University of Virginia Library

Distressing Matter

This afternoon I purchased my
noon meal at your "Open Square"
Cafeteria. I'm sure that your
knowledge of proper nutrition is far
superior to mine, however I have
serious doubts as to the value of a
meal consisting of beans and franks.
I am not fond of either of these
items, and there was no other
choice of meals.

As I had little time, and had
already waited in line over a half of
an hour to discover this meager
fare, I had no choice but to try my
luck and purchase that which was
available. After paying for my food
I discovered that there were no
condiments available. There was no
butter for my slice of bread (no
rolls today?), no mustard or catsup
for the beans and franks, and there
was not even any salt or pepper.

As I finished my meal I
discovered that my desert was
inedible. As only cookies were
offered, I had taken them. It would
seem reasonable that a person could
purchase cookies and expect that
they not be so hard as to have to be
broken with one's fist before
placing them in the mouth!

In short, a reasonable person
that has eaten at "Open Square"
previously should be able to expect
the usual choice of at least two
main courses, and several
vegetables, breads, drinks, deserts,
and of course, condiments such as
salt, pepper, mustard, catsup and
butter. As this reasonable
expectation was not met, I
respectfully request a refund of
$0.89 (eighty-nine cents) for cole
slaw, franks and beans, potato
chips, lemonade, and two cookies.
The price I arrived at was based on
prices quoted to me today during a
phone conversation with Miss
Owens of your staff.

Thank you for your kind
attention to this distressing matter.