Never again to Evans Prairie for us!

[wendyquat]

I've waited several hours to "cool off" about our experience at EP last night but feel it is an experience to share! Last year we purchased a "Buffalo Discount Card" from The Villagers cheerleaders. We weren't sure we'd use it much but thought it was a good cause to support. It offers discounts from participating restaurants and merchants for anything from free appetizer or dessert to a percentage off your bill. We have saved many times over the $10 charge for the card and it has always been enthusiastically accepted! Last night we mad e our second trip to Evans Prairie for dinner. We were sat promptly and our waiter, John, came to the table quickly with two waters. No greeting, just abruptly said, what can I get you to drink. I ordered Pinot noir and my hubby said he'd stick with the water. When he brought the wine, he said, again very abrupt, do you know what you want to eat? We ordered right away requesting our menu choices with no substitutions. He returned to our table once to ask, is your food ok and then to refill our water. We had the Buffalo card lying on the table but I tapped it and he acknowledged with a nod of his head that he saw it. When he brought the check I noticed that it did not show the 10% discount stated on the card. When I asked him about it he turned very antagonistic and muttered that the discount would be taken at the end! WHAT END? We normally pay cash, add a 20% tip and leave. When I asked him about it he snatched the check out of my hand and said he'd have to find the manager. He walked over to the manager and said something. They both shook their heads and marched back by our table to what was apparently the place where checks are created. John actually came back, slammed the adjusted check on our table without a word and the manager went off in another direction. We were stunned to say the least, paid the check and left. I wish now that I had put the manager on notice but I could tell he was disgusted with the whole thing. We eat out many times a week and, having had restaurant and serving experience, we are the first to know that everyone can have a bad day but I have NEVER had such an unprovoked altercation at a restaurant, certainly not in The Villages. If this discount that they agreed to via the Buffalo card is going to break them, perhaps they should explain it to customer rather than handling it in the way that they did! Thankfully there are many alternatives for us here!

[asianthree]

No one can say that the manager didn't know. Our service there was below par and when manager came due to my under cooked veg. He told me I didn't understand al dente. I very politely said I understood that definition, but why were my carrots frozen. He walked away, never returned.

[hulahips]

Poor business practice. Wonder if they are aware of totv and word of mouth in the villages? Bad move on their part

[Hank N Judy]

Sounds about right for Evans Prairie, you get the same obnoxious attitude at Bonifay I won't go to either one again.

[MikeV]

I stay clear of both restaurants but sometimes the group I am going to dinner with wants the specials they offer like two for $22. I try to explain that those specials are not the regular serving you would get without the special. They think they are getting a deal and it draws them in.

[Villager Joyce]

Ate at EP yesterday. Usual good service And good food. We have a LoyalTee card. They bring thE check without the discount. The credit card Receipt does show the discount. We pAy with cash also. Dont understand why bUt we noW know so we plan accordingly

[villagetinker]

To the above posters, has the quality of Evans Prairie gone down recently? We went many times after we moved here with no problems and excellent meals. Have not been there for a few months for various reason, not eating out much, but that should change soon. I was looking forward to EP, what's going on?

[Villager Joyce]

We eat there on average twice a month. We have never had a bad Meal or experience.

[wendyquat]

Ate at EP yesterday. Usual good service And good food. We have a LoyalTee card. They bring thE check without the discount. The credit card Receipt does show the discount. We pAy with cash also. Dont understand why bUt we noW know so we plan accordingly

Please tell me how you know how much to pay if the check doesn't show a discount but the credit card receipt does? We always pay with cash so I may be missing something here!

[Villager Joyce]

Please tell me how you know how much to pay if the check doesn't show a discount but the credit card receipt does? We always pay with cash so I may be missing something here!

Yesterday we both had $9 appetizers. My husband had 3 beers at $1.50 each. He paid $23 plus the tip. When she returned the LoyalTee card, the change was there. He left the tip and we left. It took a couple if times to realize someone was getting the tip plus the difference between the $1.50 discounted amount and the amount charged. He made sure the waitress was tipped.

[CFrance]

Yesterday we both had $9 appetizers. My husband had 3 beers at $1.50 each. He paid $23 plus the tip. When she returned the LoyalTee card, the change was there. He left the tip and we left. It took a couple if times to realize someone was getting the tip plus the difference between the $1.50 discounted amount and the amount charged. He made sure the waitress was tipped.
I don't quite understand what you said, VJ. Are you saying you were getting stiffed, or not?

