Notes from the Desk

Author: Jay Dolan

Last Spring a laptop computer was stolen from a Middlebury student by a Two Brothers Tavern (TBT) delivery guy. This year, multiple people have told me about encounters with some feisty employees when they called before the 10 p.m. delivery time. I love TBT and I was the first to defend the establishment. The theft, I put off as simply a bad employee who was definitely fired after the incident. The second incident, I blamed on my friends for being obnoxious patrons.

I recently tried to order from TBT. Having missed dinner, I thought it would be a great opportunity to sample the new menu as well as dispell the recent negative feedback. I made sure to call after 10 p.m., thinking it would be safe to call at 10:10pm. Silly me…

Unfortunately I don't have the space to go into details, but the end result of my phone call was several expletives, directed toward me by an angry employee.

I was astonished. Had I been obnoxious or rude over the phone? I really didn't think so. I have made countless orders to TBT. Last year, as a reward for my business, I received numerous 15 percent off coupons, which I proudly displayed to my friends. Let's just say I thought TBT and I were tight. Apparently we weren't tight. We weren't tight at all.

TBT, I have loved you since the day I first tasted your wonderful philly-cheese steaks, but I must say I am disappointed. In fact, I am hurt.

I feel that every student at Middlebury should be forewarned of this recent turn in service. When calling, make sure you are as polite and courteous as you can be. The slightest folly may end up in heartbreak for even the most dedicated patron.

Writing this comes at a great cost to me. The byline of this column and the recent opening of facebook make it very easy for TBT to know my identity. For this reason, I will never patronize the establishment again. From the movie "Waiting" -

You don't mess with the people who handle your food.

But I guess after my last experience, it's a sacrifice I am willing to make.