By Trevor H Smith
A new voice is set to emerge on Savannah’s radio scene—one dedicated to sharing the real stories of the city’s service industry workers. Mario Bezares, a seasoned karaoke DJ and former kitchen manager, is launching the show “The Customer Isn’t Always Right” on WRUU. Drawing from both personal experience and candid interviews, Mario’s show aims to humanize the workers who keep Savannah’s vibrant social life running.
Shining a Light on Service
Mario’s radio program goes beyond the usual tales of customer antics. Each episode brings listeners face-to-face with the individuals behind the counter—bartenders, servers, baristas—emphasizing that every worker has a story worth sharing. The interviews dig into the lighthearted and the real: from hilarious or touching exchanges with customers to the hardest moments on the job, the show reveals the everyday highs and lows of service work.
Navigating New Social Realities
Mario uses his vantage point as a DJ at Savannah’s The Rail to show how the service landscape is changing. He observes a post-pandemic rise in unruly behavior, disrespect, and even racism, underscoring the resilience required of today’s service staff. These stories don’t shy away from tough truths, but through them, Mario advocates greater kindness and awareness from everyone who interacts with service workers.
WRUU’s New Direction
While WRUU has been known for its music programming, “The Customer Isn’t Always Right” is at the forefront of the station’s shift toward community storytelling. The show puts a fresh emphasis on local voices, focusing on the people who power Savannah’s night life and hospitality venues. Though principally about workers, there is room for crossover—local musicians like IRL Genesis, also Mario’s co-host, may join the conversation when their own service-industry stories intersect.
Life in Savannah’s Historic Streets
The setting matters. Downtown Savannah, with its brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and mix of southern tradition and artistic flair, is as much a character in Mario’s show as the people themselves. Frequent references are made to music and nightlife landmarks—El Rocco, Victory North, Wormhole, the revived Jinx, the new Portal, and community events like the jazz and blues festivals in Forsyth Park—underscoring the city’s evolving identity.
Fostering Positivity and Community
Ending on a note of collaboration and pride, Mario brings attention to the impact of local culture and the importance of uplifting stories. Rather than fixating on negativity, he strives to create a space where shared experiences build empathy, not division.
Show Structure
- Pre-recorded Episodes: Thanks to WRUU’s content standards, every show is carefully edited for professionalism and appropriateness.
- Segmented Format: Episodes include a recap of notable nights at the bar, insightful interviews, newcomer advice, customer etiquette tips, and previews of upcoming local happenings.
- Promotion: The show will launch with its own Facebook page for announcements and community engagement.
Lessons and Encouragement
Mario closes each episode by inviting guests to dispense advice: to those just entering the business, and to customers everywhere. Tips run the gamut from practical wisdom to heartfelt reminders—treat every worker with respect, and remember there’s a person behind every role.
Conclusion
Mario’s journey from New Jersey to Savannah is proof that it’s never too late to start something meaningful. “The Customer Isn’t Always Right” embodies the belief that persistence, openness, and empathy matter—at the workplace and beyond. Through honest conversations and relatable stories, Mario invites Savannah (and listeners everywhere) to reconsider what it means to be in service, and to whom we all owe a little more understanding.
Stay tuned for details when the Facebook page goes live, and keep an ear out for the premiere on WRUU.
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