(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — I am the man. I have shopped at Woodman’s Food Market, 7145 120th Ave. in Kenosha, with my family roughly once a week for years. On Saturday afternoon, at about 3:15 p.m., that routine grocery trip turned into one of the strangest encounters I have ever had in a store. My family and I were nearing the end of an aisle when we overheard two employees talking about a “lifetime ban.” As we got closer, I started to get the strange feeling they were talking about me. They were.
A plainclothes security employee approached me, identified himself as store security and politely told me he had reason to believe that I had received a lifetime ban from Woodman’s stores. I immediately told him there had to be a mistake. I have never been banned from Woodman’s, and in fact, I have never been banned from any store or property in my life. Standing behind him was a Woodman’s employee named Frank Marano, who was a douchebag from nearly the beginning of the encounter.
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
According to Frank, there was no mistake. He insisted that I had been banned for life since 2020 because of something he called the “maskless march.” I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. At first, I thought “maskless march” sounded like some QAnon-type craziness, so I later looked it up and learned it involved people protesting mask mandates during COVID. That only made Frank’s accusation more bizarre. In 2020, I lived in Somers, I cannot remember a single time I was even inside Woodman’s that year, and I certainly never participated in a protest at Woodman’s over masks or anything else.
Frank, however, was apparently convinced he knew exactly who I was. I asked him my first name and he said “Kevin.” I then asked him my last name, and he replied, “Mathewson.” Frank also told me, according to my recollection of the encounter, that he was the store manager and that there was nobody higher than him at the Kenosha store. That turned out not to be true.
(facebook.com)
After the encounter, I went to the front counter and was told Frank was not the store manager. The store manager was Garrett, who I then spoke with about what had just happened. I explained that Frank had accused me of being banned over some kind of COVID protest and had insisted I was going to be arrested, apparently before anybody had even bothered confirming whether I was actually on a banned list. Garrett told me he would speak with Frank and review the store’s surveillance video. “If he doesn’t know for a fact, we shouldn’t be approaching people and accusing them of anything,” Garrett told me during our recorded conversation.
Frank had also insisted that I was going to be arrested for trespassing, but the plainclothes security employee, who was polite and professional throughout the encounter, made clear that wasn’t going to happen. I told them to call the police. If Woodman’s truly believed I had been banned from the property for six years, I wanted police there so they could check it out and get to the bottom of it. The security employee told me, “That’s not necessary.” Woodman’s then checked its list, and of course, I wasn’t on it, because I have never been banned from Woodman’s.
During the encounter, Frank also told me that he “better not” end up on my website. I told him he was definitely going to be on my website. “Do you want to bet?” Frank responded. Yes, I did. Frank then said he was going to “call Xavier” and suggested that would somehow prevent the story from being published. Kenosha County Eye does not know who Frank was referring to when he said “Xavier,” or why Frank apparently believed this person had some authority over what appears on this website. Whoever Xavier is, he does not have editorial control over Kenosha County Eye.
I later told Garrett directly that I was going to write about what happened, while also making clear that my problem was not with the security employee. During our recorded conversation, I told Garrett the security employee was “cool” and expressed a very different opinion of Frank. Garrett provided me with Woodman’s corporate telephone number and said he would look into what happened.
I have since reached out to Woodman’s corporate customer and media relations seeking comment about Frank’s conduct and asking whether the company agrees with Garrett that an employee should know for a fact that a customer is banned before approaching and accusing that person. I also asked whether Woodman’s considers it appropriate for an employee to threaten a customer with arrest for trespassing before confirming that the customer is actually on the company’s banned list, whether Frank’s conduct will be reviewed, and whether the company knows who Frank meant when he said he would “call Xavier” to prevent publication. As of publication, Woodman’s corporate office has not responded. If the company does respond, Kenosha County Eye will update this story.
I am intentionally blurring the plainclothes security employee’s face and will refer to him as “Josh,” a pseudonym. Josh was polite, professional and reasonable throughout the encounter. He listened when I told him there had obviously been a mistake, did not escalate the situation and made clear that I was not going to be arrested. Frank, on the other hand, was a douchebag.
And for anyone wondering why I am writing a story about something that happened to me personally, I have a website. Why have one if I can’t occasionally air my own grievances? Especially when somebody confronts me during a routine grocery trip, falsely tells me I have been “banned for life” over a protest I never attended, threatens me with arrest and then tells me some guy named Xavier is somehow going to stop me from writing about it. Consider this the takeaway from Saturday’s grocery trip: Don’t be like Frank. Be like Josh.
64 Responses
I haven’t shopped at Woodman’s in years but now we have one in Racine I’ve thought about going to. I won’t set foot in there unless corporate responds to your satisfaction. This is horrible customer service.
