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Report: #59326

Complaint Review: 91Dylans Restaurant - Westerly Rhode Island

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  • Reported By: Hopkinton Rhode Island
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  • 91Dylans Restaurant 2 Canal Street, Downtown Westerly, Rhode Island U.S.A.

Dylans Restaurant RIPOFF Restaurant Review in Rude Rhode Island $52 SALAD BAR FORCED TO PAY THROWN OUT Westerly Vacation Visitors City Guide Beware of Undercooked Beef at Beach Westerly Rhode Island

*Consumer Comment: Dylans

*Consumer Comment: Shawonga has mental issues

*Consumer Suggestion: Respose to Jennifer in Miami ... would you like some whine with your cheese?

*Author of original report: A few clear-headed readers

*Consumer Comment: Get over yourselves...

*Consumer Comment: Ignore the ignorant mean shawonga

*Consumer Comment: Tell you what, Doug and Natalie. I'd be willing to go to this restaurant

*Consumer Comment: Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

*Consumer Comment: Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

*Consumer Comment: Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

*Consumer Suggestion: When are you going to stop embarrassing yourself?

*Author of original report: Dylans Restaurant-- It WAS an extreme situation...

*Consumer Suggestion: This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

*Consumer Suggestion: This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

*Consumer Suggestion: This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

*Consumer Suggestion: This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

*Consumer Comment: I agree

*Consumer Comment: How do you know there aren't two sides? Were you present?

*Consumer Comment: There aren't two sides--- just unjustifiably rude staff workers

*Consumer Comment: There's two sides to every story

*Author of original report: Dylans Restaurant--Reply to Misinformed Server

*Consumer Comment: There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

*Consumer Comment: There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

*Consumer Comment: There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

*Consumer Comment: There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

*Consumer Comment: You shouldn't pay them a dime...

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$52 SALAD BAR at Dylans Restaurant in Westerly!!

55 minutes for an undercooked steak? Customer service that includes bringing back the same steak, less than half its original size, on the same plate? A manager who only offers a $5 discount? And an owner who actually SNATCHES THE FOOD OFF YOUR TABLE AND DEMANDS THAT YOU LEAVE just as you are reaching a reasonable compromise with the manager? You can have all this and more (insults) at Dylan's Restaurant in Westerly. AND YOU CAN PAY FULL PRICE FOR YOUR UNEATEN DINNER, TOO!!

This was absolutely my worst dining experience ever.

There were 2 in our party that night. After waiting 55 mins. for our food, my "medium-well" sirloin arrived, at least 30% fat, quite undercooked. I politely asked our waitress to get a manager because I did not want to bother our waitress with my concerns. I have worked in restaurants, and I know it's not her fault. I cut off all the fat and cut my steak down the middle to show the manager how undercooked it was. She offered no apologies. She simply told me they would recook it, rudely grabbed my plate and walked away.

A few minutes later, she brought my steak on the same plate, with no fork. When I saw it was only half its original size, I simply asked for a reduced price on my dinner or a full-sized steak cooked to my specifications. The manager said that because I had eaten one of my shrimp, she could only offer me a $5 discount. I was on the verge of reluctantly agreeing to this, but didn't even get the chance!

I WAS ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDED WHEN THE OWNER STORMED OVER AT THAT VERY MOMENT, ACTUALLY REMOVED MY PLATE FROM OUR TABLE,(food still uneaten, except for one shrimp), AND DEMANDED THAT WE LEAVE!!! She said I had no right to complain. THEN SHE ACTUALLY RETURNED WITH MY PLATE, SHOVED IT IN MY FACE, AND ASKED ME TO SHOW HER WHERE THE FAT WAS! I had cut it off the first time around, so obviously it wasn't on my plate anymore!

I was even more astounded when three employees, including the owner, surrounded our table and DEMANDED THAT WE PAY FULL PRICE FOR MEALS WE DIDN'T EVEN GET THE CHANCE TO EAT! The owner hovered over our table to make sure we signed for our bill, completely against our will. Obviously, we didn't tip.

I have never had a more unpleasant dining experience. I have never seen (or even heard of, for that matter) such an UTTER LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM!

To top it off, the manager even asked us never to return as we were leaving. She could have spared herself the trouble... I wasn't planning on it!

