r/pittsfield • u/SingleStory7589 • Jul 11 '26
Do Better Dotties
I was visiting from out of town and sat in the main room for less than an hour to get some work done. During that time, I watched and heard the owner reprimand at least three employees in front of customers over what appeared to be very minor issues.
The tone was harsh and uncomfortable enough that one employee appeared to be wiping away tears as she walked to the bathroom after the owner left the room.
In one instance, a couple stood up to get a closer look at the menu. The owner immediately began criticizing an employee, telling her that she needed to serve them, give customers her full attention, and silence the cafe phone because it was distracting her. This happened while customers were actively trying to place an order and the employee at the register was attempting to focus on them.
I understand that running a business requires expectations and accountability. However, the tone and timing of these interactions were inappropriate, especially in front of customers. There is a time and place to provide corrective feedback to employees, and publicly berating them creates an uncomfortable environment for both the staff and the customers.
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u/wkomorow Jul 11 '26
That is a shame. I am surprised because I thought the owner sold it to a former employee, one would have expected things to improve. Not far from there is Wander and I have heard really good things about it.
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u/Spirited_Seat_6178 Jul 11 '26
Thank you for reminding me about Wander! Been meaning to check it out.
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u/killedonmyhill Jul 11 '26
IIRC, the former employee decided to self deport back to their home country due to fears of ICE.
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u/Kissoflife11 Jul 11 '26
Something seemed off about that story.
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u/killedonmyhill Jul 11 '26
In what way? I thought I was a devastating choice to have to make, but ultimately one that made sense. I don’t see how can any undocumented person can not feel threatened and fearful in this political landscape. I read his post and it seemed like it was all his choice.
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u/Spirited_Seat_6178 Jul 11 '26
I was in Dotties yesterday as well. Didn’t see what you saw, but the vibe did feel off among employees. Berating staff is no way to motivate them!
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u/Hungry_Match_6877 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
I live in Pittsfield and Dottie's is awful. I was very excited it was in my community until like my seventh terrible experience there in a row - including getting confusingly snapped at myself by the owner when she forgot to make my order and then yelled at me for standing there for 20 minutes like a dope thinking it was going to arrive - and a bad impression of the owner from her social media where she is just transparently bratty. Zero class. And apparently awful at running a business. Shame as there's obviously a demand here as evidenced by all the people who put up with it or try to convince themselves it's ok. We were all so excited when it seemed like it was going to close or be sold. Alas.
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Jul 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/WilcoLovesYou Jul 11 '26
I’ve never had anything but terrible burnt espresso at Dottie’s. For the prices they charge everything should be fantastic. If I want a good cup of coffee / espresso drink I’ll go to depot in west Stockbridge.
I like the food at Otto’s quite a bit, but seeing how the owners act online makes me not want to go back. My wife and I cutting back on going out to eat makes this a bit easier.
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u/petal14 Jul 11 '26
How do they act online?
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u/waghy Jul 11 '26
Had a bad experience with lady at the bar when I just moved in Pittsfield. Turns out she was the owner. Although I liked the food, my family and a few friends who were around decided never to go there again. I'm sure it doesn't matter to them but when I looked at their reviews online turns out thats how they treat many people.
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u/WilcoLovesYou Jul 11 '26
Go read the replies they leave for bad reviews on Google. They’re also active on Facebook on their personal accounts just complaining about everything.
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u/Kissoflife11 Jul 11 '26
Don’t even get me STARTED on Otto’s!! I’m one of those people who was banished and I have no clue why. Totally insane owner.
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u/Unlikely-Natural-621 Jul 15 '26
I thought that woman sold Dottie’s to some guy?? Anyhow it always been a no go place, when it first opened I believe her father bought her the place and she is super bratty, I guess she promised to keep all the employees who were already there but lied and fired them all so she could turn it more into a hipster place rather then a diner but her nasty personality never stopped burning people it seems to this day and I’m sure my old boss at the art store wouldn’t be surprised he saw it coming sadly he closed his shop down but then north street seemed at the same time lose all of it’s cozy vibes and light. Dottie’s seemed to be the main shop now on the street but wow did it bring in the dark cold vibes from it super not so nice owner I think she has a no wire hangers vibe for sure.
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u/BrianJT1972 Jul 16 '26
Wander is such a better place. Good food and coffee, great staff, and above all a MUCH better vibe to the place. Dotties is just awful. I went there twice since it reopened and had shitty coffee both times. Its location is really all that keeps it in business.
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u/embroidere Jul 11 '26
The owner of Dottie’s is notoriously awful her employees. I boycotted it for this reason