Well, this may seem insignificant to many people, but to me, it really serves to get my feathers in a dander!
I live in a military town. It is a small town that really does depend on it's military to make up the bulk of income producing businesses. It can be like a ghost town during deployments since not only are most of the soldiers gone, but many of the wives and families leave the area and go stay with others in their hometowns.
So where does Papa Johns Pizza fit into this discussion? A friend of mine called them to order a pizza and asked for the military discount that they advertise in the phone book. She was promptly told the discount was for officers only. When I found this out, I called to ask about it and was told it was for Higher NCOs only. Well now, that certainly leave out most of the military now doesn't it? My husband is an NCO and when I told him, he was apalled that they would distinguish in this manner.
I asked the lady if she thought it was unfair to the lower enlisted and others in the military. She gave me the song and dance about how she didn't make the rules, yada yada and I should call back and talk to the manager tomorrow. I will do that, as well as the main company. See, I am a military wife, I know all about following chain of command. So, tomorrow, my dialing finger will be busy and then when my questions are asked and I have my answer, I will write an article about it, then I will talk to the local newpaper about running the article.
Yes, it is a small thing to some, but for me, when we send these young ladies and men to war, the least that could be done when they get back is offer a discount on a pizza, don't you think?
Plus, there is the question of false advertisement. The ad says military discount available, shouldn't it say military discount to higher NCOs available?
What is your opinion? If a company is going to offer a discount to a group, shouldn't everyone who is a member of that group be given the same consideration?
[question posted by lovesfreedom]
responses and comments:
I think that is terrible!! I think a Military Discount should be for all military-spousces included!! I know when I see the military discount sign or whatever I hesitate to try and get it since I am only a spouse but I have never had a problem. You would think they would give the discount to the lower ranks since they don't make as much money!! [Michele21]
LovesFreedom you just answered your own question. The bulk of your town is military. If they gave that discount to every single military person, they would make no money, go out of business, etc. Now, they definitely should have made it clear in the article that it is only for the NCO's. That, they were wrong with. I support our military and I think (in a very un-military like way) that all things should be equal. However, I get that they won't make money, but they shouldn't offer it for one group if not for all. [Melizzy]
Absolutely! Another case of discrimination. BAit and switch as it is called in retail. They do not deserve the business of the enlisted. Good luck on your research and keep us posted. I will definintely boycott Papa John's! [loujac3]
Thank you very much! You are right, they do not deserve the business of any military. what really burns me is that here, some of our lower enlisted take jobs there in order to make ends meet. That is another gripe not related to this, that any soldier should have to take another job is a disgrace. Ok sorry, back on subject. Thank you for your support. [lovesfreedom]
Hi Lovesfreedom; I don't see this as such a small thing. You have found a wrong and want to make it right! I agree with you 100%. If they advertise that there is a "military discount", then anyone who is in the military should get the discount. There shouldn't be any hassle to getting it either. I don't care what that woman said over the phone, if they offer it, it should be given. I applaud your sense of fair play on this issue. If your newspaper publishes the article (which they should as it affects many members of the community) hopefully this pizza chain will re-establish some common sense. Yes, these soldiers give so much to the rest of us, even things that we don't know about; and they deserve every reward they can get. This business should have their practices reviewed and I think you are on the right track to getting this solved. I'm sure there are many who will support you in your efforts. Good luck to you and let us know how it turns out. :) [suthernsmooth]
Thank you very much and thank you for seeing the bigger picture here. I have to do something, even though it is "just a pizza discount" we are talking about, it speaks of the unequality that to many have to live with. I know I am a bit partial to the military, being a spouse, but I would react the same regardless of what group it was. [lovesfreedom]
I would be riled too, I think your course of action is a good one. I am the wife and daughter of retired military men, and I have never seen that kind of exclusion - unless an NCO was trying to get into the officer's club. The enlisted offer their sacrifices just as well as the officers, and the e1's can use as much support, appreciation, and encouragement as the e8s, perhaps even more so. These young men (and women) are signing up for military service during a time when there is much uncertainty in the world - they did not sign up during times of peace and easy going (like perhaps the higher nco's did) if a place is going to recognize military duty - then by all means the newer members ought to be recognized! that would burn my beans! [Modestah]
thank you, very well put!! [lovesfreedom]
I think that this is a clear form of discrimination, false advertising, and (as someone else said) bait and switch. You cannot advertise a discount...a Military Discount...with nothing else in fine print...then say, "well, only for some military." It's ridiculous. It's blantly lying. I live in the same town, got my phone book out to check and it says, inside of a big red star, "MILITARY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE." It doesn't say, DISCOUNTS FOR HIGHER NCO'S. It says Military...not only that, but as long as you wear your ACU's, BDU's or DCU's...you're military. There are several restaurants in this area that give military discounts. Yesterday, my family and I went to Shonesy's. When paying with a credit card, they ask for ID, I automatically gave them my military ID. The lady told me that because I was military that we got 10% off the bill. I told her that I was a spouse, she said that it didn't matter, I serve too. Another place, even takes post dated checks (for paydays) for people in the military. It's in all their advertisments and they abide by it. I am so angry over this. The more I think about it, the madder I get. I think that tomorrow after you speak with the manager, I am going to e-mail Mr. Papa John myself and let him know what I think about this practice. [tarsadawn]