Everyone has an “oh shit” moment they wish they could take back.
This is just one of those for Frank.
I remember all the asshats that refused a simple mask and would harass me while shopping there. But I don’t ever remember seeing Kevin there. Maybe you have a secret evil twin?
LOL I shopped there many times without a mask and was harassed every time- never banned though.
I remember all the douche bags like you with your face diapers on signaling how virtuous you were, and actually thinking that rag was doing something for you. Keep thinking you’re so much better than the rest of us. LOL!
Ignorance of how germs spread is about as bad as your idea of “owning the libs”. Neither had any purpose and made you sound damn stupid.
That’s exactly it, you think that mask helped stop germs spread; ignorance is bliss LMAO
Exactly, ignorance on how germs spread makes you look stupid if you think a piece of cloth will save you 😂
Wearing a mask was “sanitation theater.” It made a lot of people feel safer, even though they had no effect. Much like TSA is security theater. Because people felt safer, they returned to flying and shopping.
I remember all the big STOP! signs and red notices they plastered all over their doors about having to wear a mask to enter the store.
I ended up buying a full-face respirator to shop there.
I remember all the douche bags like you with your face diapers on signaling how virtuous you were, and actually thinking that rag was doing something for you. Keep thinking you’re so much better than the rest of us. LOL!
…heard you twice the first time
Sometimes the system hiccups.
Welcome to the club. Woodman’s always takes their employee’s or manager’s side, even after my work looked into it and said I didn’t do anything wrong but was still given a lifetime ban.
I do think that overall it’s for the best that management sides with employees as anyone who has ever worked with customers knows that the customer in typically in the wrong.
Except they better pay attention to whether or not it’s the same employee or a very small group of employees making all the claims that are being vehemently denied. Just because customers are often Jack holes doesn’t mean employees can’t be batshit crazy.
I do think that overall a workplace is better when management agrees with employees as anyone who has worked with customers knows that the customer is normally in the wrong.
Welcome to the club. Woodman’s always takes their employee’s or manager’s side, even after my work looked into it and said I didn’t do anything wrong but still received a lifetime ban.
Frank was my stepfather’s name. He was a douchebag too. FRANK.. the new KAREN.
Welcome to the club. Woodman’s always takes their employee’s or manager’s side, even after my work looked into it and said I didn’t do anything wrong but still received a lifetime ban.
Welcome to the club. Woodman’s always takes their employee’s or manager’s side, even after my work looked into it and said I didn’t do anything wrong but still received a lifetime ban.
Why dont you write the same.comment a few more times you little brat
I like Frank, he’s always been a nice guy.
Frank’s a bitch.
The other part of this is,
Who were the people talking and listening to the overheard conversation? The statements being made were false. Isn’t that slander?
Maybe he was referring to Xavier Solis possibly? Very vague and off putting.
We all know who Frank was referring to when he said “Xavier” but … you first, can’t assume that who you are thinking of “is” who Frank might be thinking of. Because as we all know when you
A S S – U – M E you make an ass out of u and me.
Which Frank didn’t. Kevin is way too smart for that gag.
Second, it’s up to Frank to dig his own hole. Which he did.
And when someone is losing their own argument, you don’t stop them.
Woodmans is a private company though so called employee owned.
I doubt Frank will have a job there much longer
Haven’t shopped at Woodmans for years. Always found a lot of the employees rude and not very customer friendly.
I haven’t shopped there since an intellectually disabled cashier told my 5 year old son I was going to ground him if he didn’t put a bag of M & M’s back, and then when my child started crying, the same cashier told him he would get a spanking.
That was my “never-again” moment.
I’m all for full inclusion for anyone who can do a job, but harassing little kids is… inappropriate.
I’ll add— my child asked and was granted permission before taking the bag of M&M’s and putting them in the cart.
Sue Woodman’s corporation
Shes nice. I like Sue the best out of all the managers!
I won’t shop at Woodmans again knowing creeps like that wander the aisles.
Woodmans would be smart to get rid of this guy Frank, especially when he lied twice to Kevin. It gives Woodmans a bad look!
I remember those days, they didn’t care what your “mask” was as long as your face was covered. Kids sand pail …..yes Pair of undies ….yes snorkel and dive mask ….yes. I was even told I couldn’t go in a store because I didn’t have a mask so I hung a piece of single ply from my ears across my mouth from a Porto potty…..yes good to go. Some of it was just foolish. If you want a mask that kee9s out actual germs abd bacteria that’s fine, but don’t make a big deal out of it if you are ok with a pair of tights whites hahaha ah the good ol days
Bottom factual line, Masks don’t do a Damn thing against Viruses.
