McDonald’s Retail Crossing – Complaint Regarding Franchise Owner Conduct & Customer Treatment I want to clearly state that this complaint is not directed at the staff or in-store managers at McDonald’s Retail Crossing. The employees have always been kind

I want to clearly state that this complaint is not directed at the staff or in-store managers at McDonald’s Retail Crossing. The employees have always been kind, professional, and helpful, and I have never had issues with the food or general service at this branch.

My complaint relates specifically to the conduct of the franchise owner and the way I was treated during a recent visit.

Due to ongoing power outages in my residential area in Roodepoort, I had been using the restaurant on a few occasions as a temporary space to work remotely while waiting for electricity to be restored and while arranging transport. During these visits, I remained a paying customer.

On one occasion, I was approached and instructed to leave the premises. I was not given a proper opportunity to explain that I was waiting for transport and in the process of leaving safely. The situation escalated quickly, and I felt dismissed rather than heard.

While I understand that businesses have policies regarding seating duration, electricity usage, and in-store conduct, I believe these should still be enforced with basic communication, fairness, and empathy. In this case, I experienced the interaction as hostile, humiliating, and lacking in dignity.

What made the situation even more concerning was that the owner allegedly took photographs of myself and my vehicle after the interaction. I did not consent to being photographed, and this felt intimidating, invasive, and unnecessary, especially given that I had not acted in a disruptive or ******** manner.

Customers should be treated with basic dignity and respect, even when policies are being enforced. Human decency should not be optional in customer interactions.

As someone who works in customer service, I understand operational pressures and the need for policy enforcement. However, there is a clear difference between enforcing rules and treating customers without empathy, dignity, or humanity.