On December 26, 2007, I took my family of 5 people to Defuniak Springs to see the Christmas light show and have dinner at Hotel Defuniak's Bogies "fine dining" restaurant. My family came up to the panhandle to spend our first Christmas since my dad's recent diagnosis with cancer.
Unfortunately, the total disregard for respect or quality service at Bogie's restaurant made our evening a horrible experience and left a very bad image of the otherwise quaint town of Defuniak Springs.
We arrived at Bogies and were told it would be an hour before we could be seated so we took this opportunity to see the wonderful Christmas light show. The attendants were friendly and the light show was wonderful!
We returned to Bogies at 6:45 and were promptly seated and our order was quickly taken. We got our drinks quickly but it took 45 minutes to get our bread and butter. We finally got our salads an hour and a 15 minutes after we were seated. 3 tables that were seated after us were served and finished eating. Finally after 1 hour 45 minutes, my mom went up to the hostess and said it's been nearly 2 hours and while we were told it would be a while because of a another large table, 2 hours is just ridiculous. We were then told 3 times that our dinner was coming and after 2 hours our dinner finally arrived - COLD! We told the waitress that we were leaving and to bring our check which came to $30 and we paid it.
At this point, we had received bad service which can happen at times but what happened next was the most appalling thing that I've ever seen in an establishment of fine dining. I asked to speak to the manager and was told to talk to the bartender who had me wait about 5 minutes and then finally approached me. I calmly and softly explained what had happened with our dinner, that we had driven over an hour from south walton and how disappointed we all were. The bartender was very rude and asked "What do you want me to do?" I told her the least that should have been done was to have our 3 drinks compted for the frustration and inconvenience. She looked at me and verbatim said "Nothing that I can do would make you happy because you're PISSED!" I couldn't believe the language and rude attitude at such an establishment. I told her that I was not "pissed" because if I was I would be upset and yelling at her which I was not. That I was trying to tell her how terrible the experience was. I then said, "This is just terrible, my sister is diabetic and asked where were we supposed to get dinner at almost 9PM". She just stood there and looked at me with a blank stare. I then asked her for her name - to which she asked me why. I said because I was told that you were the manager and I intended to contact the Walton Sun. She then told me that she wasn't going to give me her name and that I should leave. I really couldn't believe that the manager used profanity, was absolutely unsympathetic and refused to give me her name.
It is so sad that people are so unkind, especially at Christmas. As we drove through the beautiful light show with it's various lighted messages about peace and the spirit of Christmas, I never dreamed that the arguably "best" restaurant in town had none of the spirit of christmas of small town neighborly love.
The best food in the world is terrible when it's served cold, after 2 hours of waiting with poor and disrespectful service from the employees. I will stay on 30A where the restaurants strive for excellence but even if delays or problems do occur, people still treat others with respect and kindness.
Replies
134
Banned
I agree. Obviously the guy is running his business tonight and cannot respond. Do you have a personal vendetta here Beach House? Sure seems like it with post after post of the same crap.
Geez Josh... Not really.. Just seems he took the time to post that answer and seems it really rubbed me wrong.
Yeah your right I really went off on this.. Dunno maybe in a past life I met that guy.. Oh well may I apologize to any and all for posting my feelings and thoughts on this thread that to some were over done. I feel really bad now... Geezz I might have really kept someone from going there and having their own experience. Your right Josh.. I was way outa line here.. (Bow)
(I am going into the corner now and take my timeout!) *Sigh*:bang:
Beach Crab
Wow, you all are tough. I've been lurking here for quite some time. We just got back from a trip to SoWal yesterday, as a matter of fact.
I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain and I've known my share of restaurant folks and owners. You guys are slamming this guy way too hard. I have never heard of his restaurant; nor have I eaten there. And I'm not saying the original poster is wrong. For all I know this guy is a tool.
But it isn't easy to run a restaurant these days. Obviously this guy is working hard, he's short-handed, its the slower season, and trust me when I say much of his food costs are going up while competition is forcing him to keep his prices lower. For all we know it may be a struggle some weeks to make payroll.
Again, I'm making a lot of assumptions, but it is obviously that he takes his work very personally and that probably came out as very defensive -- as he himself admitted at the start of his post. Give him another chance to reply without flaming him. Maybe he'll do a little more 'groveling' which is what most of you seem to want anyway. And frankly, pointing out that this thread is #3 on a google search is probably heartbreaking to a local business owner.
Most of you are usually so uber-supportive of local businesses that I was surprised to see this thread take such an ugly turn.
Enough of my blabbering.