Another Fact, the Moron minions who wore them, had , have No clue how to use, proper handling of , fit etc.
Example, seen a bearded guy come out of Menards ( Yes Menards management and many of their Employees were pro mask holes)
Anyway, guy has a mask on, pushing a cart of lumber out to his vehicle, gets to his vehicle, takes his mask off, flips it around, then puts the Exterior portion of the mask In his mouth while unloading lumber to his vehicle.
Yep, a complete ignorant moron.
And Yes, Frank should be fired, and Kevin you should Sue this clown for slander.
I remember those days when Woodmans thought a piece of plexiglass at checkout would stop the spread of a virus. Douchebags!
Is frank fired ?
Is frank fired ?
he should be
I shopped at Woodman’s a few years ago. I was looking at products ( reading food labels) directly across from the Deli. I know for a fact, one of the Deli Dept employees followed me through the store until I reached the checkout. Are regular store employees doing double duty as Floor Walkers?
Can’t wait to see Frank again ! Aye Carumba !
Look for Frank in the fruitcake aisle
Frank Burns has always been a Major asshole.
The only one to out do Frank was Col Flagg and I’m sure they’ll find this character somewhere in corporate HQ also.
wow!! What a rotten thing to do to you, Kevin! I am so sorry this happened. For the record, I find Woodman’s to be one of the unfriendliest stores in the city, and I rarely stop there. Please do keep us updated!
A very weird story and hope the rogue employee is dealt with.
I always shop there. Prices and selections are best. I couldn’t care less how “rude” employees are. Just keep the shelves filled and lower prices. But this story is just bizarre and might have been a personal attack maybe? Strange…
Frank Marana— someday, someplace, someone will inquire about the infamous Woodman’s incident.
Not something most people would want to be famous for.
I agree rude employees suck (in this case I guess, openly hostile employee), but I need to stretch my dollars as much as I can. I find Woodman’s almost always has the best prices and a great selection.
I don’t have much interaction with employees except to ask where something is. Never been a problem.
Sorry for the issue you had Kevin, but I will continue going to Woodman’s.
I’ve been a loyal customer of Woodie’s for over 20 years. A few weeks ago, the cashier noticed mold on two packs of dairy products, which we exchanged. At home, I discovered mold on another pack. When I brought it to the manager’s attention, he seemed unconcerned. I told him that next time, I would report it to the city or county authorities.
I’ve been eating all of my groceries from Woodman’s. Their order online drive up pick up is priceless. The folks that have picked my groceries and put them in my trunk have been infallible. Their prices are most excellent. Selections out of this world. The best grocery experience I’ve ever had. I’m 70.
Is this you Phil Woodman?
FREE FRANK!!!
FREE FRANK!!!
FREE FRANK!!!
Imagine being upset over the mask nonsense of 6 years ago. Yeah masks don’t work and never did, but half the country is ready to do it all over again.
I’m going to make this as sure as possible. Here’s my experience. Racine Woodmans. My wife gets a car wash. She’s in line car wash brakes down. She gets a rain check. After month the rain check expires I find it in her car. I go in to get a new one cuz it didn’t work at the car wash. The guy be on the counter tells me that’s just too bad expired. I asked for the store manager talk to them on the phone. After a while just another employee tells him through the window of the cashier just to give me one. Now I go through the car wash. As I’m coming out of the car wash there’s somebody stand there I rolled down my window and he says he’s a gas station manager. Says that I can’t come back there because I’ve gotten a free car wash before. I said I don’t know what you’re talking about I don’t usually come through this car wash my wife usually does. I usually use Kwip Trip which is a better. As I left I’m so irritated I called the store manager it’s a female in Racine. She said she would review the video there’s nothing review it was outside he was standing up by the car wash. She was not polite about it just wanted to know when it happened so she could review the video. She did not apologize. She’s not offer take down my name and number. Nothing I’m a professional individual. I manage employees myself. If one of my employees did that there sure would not be my reaction to a customer. That’s the last time they will see me at Woodman’s.
Managing the crew at Taco Bell doesn’t count. You can’t even spell or use the English language based on your paragraph.
OMG, really? And I suppose you are perfect?
yes, being a manager at Arby’s makes me far superior
Not about being perfect. It’s the fact he claims he is a “professional” and “manages people” yet can’t do these very tasks that professional people normally do….you know, spell and use the English language.
Garrett for President!
Woodmans also ignores sexual harassment and statutory behaviors between adult and teen employees, so there’s that to be upset about as well.
Just plain weird plus disturbing. Obviously he needs a Dr. Fugazi update. Masks did not work and there was no science behind any of this mask foolishness.
I put a mask on my truck when I drive around town, that helps me avoid accidents