The wait for our food was unreasonable, the service was hostile and insulting, and we were taken advantage of by being made to pay $52 for a dinner that was snatched from our table before we could even eat it!

Those of you who dine out know the value of service at any restaurant. It is my hope that anyone who lives in the Westerly area or ever plans on visiting sees this and/or the other reviews (fair warnings) I've posted online before deciding to support this incomprehensibly rude establishment!

Doug & Natalie
Hopkinton, Rhode Island
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 06/02/2003 02:56 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/91dylans-restaurant/westerly-rhode-island-02891/dylans-restaurant-ripoff-restaurant-review-in-rude-rhode-island-52-salad-bar-forced-to-pa-59326. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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#26 Consumer Comment

Dylans

AUTHOR: A - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 26, 2006

My family frequently travels an hour just to go there to dinner. We have had wonderful meals and service without any problems. Quite frankly, I wonder how true your "politeness" could be when you could make such broad comments grouping Rhode Islanders as rude people.

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#25 Consumer Comment

Shawonga has mental issues

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Shawonga .. it's obvious you have alot of mental problems and you lack a working brain and the ability to comprehend anything. It's actually a pity and unfortunate that your comments can't be banned because all you do is attempt to degrade and demean people. Anyone with a brain knows how messed up you actually are, especially from reading your condescending arrogant demeaning posts on several sites. YOu are a very bitter person and the kind of person people here are actually writing reports about-- the only one whining is you.. I suggest you take your disgusting evil attitude to another site, because this site is meant for people who are seeking justice, not looking for more mean cold people like you to deal with... get a life, and leave decent people here alone

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#24 Consumer Suggestion

Respose to Jennifer in Miami ... would you like some whine with your cheese?

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, June 16, 2003

I am soooo terribly sorry that you deem my posts unhelpful and myself "ignorant and mean." I do not see you in any better a light, my dear. You post two comments in a row putting others down and not offering one tidbit of advice! At least I did indeed offer consumer suggestions that would be helpful in any similar situation. It is not my fault that you did not agree with them. It just goes to show that perhaps you too belong at some of the lower-class eating establishments. Perhaps you, too, should enjoy a nice hearty meal at the Huddle House along with this dining couple who, OF COURSE did nothing at all wrong, they were just unlucky, abused, misunderstood patrons who received extreme treatment, right? haha! Take your story along to Huddle House, Waffle House, or Denny's, and enjoy your meal along with all the other patrons who have been thrown out of nice establishments, and of course who have done absolutely NOTHING wrong. Humph!!

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#23 Author of original report

A few clear-headed readers

AUTHOR: Doug - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, June 15, 2003

Thank you to Tim from Michigan, for being logical, unbiased, and honest, and also to Jennifer from Florida and others with similar points of view, for keeping in mind what this site and its postings are all about!

I have a hunch that the creators of this website give us the opportunity to post our complaints and concerns here IN THE SPIRIT OF CONSUMER RIGHTS. I, for one, appreciate that opportunity.

In a society fundamentally rooted in the mighty dollar, accountability is a requirement for the success of our economy at all of its levels.

This site helps to strengthen the consumer's right to make informed decisions about where to put those hard-earned dollars.

Emotions run high, because any business where an exchange of money is involved is, indeed, serious business.

But we are here (or should be) to share and gather INVALUABLE information about those who practice business. I'm glad my voice can be heard, and I commend the creators of this site for helping to ensure FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES through the voices of consumers.

Despite the myriad of differences between us, the fact that we are ALL consumers unanimously defines us as Americans, and we all have the right to expect responsible, fair, and honest dealings. Kudos to "one step in the right direction."

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#22 Consumer Comment

Get over yourselves...

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, June 14, 2003

I find it ridiculous that people here are working so hard to prove that this victim is a liar..even if you do go to the restaurant and have a good experience there, that in no way negates the fact or possibility that others might have a bad experience there. Where did your logic go? What is the purpose in claiming that someone who has a complaint about a bad experience is lying... you can't prove it either way. This person didn't file a complaint for your judgment or skepticism..he did it because he was sincerely very upset at his experience and that won't change with your ignorant comments. This isn't some kind of paranormal experience it's a legitimate complaint and experience that people have every single day about restaurants and other public places. After reading the posts here it seems like people are just here to bully and be mean. No one can be THAT skeptical about a restaurant complaint unless they just lack intelligence or logic. How would you feel if you had a complaint about a place and fifty people told you you were exaggerating... get over yourselves... you sound alot like the jerks these people are complaining about -- mindless, rude and quick to blame the person who's not at fault.

