iktib.com :)
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.
Way to go Novi! I hope she learnt a lesson.
I dream of a better tomorrow where Chickens can cross the Road without having their motives questioned - Unknown
Good idea T-coffee ....., lets all get served one at a time by Gxxxxx and each one of us insist she throw in the tomatoes!!!!!
Brandylady ... pasta was allright ... but my husband wellknown to make better pasta among our friends in Qatar. Lol.
In the states... Maybe she watched US news???
Turned out to be pepers and not tomatoes though...
You can't teach experience
The customer is always right, staff should be trained I agree, to treat ALL customers with respect, with a smile and make it a pleasant experience for them.
After all that, did your son enjoy his luch???
Lets have our next evening out in Vanellis, Villagio Food Court.
Hello to all! Hello, novita77! Thanks for sharing your story/encounter to us. =) At least, the rest of us, QLers will be aware of how these people would treat us. Considering that Ms. G is working in a food establishment where service counts more than anything else (even greater than the taste of the food), she should watch her actions/manners. We should only be thankful for people such as her manager who treated you fairly.
Hey! Say, how about a lunch/dine out of all QLers there?! And let all of us let Ms. G do our cookin'! Hehe! =D
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alexa!!!! i've gotta see your glare.
We put it in sandwiches, salads and mainly tabboule.
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But if they are scared to use them - why put them out?
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
thanks pwb78.
i was trying to figure out why the tomato was suddenly evil lol
Am afraid those staff asked for it and they deserve it.
Think the owner of the place is an Italian lady. Met her some 7 years ago when they had the outlet at The Mall. She was taking care of the business properly and very closely.
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I don't think the "no manager here" has anything to do with skin color. I've been told that many times, and have to be extemely persistant to get someone to come and talk to me. I find that once you ask for the manager's phone number, then someone magically appears:) I think it's just a first attempt to get people to leave without having to solve a problem.
Raw tomato scare in the US recently - E coli I think.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
can someone please explain why putting tomatoes into pasta was frowned upon?
Unfortunately I find this story of "there's no manager around" quite common in Qatar. It happened to me at Carrefour in Villaggio. I waited for 45 minutes to speak to a manager and gave up. Of course I made sure I wrote a comment and gave it to the supervisor. Next day I told the manager of the Carrefour City Centre about the incident and asked him to follow up. To date no one has phoned me to apologize. The results? I will not shop at Carrefour Villaggio and will only shop at other Carrefours if I really have no other option.
Novi, I think what you did was great. Most people do not stand up for what they believe in. Not wanting to be negative but I do not believe G***'s behaviour will change. I hope the manager had a chat to her...
You can't teach experience
I think that place just re-opened. Weren't they the ones shut down by the health dept recently?
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
After your thread Novi, dont think ill try that place at all, your one of the most tolerant people i know and if they manage to do that to you, then somethings wrong with that place..
UKEngQatar ... i am normally a very nice person when comes into shopping. On the way to the food court i even stopping by to some other restaurant that i frequent in villagio because some of their staffs recognized me and my son. I always spend few mins just to say 'hello' to them eventhough i did not go and eat in there.
I used to work in the hotel line before i came to Qatar ... before i being let out to handle the hotel guest queries on my own i had to go through 2 weeks full day training and 1 month on the field attached to senior.
I guess they dont do that in Doha ...
Nadt ... Lol at your comment about the food. In the said establishment you can see they cook the food in front of you, so i guess rather difficult to do anything to your food then. Don't think i would go back there in a hurry ... :-)
Lovinni ... i wonder how many times she said that to the unhappy customers? The manager not around?
TheXonic ... no need to thank me ... i only stated the fact that happened.
Superdoc ... thank you for reading my venting Lol.
What is it with 'customer service' here in Qatar? I have also been here a few years, had problems with 'customer Service from all types of retail outlets, not to mention the Qtels, Kharamas, Police, Immigration, Garages the list goes on. Granted, some of those I mentioned dont have to worry about future custom, but being polite and courteous does not cost anything!!!!
\The customer is always right. "especially in your case today" I wish that they train staff about customer service before letting them out in the big world..
I remember working for KFC in Central London in my college days. Even though I was partime staff, I had to go on a three training course plus ready a lot of manuals about food safety and customer service. Only after signing a form that I have read the manual I was allowed to work there , even though I worked there for a few weeks..
Yes they really need to train their staff..
Well done Novita, people like you make our lifes easier otherwise people like G***** will do as they please..
[name removed by mod]
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HE WHO DARES WINS
hats off to you novi...it takes one good complain for a quick solution. coz if you ignore these issues they will never learn. some staffs would immediately say the manager is not around to save them from trouble.
well one lesson for miss G***** and hope there will be no more "G*****" in customer service.
[name removed by mod]
I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it. ~Charles Schulz
good one Novi, your right we should all speak up when treated badly, just make sure you speak up after youve been served the food and not before, as you dont want any nasty ingrediants in the food which dont belong to the original recipe...
Novi u r the best, u r the superhero of QL :D.
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"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" - George Galloway.
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You did the right thing Novi.
that's one way of making them improve their services...if you hadn't had a word with the manager this would go on and on.. and on.. and on..
not a good experience though novi.. but at least you have align their service accordingly..
[img_assist|nid=12867|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
Ah thank you novita, u gave me a reason to have fun in Qatar... Vanellis here i come hahahaha :D...
I'm sorry to hear about what happen with u.
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"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" - George Galloway.
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