The only time I have eaten there was in a group of about 10 (with reservations) a couple of weeks ago. The service was prompt, but brief. No one came back to ask if our meals were okay, and without asking if we wanted coffee or dessert, they brought the checks. Seemed odd. The place was definitely not crowded. The food was just okay.

[DougB]

Ate at EP yesterday. Usual good service And good food. We have a LoyalTee card. They bring thE check without the discount. The credit card Receipt does show the discount. We pAy with cash also. Dont understand why bUt we noW know so we plan accordingly

How does the credit card receipt show the discount if you pay with cash?

[CFrance]

How do the credit card receipt show the discount if you pay with cash?
I think you're taking the sentences literally.

[Villager Joyce]

I don't quite understand what you said, VJ. Are you saying you were getting stiffed, or not?

The only time I have eaten there was in a group of about 10 (with reservations) a couple of weeks ago. The service was prompt, but brief. No one came back to ask if our meals were okay, and without asking if we wanted coffee or dessert, they brought the checks. Seemed odd. The place was definitely not crowded. The food was just okay.

I don't understand what I said either. We over-tipped a couple of times, but wait staff is so underpaid, it was okay.

[CFrance]

I don't understand what I said either. We over-tipped a couple of times, but wait staff is so underpaid, it was okay.
:laugh:

[wendyquat]

I don't understand what I said either. We over-tipped a couple of times, but wait staff is so underpaid, it was okay.

I do NOT agree! Yes, most wait staff is underpaid but I'm NOT inclined to try to make up for that by over tipping for POOR and rude service! We've "overtipped" probably much more than we've under tipped! Life is confusing enough without having to guess the total amount of your check each time! From the majority of these posts I'd venture to guess that these restaurants are in trouble. Time will tell! :icon_hungry:

[Villager Joyce]

The point I wish to make us we have had great food and service every time we have been there. Yesterday We sat on The back porch and enjoyed being with our friends in such a beautiful place in The Villages. Pinch me. It can't be real.

[Villager Joyce]

I do NOT agree! Yes, most wait staff is underpaid but I'm NOT inclined to try to make up for that by over tipping for POOR and rude service! We've "overtipped" probably much more than we've under tipped! Life is confusing enough without having to guess the total amount of your check each time! From the majority of these posts I'd venture to guess that these restaurants are in trouble. Time will tell! :icon_hungry:

Our wait staff has never been rude or short.

[golfing eagles]

Have to agree with VJ. Have only eaten there 3x, last in April, but the service was polite and timely and the food excellent. We arrived with a neighborhood group of 10, no long wait and no attitudes. The manager came over just to ask us if everything was OK. Nobody was messing with a discount card, but it is hard to believe it would make much of a difference

[jblum315]

I've always enjoyed good food and service at Evans Prairir. I took my sister in law there for lunch and the waitress said to her you're not enjoying your sandwich, are you? And brought her something else. I thought that was unusually good service.

[justjim]

OP, sorry to hear that the service and management of Evans Prairie were less than satisfactory during your recent visit. Besides EP and Bonifay isn't OB and BG also under the same management? The three times we Visted EP this past winter were all satisfactory.

[jnieman]

OP, sorry to hear that the service and management of Evans Prairie were less than satisfactory during your recent visit. Besides EP and Bonifay isn't OB and BG also under the same management? The three times we Visted EP this past winter were all satisfactory.

We had a party of 8 last night at Belle Glade and the food and service was excellent.

[bxmt54]

My only complaint against EP (in case they are monitoring this) is that they did away with my favorite dish...the roasted vegetable flatbread. PLEASE bring it back!

[Uberschaf]

:agree:Sounds about right for Evans Prairie, you get the same obnoxious attitude at Bonifay I won't go to either one again.

[Cedwards38]

EP is a favorite of ours. It's always been good. Maybe John was the issue!

[wendyquat]

I am beginning to believe John may have been the problem and I'm sorry as we all have problems that could cause us to be at our worst. BUT the manager could surely see there was a problem and he could have "diffused" the situation by apologizing when he went back up front right past our table! Seems petty now considering the real problems we are faced with at this time!