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#21 Consumer Comment

Ignore the ignorant mean shawonga

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, June 14, 2003

Ignore Shawonga-- I've seen this horrid creatures posts on several sites and all she does is provoke people and put them down. She isn't here to give a legitimate helpful consumer comment or a valid opinion, only to cause problems, or try to find reasons to put down or blame the person giving the complaint. It's unfortunate her comments can't be banned because they are the same condescending brainless nonsense on every site. And for Tim from Michigan ... I'm sure in some cases the customer is exaggerating or might be causing problems, but in most cases, the customer isn't and it's the staff worker who is making the big issue out of nothing and on top of that then lying about it. Many times the workers or managers cover up their own mistakes through lies, and even lie to corporate offices and blame it on the customer. It can work either way but way too many people on this site are wrongly accused of overexaggerating or lying when I'm sure the case is the other way around. I find it ridiculous that half the people here are blaming this person for lying or overexaggerating, when the real liars, the workers, are getting away with poor customer service and bad treatment of the customers.

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#20 Consumer Comment

Tell you what, Doug and Natalie. I'd be willing to go to this restaurant

AUTHOR: Karen - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 12, 2003

I live in Southern MA and my hubby works on the RI border. I'd be willing to go to Dylan's and see if what you've written is true. My husband and I can go out for a nice meal together and we'll see how the service is. Then I can report back here to you and everyone else. I've never been to Westerly and it would be the first time I've been to a restaurant in that area. Hubby is a former restaurant supervisor and would be able to note things such as what you've described.

Post here the night of the week you went, the time, and any first names of the people involved.

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#19 Consumer Comment

Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 12, 2003

It certainly is very possible. I, personally, didn't want my comments to be construed as a denial of what happened to you.

The trouble for me is that what you describe is such an exterme example of customer service incompetence that I have a hard time completely accepting it without hearing the other side of the issue. Also, as fellow restaurant veterans, I'm sure you know that people with complaints often tend to exaggerate and omit, or in the very least they present a version of the events most favorable to themselves.

I agree with you that going directly to the manager is not only usually more effective, but also highly appropriate. Usually the waitress will go to the manager with the complaint anyways, this way you cut out the middle man and take up your complaint with the management, rather than a server who is probably just as ticked about the situation as you are. Still, the server is a representative of the business and should have apologized (if your story is accurate).

Even if I don't entirely believe that your version of the events is 100 percent accurate, what I've read is enough to keep me out of the place, so I must believe it to some extent!

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#18 Consumer Comment

Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 12, 2003

It certainly is very possible. I, personally, didn't want my comments to be construed as a denial of what happened to you.

The trouble for me is that what you describe is such an exterme example of customer service incompetence that I have a hard time completely accepting it without hearing the other side of the issue. Also, as fellow restaurant veterans, I'm sure you know that people with complaints often tend to exaggerate and omit, or in the very least they present a version of the events most favorable to themselves.

I agree with you that going directly to the manager is not only usually more effective, but also highly appropriate. Usually the waitress will go to the manager with the complaint anyways, this way you cut out the middle man and take up your complaint with the management, rather than a server who is probably just as ticked about the situation as you are. Still, the server is a representative of the business and should have apologized (if your story is accurate).

Even if I don't entirely believe that your version of the events is 100 percent accurate, what I've read is enough to keep me out of the place, so I must believe it to some extent!

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#17 Consumer Comment

Just being a little skeptical about such an extreme story

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 12, 2003

It certainly is very possible. I, personally, didn't want my comments to be construed as a denial of what happened to you.

The trouble for me is that what you describe is such an exterme example of customer service incompetence that I have a hard time completely accepting it without hearing the other side of the issue. Also, as fellow restaurant veterans, I'm sure you know that people with complaints often tend to exaggerate and omit, or in the very least they present a version of the events most favorable to themselves.

I agree with you that going directly to the manager is not only usually more effective, but also highly appropriate. Usually the waitress will go to the manager with the complaint anyways, this way you cut out the middle man and take up your complaint with the management, rather than a server who is probably just as ticked about the situation as you are. Still, the server is a representative of the business and should have apologized (if your story is accurate).

