Shell Station – The Grove Mart

I typically visit the Grove Mart Shell station in 2320 N. Randall Road Elgin, IL on my way home at night to purchase their hot coffee. I normally use two 20oz cups because the coffee is extremely hot to handle with one cup. The employee who would usually ring my coffee was absolutely okay with it. However, a younger employee today questioned me. He asked me what size coffee do I have and told him it was a 20oz. He then asked me «Are you sure?» I responded with a yes. Then he proceeded to tell me that customers from the past had placed a 24oz cup into a 20oz. What made him think that I was that type of a person? So, I took out the incredibly hot cup of coffee from the second cup I used because he would not quit speaking of the past and I showed him that it was in fact the same 20oz cup.
Next, he asked me why I used two cups. I told him that it is extremely hot. Then he said, «It’s not that hot. One cup is good enough.» Excuse me? Does he want to hold a hot cup of coffee straight from the machine himself while driving?
Then he asked me the most racial question ever and said «Do you work at that nail salon next door?» First of all, it’s 12:37am. Second, just because I am of Asian decent does not mean that I work as a nail technician. And third, I do not reside in the area so why should I travel an hour and a half to work at a nail salon. He is the most eminently judicious individual I have ever encountered.
To make it even more awkward, I handed him the merchant receipt I signed my name in and he took it while holding onto my copy of the receipt simultaneously with same hand. He was quite inefficient and did not know when or how to give me that copy. So I looked at him to figure out what was taking him long and seconds later he just dropped it on top of the counter for me to reach over and pick up.
The employee literally judged me by my ethnical background, accused me of sneaking a 24oz cup into an even smaller 20oz cup, and assumed that I can manage holding a cup of scolding hot coffee in a foam cup thinner than a generic foam cup that can be purchased from a grocery store. This is unacceptable, especially since it is required for him to communicate with the customers. Being discriminative in a racial, age, and gender context towards a customer, and creating accusations without evidence is unprofessional and unethical. It was definitely uncalled for of him. That employee must be retrained.

Just left, got myself a $ 10.00 ULTIMATE Car wash. I think he Ultimate stands for ultimate damage. As in it ripped the rear windshield wiper arm off my vehicle. not the blade. the entire arm. Gone.

The gas was probably adequate, I’m no car so I can’t be sure.
However, I paid $ 10 for a car wash that didn’t even wash the front or back of my car. It was dry to the touch! Pratip, the employee, said the wash doesn’t wash the front or back of ANY car. I asked why there wasn’t a disclaimer stating, and he offered me a second wash (that had to be used immediately). The second wash did no better. He offered me nothing until I stated I felt cheated.
Limo driver in the lot said this happens a lot.
Get gas there, sure, but DO NOT get your car washed there.

This Grove Mart Shell station is outstanding. Great costumer service, well maintained, competitive prices, and a variety of merchandise.

We came in here for a car wash on a nice day and left with water droplets all over the car. I guess the dryer doesn’t work that well. I haven’t checked for scratches yet, but it seems that another reviewer experienced scratches on a new car. Hmm… Maybe I’ll stay away from this place from now on.

Beware the car wash. Non responsive owner
I took my new car through the car wash at the Grove Mart in East. Dundee on July 19^th. I notified the clerk, and was told to come back when the manager would be in… At 6:30 AM on Wednesday. I showed up, and was told to come back at 11 AM on Friday. the Owner Jeff would be available. I came back, and no Jeff. I asked for his number, and was refused. I left my contact info, no call.
I finally talked to a manager Jack who once again took my info, and said I’d get a call. No response.
The car wash damaged my bumper, front right fender, front right door, the frame rails on the right side, and a small section of the left side of my car. I had an estimate today, and it’s about $ 2k in damage. My insurance company will pursue them at this point, and I’ll pay my deductible in the meantime.
I’d avoid this place entirely. At the very least the owner could have contacted me. Stay away.