[sunnyatlast]

We've had good experiences at Evans Prairie but then the two bad experiences this year (with manager fully informed and denying the complaint) were so bad that we decided "never again".

The real problem with that is that the same restaurant management group controls so many of the country club restaurants here in TV. A monopoly is never a good thing for the customer!

The attitude we got was "we could care less if you don't come back.....TV is flooded with people in high season, so we can do just fine without people who won't return".

[Count'n the days]

We ate at EP yesterday after golf. One of my favorite places. Our server, Kim, was very pleasant and efficient. I presented her with a coupon from The Villages Golf Magazine for a free beer with lunch. She wasn't familiar with it but quickly checked with the manager. No problems what so ever with our food or the check - which included $10 off from the Loyal Tee card. I think it is important to remember to apply the tip to the total bill before discounts. The wait staff is usually working very hard to provide good service, but we all have our days I guess.

[redwitch]

I usually give a restaurant a second chance, even after bad service and poor food. They don't get a third chance, though. However, when the manager cops an attitude, then I would be hard-pressed to come back. Servers have bad days. Some shouldn't ever serve and are usually culled quickly. Here's hoping John just was having a really bad day and that wasn't his norm. However, the manager should have been a lot more personable, explaining the billing procedure and making sure you left satisfied. He did not do his job. I doubt I would go back to a restaurant where the manager was as ungracious as what Wendy described.

[Villager Joyce]

We ate at EP yesterday after golf. One of my favorite places. Our server, Kim, was very pleasant and efficient. I presented her with a coupon from The Villages Golf Magazine for a free beer with lunch. She wasn't familiar with it but quickly checked with the manager. No problems what so ever with our food or the check - which included $10 off from the Loyal Tee card. I think it is important to remember to apply the tip to the total bill before discounts. The wait staff is usually working very hard to provide good service, but we all have our days I guess.

You nailed the explanation. The initial bill has the full price so the tip will be calculated on the full amount not the discounted amount. Duh Joyce. Guess too many $3 martinii.

[Chatbrat]

My only complaint about EP are very varying pours @ the bar, one bar person pours really short drinks, it kind of bothers me when we're drinking premium booze

[tuccillo]

We go to EP fairly often, most recently friday night. I had the friday fish special - salmon. It was a huge piece and cooked perfectly. The veggies were also cooked perfectly - very crisp, not soggy. The waitperson was around often and friendly. Everything came out quickly. It was very good and typical of our visits. I also go there frequently with a large group after golf on sundays and they are always very accommodating.

I've waited several hours to "cool off" about our experience at EP last night but feel it is an experience to share! Last year we purchased a "Buffalo Discount Card" from The Villagers cheerleaders. We weren't sure we'd use it much but thought it was a good cause to support. It offers discounts from participating restaurants and merchants for anything from free appetizer or dessert to a percentage off your bill. We have saved many times over the $10 charge for the card and it has always been enthusiastically accepted! Last night we mad e our second trip to Evans Prairie for dinner. We were sat promptly and our waiter, John, came to the table quickly with two waters. No greeting, just abruptly said, what can I get you to drink. I ordered Pinot noir and my hubby said he'd stick with the water. When he brought the wine, he said, again very abrupt, do you know what you want to eat? We ordered right away requesting our menu choices with no substitutions. He returned to our table once to ask, is your food ok and then to refill our water. We had the Buffalo card lying on the table but I tapped it and he acknowledged with a nod of his head that he saw it. When he brought the check I noticed that it did not show the 10% discount stated on the card. When I asked him about it he turned very antagonistic and muttered that the discount would be taken at the end! WHAT END? We normally pay cash, add a 20% tip and leave. When I asked him about it he snatched the check out of my hand and said he'd have to find the manager. He walked over to the manager and said something. They both shook their heads and marched back by our table to what was apparently the place where checks are created. John actually came back, slammed the adjusted check on our table without a word and the manager went off in another direction. We were stunned to say the least, paid the check and left. I wish now that I had put the manager on notice but I could tell he was disgusted with the whole thing. We eat out many times a week and, having had restaurant and serving experience, we are the first to know that everyone can have a bad day but I have NEVER had such an unprovoked altercation at a restaurant, certainly not in The Villages. If this discount that they agreed to via the Buffalo card is going to break them, perhaps they should explain it to customer rather than handling it in the way that they did! Thankfully there are many alternatives for us here!