Even if I don't entirely believe that your version of the events is 100 percent accurate, what I've read is enough to keep me out of the place, so I must believe it to some extent!

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#16 Consumer Suggestion

When are you going to stop embarrassing yourself?

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 12, 2003

No, it is not possible that you were mistreated, and yes you were being a "whiner and a jerk" as you so properly put it. With every rebuttal you post, new facts suddenly emerge and previous mistruths are suddenly revealed. In your last rebuttal, for example, you state that you had not even consumed your drinks, and you left your glass of wine untouched and your husband's drink was half-full. Um, what happened to the other half of his drink? Did it vanish into thin air? It seems like the drinks were just one of many things you were trying to not pay for that night. And just so you know, it is illegal for restaurants to give away alcohol for free. Perhaps you should have known this before causing such a stir.

Also in your latest rebuttal, you admit to making a scene! All this whining sob story about how you were soooo mistreated and it turns out you did indeed cause a scene big enough to result in you being expelled from the premises. People who make scenes are not welcome in any decent establishment. If you are so accustomed to making scenes and publicly humiliating yourself and others, perhaps you should go to Chuckee Cheese or some other suitable establishment that accepts your type of behaviour.

Your comment about Rhode Islanders is totally bogus as well. My guess is your "Southern" attitude was out of line and not appreciated by the classier people in the restaurant. The table manners of most Southerners I've seen are atrocious, not to mention they often talk in a boisterous manner, complain when things like grits, watermelon, and collards are not served in a 5-star eating establishment, and have no concept about how to tip a waiter, often leaving nothing but a wee bit of pocket change behind.

You really ought to quit your complaining and focus on the lesson learned. Next time when you go out, try to out-cheap the restaurant, cause a scene, and behave as though you are queen-for-the-day, you WILL be thrown out of whatever establishment you're in. Except maybe Denny's and Waffle House. And of course Chuckee Cheese.

Tootle-loo my dear!

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#15 Author of original report

Dylans Restaurant-- It WAS an extreme situation...

AUTHOR: Doug and Natalie - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, June 11, 2003

I would just like to reply to some of the consumer comments posted here.

First, of course it's difficult to justify the staff's behavior. The situation WAS extreme. I wouldn't have posted it here if I didn't feel that it was an absolutely ridiculous situation.

It is not only entirely POSSIBLE that the staff at this restaurant was unjustifiably rude to us, but also entirely TRUE!

I find it interesting that so many readers here are eager to assign blame to the customers in this situation. I am also surprised by the hostility towards us in so many of the responses! Do these readers think that for some unknown reason, we were there to cause a scene, or that we are trying to deliberately (and falsely?) shame this restaurant? They assume we don't know how to behave in public, or that we are dishonest people.

My fiance and I frequent nice, expensive restaurants. We were not "moving up in the world" by going to Dylans. We planned a nice dinner out, as we often do, and we were certainly not out of our league at this place. I am incredulous at the assumption that people seem to make that we must be low-class, ill-behaved scumbags to have been treated like this! We dine out, and spend good money, at least twice a month, usually once a week!

I'm sorry that this situation is disturbing to so many people. It was certainly disturbing to us. But the fact remains that my original report is true. We were polite, and the staff at Dylans was completely unprofessional.

A few details I'd like to address:
My steak was half its size when it returned to our table, not only because I had cut the fat off, but also because I had CUT THE STEAK IN HALF to show the middle portion, which was the most rare.

I initially asked for the manager because our waitress had just been sat with two other tables in a row, and I did not want to compromise her ability to give those people good service by taking her time. I was trying to be considerate.

Of course, the waitress was not at fault for my undercooked steak, but most waitresses do apologize for such problems when brought to their attention. However, I was only upset that the MANAGER did not apologize. I had, and have, no "beef" with the waitress!

We did order drinks, but we did not drink them. I left a full glass of Merlot on the table, and my fiance left his drink half-full. We did not order appetizers. The salad bar was included in the price of our dinners. I ate one of my shrimp, and my fiance ate about a third of his dinner.

We only attempted to leave after the owner took my plate away and demanded that we leave. And we only paid because the entire floor staff surrounded our table until we gave them our credit card. And we could not have gotten out of there any faster once we had signed the bill!