Mark
I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain and I've known my share of restaurant folks and owners. You guys are slamming this guy way too hard. I have never heard of his restaurant; nor have I eaten there. And I'm not saying the original poster is wrong. For all I know this guy is a tool.
But it isn't easy to run a restaurant these days. Obviously this guy is working hard, he's short-handed, its the slower season, and trust me when I say much of his food costs are going up while competition is forcing him to keep his prices lower. For all we know it may be a struggle some weeks to make payroll.
Again, I'm making a lot of assumptions, but it is obviously that he takes his work very personally and that probably came out as very defensive -- as he himself admitted at the start of his post. Give him another chance to reply without flaming him. Maybe he'll do a little more 'groveling' which is what most of you seem to want anyway. And frankly, pointing out that this thread is #3 on a google search is probably heartbreaking to a local business owner.
Most of you are usually so uber-supportive of local businesses that I was surprised to see this thread take such an ugly turn.
Enough of my blabbering.
Mark
Beach Fanatic
mssheppard :welcome: love your tar, I'm a fan !!
Beach Fanatic
Wow, you all are tough. I've been lurking here for quite some time. We just got back from a trip to SoWal yesterday, as a matter of fact.
I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain and I've known my share of restaurant folks and owners. You guys are slamming this guy way too hard. I have never heard of his restaurant; nor have I eaten there. And I'm not saying the original poster is wrong. For all I know this guy is a tool.
But it isn't easy to run a restaurant these days. Obviously this guy is working hard, he's short-handed, its the slower season, and trust me when I say much of his food costs are going up while competition is forcing him to keep his prices lower. For all we know it may be a struggle some weeks to make payroll.
Again, I'm making a lot of assumptions, but it is obviously that he takes his work very personally and that probably came out as very defensive -- as he himself admitted at the start of his post. Give him another chance to reply without flaming him. Maybe he'll do a little more 'groveling' which is what most of you seem to want anyway. And frankly, pointing out that this thread is #3 on a google search is probably heartbreaking to a local business owner.
Most of you are usually so uber-supportive of local businesses that I was surprised to see this thread take such an ugly turn.
Enough of my blabbering.
Mark
I have to agree with MSheppard13 ... :welcome: BTW!
As I was reading the response from the chef/owner, my stomach dropped for him as the response was totally inappropriate and unprofessional. It was brutally obvious to me his talents must lie in the kitchen, not in front of the house operations (and hence, customer service) but I give him credit for taking the time to respond. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt here and I will assume his intention was to smooth things out - the delivery was obviously off the mark :shock: but the response here has been disproportionate to the issue at hand IMO. Give the guy a rope at least to try to save himself!
For what it's worth, my motto is "your business is only as good as your people" and I would suggest Bogies invest in hiring a capable and competent Maitre d' or dining room manager so that the chef/owner can avoid having to do "damage control" which is not his forte and focus on what he does best. If it is a "fine dining restaurant", you NEED someone to orchestrate seating so that the kitchen doesn't get slammed if you only have a few cooks, to accomodate diners if there is a wait and to skillfully handle unsastified customers.
Added comment: I don't know the chef/owner and have never eaten at Bogie's myself or even know anyone that has.
Edited
needs to get out more
This thread is a Sowal Instant Classic
Beach Fanatic
I feel that this thread should continue. The more I think about Mr. Harding's response, the more PO'd I get. Obviously when someone like Tim Creehan or Colleen Coffield walks in, they will get superior service. The customer service and quality that was shown to Tim and Colleen should be what every customer receives. Sucking up to the so called "royalty" is just wrong. IMO, everyone is a VIP. The postings in this thread haven't been hard enough. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. As far as I'm concerned, splash one Bogey.
Beach Crab
I feel that this thread should continue. The more I think about Mr. Harding's response, the more PO'd I get...The postings in this thread haven't been hard enough. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. As far as I'm concerned, splash one Bogey.
I disagree. Everyone has made their point. Give the man a chance to respond. If this witch hunt continues you're not only hurting his business, but the jobs of everyone that works there. Let him respond to the complaints and try to make changes in his workplace to promote better customer service.
Mark
Skunky
I disagree. Everyone has made their point. Give the man a chance to respond. If this witch hunt continues you're not only hurting his business, but the jobs of everyone that works there. Let him respond to the complaints and try to make changes in his workplace to promote better customer service.
Mark
Just a guess but the bleeding would probably stop if he would just come on here and say he was sorry. I think he has had more than enough time to respond;his essay was posted withing half a day of Cork's post. It speaks volumes that so much effort was put into composing a short story defending his establishment and burning bridges while none is being given to modest contrition.
And another thought...I wonder if Creehan would tolerate such hostile behavior from one of his managers? My guess is that they would be canned on the spot.