[justjim]

After reading many restaurant threads the past three years, I am absolutely convinced that there are several restaurant managers and servers that could use additional training on how to deal with the public. I am also aware that "we Village seniors" can be a "tough crowd" to deal with!

In come cases perhaps our expectations are too high given the price we want to pay and the service we expect.

[biker1]

Attitude is everything - I mean the attitude of the customers. I have seen some people be very tough on the waitstaff in The Villages for no apparent reason other than they felt entitled to do so. I have seen people ask for free stuff and then throw a hissy fit when the waitperson couldn't meet their demands. This sort of behavior will "wear down" the waitstaff and management, they are only human. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you have an issue by all means talk to the management about it but pay attention to your language and attitude. I am not trying to lecture anyone here, just some friendly, well meaning advice. There are two groups of people I go out of my way to be nice to: flight attendants and waitstaff. They have very tough jobs and are in the trenches all day long.

After reading many restaurant threads the past three years, I am absolutely convinced that there are several restaurant managers and servers that could use additional training on how to deal with the public. I am also aware that "we Village seniors" can be a "tough crowd" to deal with!

In come cases perhaps our expectations are too high given the price we want to pay and the service we expect.

[gerryann]

Attitude is everything - I mean the attitude of the customers. I have seen some people be very tough on the waitstaff in The Villages for no apparent reason other than they felt entitled to do so. I have seen people ask for free stuff and then throw a hissy fit when the waitperson couldn't meet their demands. This sort of behavior will "wear down" the waitstaff and management, they are only human. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you have an issue by all means talk to the management about it but pay attention to your language and attitude. I am not trying to lecture anyone here, just some friendly, well meaning advice. There are two groups of people I go out of my way to be nice to: flight attendants and waitstaff. They have very tough jobs and are in the trenches all day long.

In my opinion....this is very true. IF I had to pick one thing that I don't like about living in a "over 55" community, it is seeing the way seniors treat wait staff. They treat wait staff as if they are below them......which they aren't!!
Pay attention!!! Say thank you when you are seated, say thank you when your beverage and food are delivered. Speak to them using their name. Treat then the same as you expect to be treated.

[Villager Joyce]

In my opinion....this is very true. IF I had to pick one thing that I don't like about living in a "over 55" community, it is seeing the way seniors treat wait staff. They treat wait staff as if they are below them......which they aren't!!
Pay attention!!! Say thank you when you are seated, say thank you when your beverage and food are delivered. Speak to them using their name. Treat then the same as you expect to be treated.

:bigbow:

[DonH57]

Attitude is everything - I mean the attitude of the customers. I have seen some people be very tough on the waitstaff in The Villages for no apparent reason other than they felt entitled to do so. I have seen people ask for free stuff and then throw a hissy fit when the waitperson couldn't meet their demands. This sort of behavior will "wear down" the waitstaff and management, they are only human. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you have an issue by all means talk to the management about it but pay attention to your language and attitude. I am not trying to lecture anyone here, just some friendly, well meaning advice. There are two groups of people I go out of my way to be nice to: flight attendants and waitstaff. They have very tough jobs and are in the trenches all day long.

I agree one hundred percent. I have see some very rude and nasty behavior from senior citizens toward wait staff since living in the villages. I agree it some of the actions and words come out of no where without any cause. I think it's pretty much common sense to treat people like you want to be treated. I'm always especially courteous to flight attendants since they are serving my alcohol. I've seen some real jackasses on planes get cut off due to their own arrogance.:beer3:

[sunnyatlast]

attitude is everything - i mean the attitude of the customers. i have seen some people be very tough on the waitstaff in the villages for no apparent reason other than they felt entitled to do so. I have seen people ask for free stuff and then throw a hissy fit when the waitperson couldn't meet their demands. This sort of behavior will "wear down" the waitstaff and management, they are only human. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you have an issue by all means talk to the management about it but pay attention to your language and attitude. I am not trying to lecture anyone here, just some friendly, well meaning advice. There are two groups of people i go out of my way to be nice to: Flight attendants and waitstaff. They have very tough jobs and are in the trenches all day long.


amen!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Attitude is everything - I mean the attitude of the customers. I have seen some people be very tough on the waitstaff in The Villages for no apparent reason other than they felt entitled to do so. I have seen people ask for free stuff and then throw a hissy fit when the waitperson couldn't meet their demands. This sort of behavior will "wear down" the waitstaff and management, they are only human. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you have an issue by all means talk to the management about it but pay attention to your language and attitude. I am not trying to lecture anyone here, just some friendly, well meaning advice. There are two groups of people I go out of my way to be nice to: flight attendants and waitstaff. They have very tough jobs and are in the trenches all day long.