I did raise my voice, but only when the owner returned to our table as my fiance was signing the bill, shoved my plate in my face, and yelled at me. At that point, and ONLY AT THAT POINT, did I do or say anything that could possibly be construed as "making a scene." I maintain that I was cool and collected up till this point.

Previously, when the manager offered me a $5 discount, I accepted. Quietly. THAT'S WHEN THE OWNER STORMED OVER AND TOOK MY PLATE AWAY. AFTER I HAD AGREED TO THE MANAGER'S COMPROMISE, AFTER I HAD AGREED TO END THE DISCUSSION AND FINISH MY MEAL.

I have also noticed that none of these replies come from New England. In case none of you have ever been here, the tiny towns in the rural part of Southern Rhode Island are notorious for their tightly-knit communities, their initially hostile manner towards outsiders, and their arrogance. There are very good people here, don't get me wrong, but many of them are wary of anyone they don't already know. To put it bluntly, sometimes people here are just plain rude. And this was a perfect example of that. Being originally from the South, I feel certain that nothing of this nature ever would have happened in the South or the Midwest. Occasionally, stereotypes perpetuate themselves.

I will say that EVERY SINGLE PERSON in this town who knows us who has heard of our encounter at Dylans has been absolutely supportive of us. No one we've spoken to in person has even remotely blamed us for the situation.

I did not order the cheapest steak on the menu. They had two choices, an 8 oz. sirloin and the filet mignon. I did order the lower priced sirloin, but as part of a Surf and Turf option, which made it the most expensive dinner on the menu.

Isn't it possible that I was polite, that they did only bring half of my steak back, that the manager was rude, and that the owner (a woman whom I've discovered, upon speaking with several other people in the area, is notorious for her crass and crabby demeanor) was incomprehensibly rude to us? Isn't it possible that I filed this report, not because I am a whiner or a jerk, but because I was actually mistreated?

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#14 Consumer Suggestion

This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

It sounds to me like this dining couple must have put up quite a hissy-fit to have their food yanked away from them and ordered by the OWNER to leave and never come back. Whoever heard of a restaurant going up to two polite, rational, well-behaved people and giving them the same treatment? It is obvious that this couple has no idea how to properly behave in public, and should have stuck with their usual Waffle House venue than try to venture up to the top by going to a classy establishment.

It sounds to me like the woman had nothing but a sourpuss on her face the entire time. The steak was half its size AFTER she cut off all the fat. waaaaahhhhh It sounds like she ordered the cheapest sirloin off the menu and expected it to be the quality of filet mignon. Then she demands to speak with the manager without first letting the waitress attempt to appease her and resolve the problem. What is that all about? She is just so darn special that the manager must be interrupted from his duties to tend to her every demand?

This woman also acknowledges that it is "not the waitress's fault" that the steak was not cooked to her liking, but THEN is complaining that the waitress "offered no apologies." What was she supposed to apologize for if nothing was her fault? Then to top it off this woman starts negotiating on the price for her meal. Um, the prices are stated in the menu are they not? And those are the prices one is expected to pay, isn't that so? What is up with that?

I think it is perfectly clear why this woman and her cross-dressing date were asked to leave the premises without even given the opportunity to consume their meals. They were creating a scene at their table, embarrassing the restaurant owners who were trying to serve the NORMAL guests who were dining there, and interfering with the enjoyable experiences of others. To that I say, YOU are the ones who ripped off everyone!

Go back to Waffle House, and maybe, just maybe, in a few years you can move up the ladder a bit and enjoy a wonderful cooked-to-order steak at Denny's.

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#13 Consumer Suggestion

This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

It sounds to me like this dining couple must have put up quite a hissy-fit to have their food yanked away from them and ordered by the OWNER to leave and never come back. Whoever heard of a restaurant going up to two polite, rational, well-behaved people and giving them the same treatment? It is obvious that this couple has no idea how to properly behave in public, and should have stuck with their usual Waffle House venue than try to venture up to the top by going to a classy establishment.

It sounds to me like the woman had nothing but a sourpuss on her face the entire time. The steak was half its size AFTER she cut off all the fat. waaaaahhhhh It sounds like she ordered the cheapest sirloin off the menu and expected it to be the quality of filet mignon. Then she demands to speak with the manager without first letting the waitress attempt to appease her and resolve the problem. What is that all about? She is just so darn special that the manager must be interrupted from his duties to tend to her every demand?