Beach Fanatic
"I disagree. Everyone has made their point. Give the man a chance to respond. If this witch hunt continues you're not only hurting his business, but the jobs of everyone that works there. Let him respond to the complaints and try to make changes in his workplace to promote better customer service."
Mark, Please read the beginning of the thread AGAIN.....
All of this is DO TO HIS RESPONSE. It was very pathetic and insinuated that the customer was the issue! Whether Cork was right or wrong doesn't matter. The owner should have been, could have been diplomatic, polite and apologetic. Instead he toots his own horn and slams the consumer WHO pays good earned money for GREAT service.
I say let those who want to slam him continue.....HE brought this on himself and his establishment. A little humility on his part initially would have ended this a long time ago....
Mark, Please read the beginning of the thread AGAIN.....
All of this is DO TO HIS RESPONSE. It was very pathetic and insinuated that the customer was the issue! Whether Cork was right or wrong doesn't matter. The owner should have been, could have been diplomatic, polite and apologetic. Instead he toots his own horn and slams the consumer WHO pays good earned money for GREAT service.
I say let those who want to slam him continue.....HE brought this on himself and his establishment. A little humility on his part initially would have ended this a long time ago....
Beach Fanatic
I agree with most everyone when I say,
It was very unprofessional and rude.
The owner will probably loose a lot of buisness over all this.
But I think we understand what happened and we can (STOP)
RIPPING this guy...
Ya Know?
But
Yeah..
It was very unprofessional and rude.
The owner will probably loose a lot of buisness over all this.
But I think we understand what happened and we can (STOP)
RIPPING this guy...
Ya Know?
But
Yeah..
Banned
Kinda reminds me of watching an old cop with hostages movie, The Hostages eventually feel sorry for their capture and begin to help him with his crime..LOL...So because he was wrong and "Everyone" jumped on him he becomes the underdog, Even though it is he who could have prevented this thread! Please gimmie freaking break, when the wreck is up ahead how many of us turn around and go the other way? Yeah right we can't wait to see if there is any blood on the ground ! Oh how easy it is to look so "Cavalier" behind a computer, Please continue with the awe he ran over the person but hey you have to feel sorry for him because he is suffering too? OMG I guess I am hitting hard. But ya know what.. Its how I honestly feel, and whats so wrong with that on a thread on the INTERNET? PaaaLezzzz..
:popcorn:
:popcorn:
Beach Fanatic
Geez, you sound like a political candidate flipping back and forth. Glad you found SoWal, you obviously have a lot of free time on your hands.
Beach Fanatic
Its called Stockholm Syndrome. Google schizophrenia as well -it might be enlightening..
Banned
Geez, you sound like a political candidate flipping back and forth. Glad you found SoWal, you obviously have a lot of free time on your hands.
Geez my time is of no concern of yours, But than I can understand what your saying, I mean it being a holiday week and all yeah I have plenty of time.
Josh please if you have an issue with me or my post than just say it, Stop the holier than thou crap. This thread is about a person who posted on here and stated what he had about an issue between him and a client. Its not about you or I, Its a thread provided by Sowal to open discuss matters people feel they want to. You don't like it than PM that person call that person or just ignore it. I understand your a young man an I know that as time goes on you too will learn how to enjoy time off after many long years of hard work. That day will come. Funny you mentioned politician. I was one of those many years ago.. Kinda fun than... Maybe I will run for Mayor or Dog catcher.
Enough.. Josh I honestly wish you well, Sorry you don't like my postings..But life will go on.. and ya know what so will I! Gotta love it....š±
Banned
Its called Stockholm Syndrome. Google schizophrenia as well -it might be enlightening..
Thanks for the info! ;-)
Me ...I am an Old Fart that has self imposed "Bi-Polar" syndrome, If I sit wrong and activate my hemorrhoid I just might become another personality.. :idontno:
I keep hearing these voices in my head saying... I'm Rich and famous, But than another voice says NO your a has been wanna be... Yeh.. huh? whats that Doc...Time to go where? Ahh yes its time to visit Sybil! š±
Now lets get back to Mr. Hardings letter!
Enough ADD has been splashed around IMHO;-)
Beach Fanatic
This thread could be used as the basis for an article...wait, make that a book...on guest satisfaction.
Good customer service should always be the rule, not the exception, even when you're slammed. As owners of a business, we can attest that it isn't always easy, but you & your staff have to work smart & hard every day to make sure folks are satisfied and would want to come back.
Even the poster who said "I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain" has it wrong. The restaurants you service would be out of business if they continually responded to customers in the manner (or lack thereof) that Bogey's did to Cork and her party. Food services companies would then have no restaurant customers either...
