Published: 10/14/2019 5:00:12 PM
In these times of loss of trust in once venerated institutions, politics which seek to divide us, and rampant greed and corruption, finding relief can be challenging.
May I remind people in the Valley that we have one institution we can absolutely trust and count on. It is incorruptible, and it never fails us. It is Joe’s Pizza. Regulars of Joe’s who willingly put up with waiting in long lines at certain times do so because we know Joe’s is absolutely fair.
No one gets moved ahead on the wait list. Placing a bribe to get a child into college appears easier than daring to try it for a table at Joe’s! And, in over 35 years as a patron, I have had only one mistake on a bill, and it was in my favor. (Yes, I corrected it).
For the years I’ve been a customer, I’ve experienced consistently good food, fair prices, excellent staff, concerned, hands-on management passed on to a new generation, and good humor despite the hazardous conditions for the staff caused by customers crowded in the aisle.
No “us” or “them,” no snarling. We’re all in together at Joe’s, and we know it. I am not writing this to benefit Joe’s. No pizzas have been offered or received in return. I am writing because it is a sorry day when a local restaurant outshines national institutions as a model of honesty, trustworthiness and value received.
But Joe’s also gives me hope. It shows people do have a sense of being in it together, a sense of fair play and bonhomie. Citizens, take note. We can do much better. Go on down to Market Street and see how.
Ann L. Hallstein
Easthampton