This woman also acknowledges that it is "not the waitress's fault" that the steak was not cooked to her liking, but THEN is complaining that the waitress "offered no apologies." What was she supposed to apologize for if nothing was her fault? Then to top it off this woman starts negotiating on the price for her meal. Um, the prices are stated in the menu are they not? And those are the prices one is expected to pay, isn't that so? What is up with that?

I think it is perfectly clear why this woman and her cross-dressing date were asked to leave the premises without even given the opportunity to consume their meals. They were creating a scene at their table, embarrassing the restaurant owners who were trying to serve the NORMAL guests who were dining there, and interfering with the enjoyable experiences of others. To that I say, YOU are the ones who ripped off everyone!

Go back to Waffle House, and maybe, just maybe, in a few years you can move up the ladder a bit and enjoy a wonderful cooked-to-order steak at Denny's.

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#12 Consumer Suggestion

This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

It sounds to me like this dining couple must have put up quite a hissy-fit to have their food yanked away from them and ordered by the OWNER to leave and never come back. Whoever heard of a restaurant going up to two polite, rational, well-behaved people and giving them the same treatment? It is obvious that this couple has no idea how to properly behave in public, and should have stuck with their usual Waffle House venue than try to venture up to the top by going to a classy establishment.

It sounds to me like the woman had nothing but a sourpuss on her face the entire time. The steak was half its size AFTER she cut off all the fat. waaaaahhhhh It sounds like she ordered the cheapest sirloin off the menu and expected it to be the quality of filet mignon. Then she demands to speak with the manager without first letting the waitress attempt to appease her and resolve the problem. What is that all about? She is just so darn special that the manager must be interrupted from his duties to tend to her every demand?

This woman also acknowledges that it is "not the waitress's fault" that the steak was not cooked to her liking, but THEN is complaining that the waitress "offered no apologies." What was she supposed to apologize for if nothing was her fault? Then to top it off this woman starts negotiating on the price for her meal. Um, the prices are stated in the menu are they not? And those are the prices one is expected to pay, isn't that so? What is up with that?

I think it is perfectly clear why this woman and her cross-dressing date were asked to leave the premises without even given the opportunity to consume their meals. They were creating a scene at their table, embarrassing the restaurant owners who were trying to serve the NORMAL guests who were dining there, and interfering with the enjoyable experiences of others. To that I say, YOU are the ones who ripped off everyone!

Go back to Waffle House, and maybe, just maybe, in a few years you can move up the ladder a bit and enjoy a wonderful cooked-to-order steak at Denny's.

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#11 Consumer Suggestion

This dining couple is a few peas short of a casserole ....

AUTHOR: Shawangunk - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

It sounds to me like this dining couple must have put up quite a hissy-fit to have their food yanked away from them and ordered by the OWNER to leave and never come back. Whoever heard of a restaurant going up to two polite, rational, well-behaved people and giving them the same treatment? It is obvious that this couple has no idea how to properly behave in public, and should have stuck with their usual Waffle House venue than try to venture up to the top by going to a classy establishment.

It sounds to me like the woman had nothing but a sourpuss on her face the entire time. The steak was half its size AFTER she cut off all the fat. waaaaahhhhh It sounds like she ordered the cheapest sirloin off the menu and expected it to be the quality of filet mignon. Then she demands to speak with the manager without first letting the waitress attempt to appease her and resolve the problem. What is that all about? She is just so darn special that the manager must be interrupted from his duties to tend to her every demand?

This woman also acknowledges that it is "not the waitress's fault" that the steak was not cooked to her liking, but THEN is complaining that the waitress "offered no apologies." What was she supposed to apologize for if nothing was her fault? Then to top it off this woman starts negotiating on the price for her meal. Um, the prices are stated in the menu are they not? And those are the prices one is expected to pay, isn't that so? What is up with that?

I think it is perfectly clear why this woman and her cross-dressing date were asked to leave the premises without even given the opportunity to consume their meals. They were creating a scene at their table, embarrassing the restaurant owners who were trying to serve the NORMAL guests who were dining there, and interfering with the enjoyable experiences of others. To that I say, YOU are the ones who ripped off everyone!

Go back to Waffle House, and maybe, just maybe, in a few years you can move up the ladder a bit and enjoy a wonderful cooked-to-order steak at Denny's.