"How can I help" is one of the most powerful phrases in business today. I'd recommend Bogey's post it on the wall where everyone on their staff, from owner on down, can see it and live it.
Finally, we pray that if any of you has ever had a less-than-funn experience at Fired Up, that you'll simply let us know. We'll do whatever it takes to make it right for you.
We love ya'll!
:wub:
Sincerely,
Jim & Stacy Radford, owners
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
27 Quincy Circle * Downtown Seaside
850-231-3211
Good customer service should always be the rule, not the exception, even when you're slammed. As owners of a business, we can attest that it isn't always easy, but you & your staff have to work smart & hard every day to make sure folks are satisfied and would want to come back.
Even the poster who said "I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain" has it wrong. The restaurants you service would be out of business if they continually responded to customers in the manner (or lack thereof) that Bogey's did to Cork and her party. Food services companies would then have no restaurant customers either...
"How can I help" is one of the most powerful phrases in business today. I'd recommend Bogey's post it on the wall where everyone on their staff, from owner on down, can see it and live it.
Finally, we pray that if any of you has ever had a less-than-funn experience at Fired Up, that you'll simply let us know. We'll do whatever it takes to make it right for you.
We love ya'll!
:wub:
Sincerely,
Jim & Stacy Radford, owners
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
27 Quincy Circle * Downtown Seaside
850-231-3211
Edited
Banned
This thread could be used as the basis for an article...wait, make that a book...on guest satisfaction.
Good customer service should always be the rule, not the exception, even when you're slammed. As owners of a business, we can attest that it isn't always easy, but you & your staff have to work smart & hard every day to make sure folks are satisfied and would want to come back.
Even Ms. Sheppard, who said "I work somewhere up the food services distribution chain" has it wrong. The restaurants you service would be out of business if they continually responded to customers in the manner (or lack thereof) that Bogey's did to Cork and her party. Ms. Sheppard would then have no restaurant customers either.
"How can I help" is one of the most powerful phrases in business today. I'd recommend Bogey's post it on the wall where everyone on their staff, from owner on down, can see it and live it.
Finally, we pray that if any of you has ever had a less-than-funn experience at Fired Up, that you'll simply let us know. We'll do whatever it takes to make it right for you.
We love ya'll!
:wub:
Sincerely,
Jim & Stacy Radford, owners
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
27 Quincy Circle * Downtown Seaside
850-231-3211
Mr. Radford, as I posted on another thread my wife and I visited your place the other day! And without a doubt we will return and spend time and money with you....Because... that young lady that was there representing your business was very respectful, helpful and was there to serve not only the "Paying Clients" There but us as well the window shoppers. I might say that Mr. Harding would do well in having this young lady go to DFS and help train some of his employees since that seems to be the rhyme to reason with this thread.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience at Fired Up! It starts from the top down!:clap:
SoWal Insider
I feel that this thread should continue. The more I think about Mr. Harding's response, the more PO'd I get.
The postings in this thread haven't been hard enough. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. As far as I'm concerned, splash one Bogey.
Aren't we supposed to be forgiving? Important life lessons are about learning from your mistakes and giving someone a second chance, not about being hard on the guy. Sorta like the "kick 'em while they're down" mentality. Who wins?
I say let those who want to slam him continue.....HE brought this on himself and his establishment. A little humility on his part initially would have ended this a long time ago....
He may feel much differently today. It is now between him and the opening poster - - not us.
I agree with most everyone when I say,How old are you GK? Wow, pretty profound thoughts from a kid your age! :clap: You're on your way to becoming a thoughtful and giving person.
It was very unprofessional and rude.
The owner will probably loose a lot of buisness over all this.
But I think we understand what happened and we can (STOP)
RIPPING this guy...
Ya Know?
But
Yeah..
This should be the lesson for the day for all of us! š
Banned
Aren't we supposed to be forgiving? Important life lessons are about learning from your mistakes and giving someone a second chance, not about being hard on the guy. Sorta like the "kick 'em while they're down" mentality. Who wins?
Google Stockhom Syndrome..... Who wins? The Client should always win!
He may feel much differently today. It is now between him and the opening poster - - not us.
Ok well lets see his posting to that and in case you missed it he made sure we saw his posting reply to Cork, Thats what this has been about...So he made it OUR biz!
How old are you GK? Wow, pretty profound thoughts from a kid your age! :clap: You're on your way to becoming a thoughtful and giving person.
This should be the lesson for the day for all of us! š
Wax on Wax Off!
š±
Thread locked
This conversation is read-only until a moderator unlocks it.