Locals vs. Regulars

[scooterbug44]

It seems like I am constantly hearing how a restaurant or business didn't give someone special or preferential treatment even though they were a "local". My take is that while area businesses should definitely cultivate locals for year round business (as many do w/ off-season specials, discount cards, etc.) being local doesn't get you special treatment, being a "regular" does. Unless you are a semi-frequent patron, how are they supposed to know you're local?

I obviously get frustrated when businesses seem to be slighting local customers in favor of drawing in tourists or to make a quick buck, but feel like expecting special treatment because of your mailing address is the kind of behavior/attitude one expects from a tourist, not a "local".

I think most area businesses and restaurants go above and beyond in taking care of their year-round/local clientele and am frequently impressed when I receive discounts and freebies when the staff remembers me even though I haven't been there in months.

[InletBchDweller]

I understand what you mean scooterbug.
I frequent Shades at the loop and after patronizing several times they did give me a "discount" of some sorts. When I used to go to Cafe 30-A every Tuesday night it was the same thing. I am sure many other so-wallers get "treatment" at other establishments that they frequent.
When I waited tables for 15 years I learned to recognize repeat customers and sometimes, if I was in the position, would buy them a beer, dessert, or discount the meal.

[Smiling JOe]

I, too, have worked in the biz, but I don't reward people just because the frequent often. I treat the nice ones well, but not all regulars are nice and respectful.

[oli]

I, too, have worked in the biz, but I don't reward people just because the frequent often. I treat the nice ones well, but not all regulars are nice and respectful.

true that.....

[kurt]

I understand what you mean scooterbug.
I frequent Shades at the loop and after patronizing several times they did give me a "discount" of some sorts. When I used to go to Cafe 30-A every Tuesday night it was the same thing. I am sure many other so-wallers get "treatment" at other establishments that they frequent.
When I waited tables for 15 years I learned to recognize repeat customers and sometimes, if I was in the position, would buy them a beer, dessert, or discount the meal.

Anyone with 3000 posts on SoWal gets free meals. :D

[TreeFrog]

I've always thought that Cafe 30A handles the local/regular thing in an even-handed way.

They have a "winter menu" in the off-season with some nice fixed-price meals for much less $ than the regular menu. Salad, main course, dessert. Anyone can eat from it, but obviously the locals and regulars will make the most use of it. Ditto the bar menu, which is available year-round.

[scooterbug44]

Yes, unfortunately regulars can sometimes mean regular sh*ts!

I was just pointing out that there's a difference between expecting special treatment because you live in the area and getting special treatment for being a good patron.