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#10 Consumer Comment

I agree

AUTHOR: Krista - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, June 10, 2003

The situation originally in this posting seemed a little extreme, in my mind I cannot justify the waiters and managers actions based on what was said... I would think maybe the customer actually ate the rest of their dinner (it did amount to $52.00 so maybe appetizer, a few drinks and they did have the salad bar) and refused to pay at all... and then refused to leave. That makes a little more sense, but we don't know what really happened.

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#9 Consumer Comment

How do you know there aren't two sides? Were you present?

AUTHOR: TIm - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, June 09, 2003

Couldn't agree with you more, Jennifer, kind of. It certainly isn't unusual to have a horrible experience in a restaurant, and other potential consumers should definitely be warned about egregiously bad service.

In such contentious situations, however, there are in fact always two sides to the story. One sides bone may or may not be stronger than the other's.

When I managed a restaurant, I had a personal policy of reviewing surveillance tapes when there was a customer complaint because I felt it was the best way to ensure that legitimate problems were properly adressed. I found that, on the average, complaining customers would, in their claims, double the amount of time they had waited for something. Often times they would triple it. It was not odd for a customer to say that they had waited fifteen minutes for a server when they had in fact only waited five minutes.

In the case in question the staff found it necessary, for some reason, to create a show of force to ensure that the customers payed for their meals. It takes a slight stretch of the imagination, at least for me, to believe that this was completely unprovoked and unreasonable.

I could very well be wrong. I simply urge the readers of these comments to bear in mind that only one side of the story is presented here.

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#8 Consumer Comment

There aren't two sides--- just unjustifiably rude staff workers

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, June 06, 2003

Oh, I highly disagree. I have been a customer at many restaurants and have had numerous experiences where the restaurant staff have been rude for no reason. And many times it's the customer that's blamed. In alot of cases there aren't two sides to the story. There are many rude and mean people out there especially in the restaurant business, and they treat people badly when they want to or for whatever reasons they have and it is absolutely unjustified and uncalled for. If anyone thinks that customers are angry or annoyed and just exaggerating the situation -- think again. Most people filing those complaints are probably understating the seriousness of the reaction or discrimination by the service people. On top of that, from many posts I've read from managers of restaurants, they fail to reprimand the REAL criminals or problem customers out there. When there really are customers trying to scam them they avoid any kind of conflict or problem by letting them get away with it, but the second a decent good customer has a legitimate complaint, they are very quick to resort to hostility and rudeness and create that chaos themselves for no reason. They have absolutely no right doing this and more customers need to complain and take action against this kind of rudeness or discrimination. For people who have experienced this kind of blatant and on-going discrimination it's the fault of the workers who have small minds and are bullies. Customers out there should be warned about these bad establishments and it's good people now have the opportunity to do that.

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#7 Consumer Comment

There's two sides to every story

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 05, 2003

I would love to see a rebuttal to this report from someone involved on the other side of the issue.

I spent a number of years in different restaurant dining rooms in different capacities. What I learned about the dynamics of customer complaints has armed me with the knowledge of how to always get my way in a restaurant. Two words can sum it all up: BE NICE.

You will find servers and managers much more accomodating to your desires if you approach them with respect and treat them with dignity. Here's a good guideline: if you wouldn't talk to your doctor that way, don't talk to your waiter that way.

I heard a TV judge say once "there are two sides to every story, and then there's the truth." People who are angered by a situation are often prone to extreme exaggeration; people on the defensive are often prone to minimize or outright decieve. I would imagine the other half of this story is far different from the part we have, and I'd love to hear it.

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#6 Author of original report

Dylans Restaurant--Reply to Misinformed Server

AUTHOR: Doug - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 05, 2003

I would just like to respond to the server who wrote in saying that this restaurant had the intention of "keeping people like me out" from the start.

First of all, I would like to mention that I had planned on spending at least $100 for a dinner for two when I arrived. It was my fiancee's birthday and I had planned a nice dinner.

Second, we were dressed to the nines. He was wearing an expensive suit, and I was wearing an expensive cocktail dress. We didn't exactly look like Waffle House clientelle.

Third, I did not complain AT all during the wait for our food. I understood that the restaurant was a bit busy, and I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt as far as the initial wait. So they certainly did not bring my food undercooked because of my "whining", as you suggest.

