Do you think it was the Sprite?

We have a new pizza at work. It's called the Chicken Bacon Ranch. It has a garlic ranch sauce, chicken, bacon, onions, and tomatoes. All in all, a fairly popular and not-too-bad tasting pizza. I got a call while I was managing the other day from a customer (middle-aged, redneck-y) who was not at all satisfied with the new Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza. The conversation went something like what follows:

Very upset customer:
"I ordered the new chicken ranch pizza and I started to eat it, and, um, it kind of tasted like shit. I mean, it's disgusting."

My sincere response:
"I'm sorry to hear that sir."

Upset customer, sounding as if a good friend had turned his back on him:
"Well, I order from you guys all the time, and I love your pizza, I mean, you're my favorite pizza place and all, but I've eaten one slice of it so far, and I feel like if I eat another slice I'm probably going to vomit. I mean, this pizza is really disgusting."

Me, grinning and stifling a laugh, but appreciating the man's position nonetheless:
"That's strange, sir, because everyone else I've spoken to about it really enjoys the pizza."

Surprised, upset customer:
"Really? That's so weird. I really couldn't eat another bite. I think I would vomit."

Me, putting on my best customer service, man of the corporation voice:
"It is weird, because it's one of our highest rated pizzas ever. Corporate says it tested higher than any specialty pizza they had tested before."

Outright confounded, dumbfounded, almost ready to give the pizza another chance customer:
"Really?..... Well.... I was.... I was drinking a Sprite with it.... Do you think it was the Sprite?"

Me, now all but laughing out loud, not at him but because of how seriously he was taking the situation:
"No sir, I don't think it was the Sprite. Maybe the Chicken Bacon Ranch just isn't for you. I'd be happy to send you another pizza for free, if you'd like me to."

Immensely relieved that I wasn't going to ask him to take another bite with me on the phone customer:
"Oh, thank you so much. If I ate another slice I really would vomit. (Gives me his order) Thank you."

Me:
"I understand. You have a good night."


Occasionally, a single upset customer can make your week. I liked this guy. Evidently he took this very seriously. And it all worked out in the end.

Our pizza is not fine upscale cuisine. There is no particular drink that perfectly compliments it. We are not dealing in fine wines and cheeses. I did not think it was the Sprite.

Just thought I'd share that one. I found it highly entertaining.

Talk to you soon...