Thanks Tarsa! I was hoping for some help....you know the old saying, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! and you are correct, there are so many places that value our service members. Goody's is another, and my first time there, they asked if I had a military ID, I said the same, thing, I am a spouse. Their answer was the same, you serve too. [lovesfreedom]
If Papa John's does not want to offer a military discount to everyone in the military, then they should not offer one at all. The way they are doing it is just plain insulting. [tictac714]
Absolutely! A slap in the face of all military personnel [lovesfreedom]
That is frustrating. If it helps you to know, I'll be boycotting Papa John's Pizza. I am not crazy about them and this will give me reason not use them. The manager is the one to talk to, but it is frustrating when you want to take it out on the people who work there who don't seem to know anything. Stellar idea about contacting your newspaper. That DOES sound like false advertising. I hope you post an update on what happens with everything. Good luck! [AmbiePam]
Wow! That's crazy. I like Pizza Hut better anyway... [mazygirl]
Good grief! I'm appalled that a company would discriminate like that! If they're offering a discount to Military personnel, then it should be for ALL military, spouses included! I'm glad that you decided to do something about this. Why should the pizza place be allowed to discriminate like this? Here's hoping you get the answers you need to write your article for the paper, and let us know how you get on with it all. Good Luck! [retardedrugrat]
yah that is false advertising! They should have put WHAT military it was for if they were going to play that game. I think that is horrible that they think they can pick and choose who gets it just to save a couple bucks! I hate when companies think they can do that! I would write an editorial if i were you, letting eveyone know what they did. [elizabeth525]
yes I agree with you GO GET THEM. I think that the military people should get their pizza for free it is the least we can do for them risking their lives to pertect us. I will call them here and see if thy say the same thing we all should do that in our home town and protest them. [hoghoney]
hey there! well, as a fellow military wife, i can uderstand where you're coming from b/c it always seems that the officers get the better deals, better housing, better pay etc. so, that would tick me off first. then, i would be mad that they advertised a MILITARY discount not specifying NCO or Officer. besides, what do they consider a higher NCO??? i mean, did they really ask for the rank??? that's wild. i'd contact the BBB in your area and see if that branch is affiliated and also check out the FTC.gov (federal trade commssion). if you ever want to get a business in hot water, then file a complaint with the FTC. what papa john's did was illegal. it was false advertising. it's also consider a "bait and switch", which is illegal. they baited you and then switched the terms. that's a big no-no in the retail world. your best ammunition in this case, however, is a nice letter to the editor about the matter in your local paper and ensuring that local manager that you will be spreading this information around to all of your military friends and sending out a mass email to all NCOs on base. they must not know about the military mafia...we all stick together!!! i wish you luck in your battle and i hope you see victory!!! one marine wife to an army wife :) [Joey322]
Things certainly have changed, attitude-wise, about how life on the "home front" is affected during an overseas war since World War II. I do not know if it was a conscious decision on the part of the people in Washington, D.C. to not make a big Public Relations push and get the public in a "wartime" mentality during Korea, Vietnam, the First Gulf War and all the other conflicts we have fought since 1945. Maybe this was to avoid getting the American public hysterical during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, and maybe in a way that kept the tensions down to tolerable levels, but I do know that we non-military families haven't been asked to sacrifice anything in times of war. Even now, almost six years into our war in Afghanistan and FOUR years into Operation Iraqi Freedom, everything for most of America goes on as if no wars were being waged anywhere. America's military families know better, of course, but I ask you...no matter how justified or not the war in Iraq is....other than brief news stories focusing on the bad events or how Congress is dithering on whether or not we should leave Mesopotamia...what is the American people thinking about? Anna Nicole Smith's messy love life and her mysterious death, Britney Spears' meltdown, who wins and who loses on American Idol, the crazy female astronaut who had an affair, and silly things like that. We don't stop and think, "Geez, there's a war on! Shouldn't we care a bit more about the soldiers and their families?" Apparently, Papa John's "faux military discount" is a symptom of the American way of waging war. I tend to think that the big wigs in the White House and Congress like it that way...divert attention from the fighting and the loss of life and not ask anyone to have the guts to do something for the men and women in uniform. [alexdiazgranados]