Fourth, my simple (and as far as I am concerned, absolutely reasonable) expectation was the 8 oz. steak I ordered, cooked to my specifications. I felt that 55 minutes was ample time to provide a properly cooked steak.

Also, my complaints were voiced politely and with understanding. I am a petite woman, I ALWAYS smile at strangers, and my demeanor is about as rude or threatening as a kindergarten teacher's. I POLITELY brought the manager's attention to my undercooked steak, and I POLITELY pointed out that I had cut the steak down the middle before I sent it back, and it had returned only half its size. I POLITELY (and in fact, apologetically) requested that my dinner be discounted OR I receive a full-sized, properly cooked steak.

The staff at this restaurant was NEVER POLITE to me. Their demeanor was insulting and rude the entire time we were there.

Lastly, I will just mention that I, too, am a server, and my fiancee is a kitchen manager at a restaurant. WE ARE IN THE INDUSTRY, TOO, and being so, we WOULD NEVER TREAT CUSTOMERS THE WAY WE WERE TREATED!

I know there are plenty of rude and demanding customers out there, but I also hold to the principle that the restaurant industry is there TO SERVE THE CUSTOMER, and that's exactly what they/we should do! There is always a way to make it right to the customer, whatever the mishap, and I, for one, always try my best to satisfy my customers!! Tips should not be an expectation. I know how important they are to a server, but I, for one, always try to EARN my tips with kindness and good service (and for that, I tend to average 25-30%). I certainly do not expect customers to pay my rent in exchange for bad food, insults, hostility, and horrendous service!!

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#5 Consumer Comment

There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

AUTHOR: June - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2003

This restaurant charges so much to keep people like you out, and obviously they were unsuccessful. If you wanted a steak so fast, why didn't you go to Denny's? It's obvious that it was undercooked because they brought it out before it was done thanks to your whining. Whether you were banned or not it would be wise for you not to go back because they will probably do unmentionable things to your food (if they didn't already). I am a server and if you treated me like this I would force feed you that steak, cooked or not, and you WOULD tip me and tip well! Stick to Waffle House next time you go out!

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#4 Consumer Comment

There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

AUTHOR: June - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2003

This restaurant charges so much to keep people like you out, and obviously they were unsuccessful. If you wanted a steak so fast, why didn't you go to Denny's? It's obvious that it was undercooked because they brought it out before it was done thanks to your whining. Whether you were banned or not it would be wise for you not to go back because they will probably do unmentionable things to your food (if they didn't already). I am a server and if you treated me like this I would force feed you that steak, cooked or not, and you WOULD tip me and tip well! Stick to Waffle House next time you go out!

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#3 Consumer Comment

There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

AUTHOR: June - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2003

This restaurant charges so much to keep people like you out, and obviously they were unsuccessful. If you wanted a steak so fast, why didn't you go to Denny's? It's obvious that it was undercooked because they brought it out before it was done thanks to your whining. Whether you were banned or not it would be wise for you not to go back because they will probably do unmentionable things to your food (if they didn't already). I am a server and if you treated me like this I would force feed you that steak, cooked or not, and you WOULD tip me and tip well! Stick to Waffle House next time you go out!

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#2 Consumer Comment

There is a reason some restaurants charge so much

AUTHOR: June - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, June 04, 2003

This restaurant charges so much to keep people like you out, and obviously they were unsuccessful. If you wanted a steak so fast, why didn't you go to Denny's? It's obvious that it was undercooked because they brought it out before it was done thanks to your whining. Whether you were banned or not it would be wise for you not to go back because they will probably do unmentionable things to your food (if they didn't already). I am a server and if you treated me like this I would force feed you that steak, cooked or not, and you WOULD tip me and tip well! Stick to Waffle House next time you go out!

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#1 Consumer Comment

You shouldn't pay them a dime...

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, June 02, 2003

It sounds like a really bad experience, but my advice to you is that you shouldn't have paid them a dime. You didn't even eat the food and what they did to you is robbery. It's good you can file the report here but they shouldn't get away with ripping people off like that. You should call your credit card company and tell them what happened and they'll refund you and get the money back from the restaurant. Restaurants like these are truly horrible establishments and get away with ripping customers off like this and should be stopped, but only the consumer can stop these ridiculous situations (the restaurant taking your money) from occurring.

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