As someone recently relocated to North Carolina and navigating the gluten-free dining scene, I was hopeful upon discovering Rucker Johns Restaurant. It boasted a complete Gluten Free menu and positive user ratings, making it seem like a promising find. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory, highlighting a concerning lack of understanding and courtesy regarding dietary restrictions.
Upon being seated, I immediately informed our waitress of my Celiac Disease and requested their Gluten Free menu. The menu itself offered a reasonable selection, and when placing my order, I reiterated that it was from the gluten-free menu. I even followed the menu’s instructions, requesting no croutons and unseasoned preparation where applicable. However, when the meal arrived, it was topped with a warm, buttered roll.
This immediately raised alarm bells. A different staff member, not our waitress, delivered the dish. I pointed out the issue, explaining my Celiac Disease and that the bread must not touch the food. Politely, I asked for it to be taken back. The server reacted poorly, snatching the plate and returning mere seconds later with the same plate, seemingly just removing the roll. When questioned if the meal was remade, she snarkily insisted “yes it’s new.”
Suspecting this was not the case, we informed our friendly and helpful waitress about the situation. She investigated with the kitchen staff and confirmed our fears: they had indeed simply removed the roll, rather than preparing a fresh, gluten-free safe meal. While the restaurant did remove the dish from the bill, the overall experience was deeply disappointing. The kitchen staff’s dismissive attitude and apparent disregard for dietary needs are unacceptable in the food service industry. A basic level of courtesy and understanding for customers with allergies, disorders, or diseases should be a standard practice, alongside a willingness to ensure their safety and comfort. A smile and genuine care would go a long way, especially in an industry centered around customer interaction and well-being.
