One guy stood up, puffed out his chest, all indignant and said he'd like to speak to the manager. "That would be me," I said. And began to explain policy, but he would have none of it. He ignored every word. Other diners were taking notice.
"Well, come-on guys", He shouted, "this isn't the place for us." The dining room was quite full and it had been a major effort to accommodate such a large group, but this was lost on the blowhard. (There isn't a restaurant in this town where this troop would be welcome, so they probably ended up with take-out from McDonald's out on the coastal highway.)
He offered a parting shot as they filed out the door; "You are one poor manager." To which I replied, "and you are a poor parental example." The diners nearby laughed at the comeback and with that, Mr. Indignant left the building.
He tried once more by yelling through the open doors, "Hope you have a great summer." And before I could reply, a customer seated close to the doors (our version of al fresco dining) said, "Oh, I am sure we ALL will now that you are not coming back. Please say you're not coming back." The entire front of the house laughed, and hooted. I just stood there with my mouth wide open, staring at the jerk as his face turned bright red - and it wasn't a sunburn.
Sometimes, our customers surprise even me.
Over all, a delightful day with happy people enjoying a rather gloomy Sunday with friends and family, good food and drink. It doesn't get any better than that, now does it?
Another long 9-hour shift and I am glad to be home. Supper is cooking, I am about to shower and have a cocktail before-hand.
One more day, then a precious Tuesday off.
And so it goes.
*
Bravo to you! A few days ago Bill and I were having dinner at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in South Hill, Virginia. The noise was so loud we couldn't hear ourselves talk. The noise was coming from a large nearby table of which were seated about eight or ten young boys and two male adults. Obviously they won their game because one of the adult males was whooping and hollering and having a grand old time with his captive audience. We endured this cacophony of sound for about a half an hour until they left. Bill said he would never eat at a Cracker Barrel again. I told him that this is what happens sometimes at "family" restaurants. By the way, I don't blame the kids, I blame the loud mouth adult males who cared nothing for the rest of the folks dining at that Cracker Barrel that night. Once they left the premises, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Bill and I looked outside and the big mouth adult male was continuing his show.
ReplyDeleteYou handled your situation the perfectly. I doubt if the Crazy Guys could have done any better. You deserve a round of applause and perhaps a raise?
I too am glad when people stand up to rudeness, rather than just being friendly back. It encourages the rude boys to be more like it.
ReplyDeleteHA! I love this! :)
ReplyDeleteHope your day off was a good one!
ReplyDeleteAre the olives marinating yet?