Sadly you are correct about the minds of americans on some things. I do think sometimes these are used as outlets or excuses to forget there is a war being waged. I personally was criticized for my way of looking at the whole brittney and anna nicole smith thing, because personally, it did not matter to me that brittney shaved her head and I am sorry for the death of anyone so young, but is this really newsworthy and shouldn't she be laid to rest in peace? Neither do I give a rat's behind about a love sick astronaut gone crazy. Not when my husband will be stepping on a white bus that will take him to a plane and back into a war zone for 18 months. Thank you for this comment. Some people do not realize what the opinion of fellow americans can do for or to an american soldier fighting a battle. I am sure it is that way for most any country's military. As for papa johns, I will be starting a new discussion on an update in just a few minutes. [lovesfreedom]
This is blatant discrimination. I am also riled at Papa John's Pizza. When you write your letter to the editor and all that, include the "Mission Statement" of Papa John's Pizza that hangs on the wall in their restaurants. I remember reading this one time years ago, as it talks about the importance of integrity and all that. You can probably find it on the internet somewhere. I imagine CNN wouldn't mind hearing about this little tidbit, and also, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Please let us know how it works out, lovesfreedom. I am enraged along with you. [Transdisc]
If they are advertising military discount then they should give it to all miltary personnel regardless of rank. If the soldier is out fighting for our Country they should give that discount to the families. I will not be ordering any pizza from Papa Johns if they are going to discriminate. It is hard on families when their loved one is away. Please let us know what happens. [scarlet2000]
I am horrified that they would do that to her, but I still love the pizza (mostly its the garlic sauce and cheesy bread)! I think it also must be area specific, because Papa Johns around here has always been fair. I remember ordering a pizza from them and it taking an hour and a half and 3 phone calls for it to get to my house. They were closing and only had 2 people working that night (Friday don't ya know!) so they gave me coupons for 2 free pizzas and were really nice about it. So I think that its location specific, just like that advertisement, we don't get that discount around here, unless it is silent and you get it as a surprise when you order. lol. [tanniebabe78]
I agree fully. They should have either advertised it correctly or not even offered it. But in a town like that it only makes sense to offer the military some form of discout. A thanks for being the only reason I remain in business sort of thing. [relaventmeanings]
they could atleast add that "conditions apply" or something like that if they didnt.. I think if it just says for military then they should own up to it. it is something small but I would think that would be false advertisement by not atleast mentioning that there are restrictions.. I bet if you do tell the paper or mention it to a newstation and if they put the word out I bet they would change the policy.. either to ALL military or they might even just stop that all together..either way good luck and I hope things go great for you! [jennifer611]
Gee, kick a guy (or girl) when they are down, the lower the rank, the less money they make, the more likely they are to order a pizza rather then go to a sit down restaurant. We went to the PJ in Great Lakes, we could not see the specials, because they were on the counter, displayed low, behind everyone's legs. After we ordered I saw the special and felt like I got ripped off. I asked the guy to cancel the order and then place it for the special, he refused, said it was company policy. Then said I was being cheap and petty for asking to do this. ( HEllo, I was unemployed and drove 1/2 across the country to see my kid graduate from boot camp, we were tired and hungry!) It then took over an hour to get the pizza and was not that good I wrote to corporate, using the email address, explaining to them that maybe the specials should be displayed somewhere they can be seen. I never got a response. I will never go to a PJs again, I will sooner eat frozen! [Debs_place]
I was a military wife as well and even now it would royaly piss me off. A discount should be, if they choose to disciminate by rank, be for the lower ranks as they dont earn as much as NCOs and Officers. I think all the miliary should get the discount regardles of rank and if I were you I would follow trhough to the bitter end and if there is another pizza place I would boycott Papa Johns. [whiteheather39]
There might be a little astrick by it where you will find in small print what they are telling you. So many companies do that. But you are right and I would write to the corporate office or email them. They have a web site you can go to and complain about it. You really need to go as high up as you can. They will probably send you a good coupon for maybe a free pizza. I am sorry they are treating the military like that. They should be giving them a free pizza when they come back from overseas. Good luck and be sure and go to the top. [onabreak2]
i would take the ad and let them see that as well at let them know that it doesn't distinguish the difference so they better now give you a free pizza [prttynpnkw83]
I get tired of these bait and hook advertisements. I am not a lawyer nor American but isn't it illegal to use this type of adversements in the states, I know it is in Canada, where i'm from. I have had a simular experience and didn't end up with any satisfaction so good luck to you and I hope your results are better than mine. [susaneverson]
I Believe you are right on this. All military personnel should get the benefit on their add because it doesn't say on their ad that it is for NCOs only. They are advertising false advertisement if they don't allow the other military to get the benefit they offered publicly. [p3halliwel2005]
OMG I could not believe that! the officers and higher NCO's make more money than us smaller enlisted personell! I would be having a hissy fit too! and if the ad did not state for certain military it should be given to all But then they are concerned they will not make a profit since its a military town right? OH that ruffles my feathers too I am ex military and its hard for me to shake people's hands when they say thank you for serving! there is such a twofaced deal with military and respect! Everyone says it words are easy but the proof is in the treatment of us military and vets! Hope you get satisfaction! but I am sure all they will do is give you a free pizza! tell em to wear it! YOU GO GIRL! [maries1952]