Many of these people need to be lectured to.............................

[Bonny]

In my opinion....this is very true. IF I had to pick one thing that I don't like about living in a "over 55" community, it is seeing the way seniors treat wait staff. They treat wait staff as if they are below them......which they aren't!!
Pay attention!!! Say thank you when you are seated, say thank you when your beverage and food are delivered. Speak to them using their name. Treat then the same as you expect to be treated.
I see so many people, not only rude to the servers, but they expect to be comped for every little thing. That really irritates me.

[wendyquat]

WOW, how many lashes? You guys really get defensive when someone finds fault with your favorite restaurant! Maybe this should be moved to the political forum! Bahaha!��

[Jayhawk]

I went to EP for lunch today. I saw a guy get a pitcher of beer which was $10.97 with tax. He gave the bartender a $20 and a $1 so he would get back a $10 bill and $.03 cents change. Never tipped anything. What a cheap A$$.

The people at EP have always been very courteous and concerned with making it a good experience for me. Some people expect way too much.

[Bonny]

We have friends that we will no longer go out with. They eat the salad and bread, then a few bites of the meal, then complain about the meal and want everything comped because their meal was cold !!!
We also have a couple across the street. There was 8 of us that went out out for dinner a few times. None of us will go out with them anymore. The last straw, their bill was $35.00 and change, they left the server $2.00.
Such a shame !! And they are the ones that want extra of this and that !

[biker1]

Regarding the original post, I wasn't there so I am doing a little guess work here. I suspect there was a healthy dose of attitude directed at the employees and that was the real issue. Just saying ...

WOW, how many lashes? You guys really get defensive when someone finds fault with your favorite restaurant! Maybe this should be moved to the political forum! Bahaha!��

[lambchop285]

I've waited several hours to "cool off" about our experience at EP last night but feel it is an experience to share! Last year we purchased a "Buffalo Discount Card" from The Villagers cheerleaders. We weren't sure we'd use it much but thought it was a good cause to support. It offers discounts from participating restaurants and merchants for anything from free appetizer or dessert to a percentage off your bill. We have saved many times over the $10 charge for the card and it has always been enthusiastically accepted! Last night we mad e our second trip to Evans Prairie for dinner. We were sat promptly and our waiter, John, came to the table quickly with two waters. No greeting, just abruptly said, what can I get you to drink. I ordered Pinot noir and my hubby said he'd stick with the water. When he brought the wine, he said, again very abrupt, do you know what you want to eat? We ordered right away requesting our menu choices with no substitutions. He returned to our table once to ask, is your food ok and then to refill our water. We had the Buffalo card lying on the table but I tapped it and he acknowledged with a nod of his head that he saw it. When he brought the check I noticed that it did not show the 10% discount stated on the card. When I asked him about it he turned very antagonistic and muttered that the discount would be taken at the end! WHAT END? We normally pay cash, add a 20% tip and leave. When I asked him about it he snatched the check out of my hand and said he'd have to find the manager. He walked over to the manager and said something. They both shook their heads and marched back by our table to what was apparently the place where checks are created. John actually came back, slammed the adjusted check on our table without a word and the manager went off in another direction. We were stunned to say the least, paid the check and left. I wish now that I had put the manager on notice but I could tell he was disgusted with the whole thing. We eat out many times a week and, having had restaurant and serving experience, we are the first to know that everyone can have a bad day but I have NEVER had such an unprovoked altercation at a restaurant, certainly not in The Villages. If this discount that they agreed to via the Buffalo card is going to break them, perhaps they should explain it to customer rather than handling it in the way that they did! Thankfully there are many alternatives for us here!
Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.

[sunnyatlast]

Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.

Were you there, seeing and hearing in person?

The o.p. said "John" was their waiter/server, not the manager who was another person.

Once more, people shoot the messenger when the message doesn't fit what they want to be told.

[CFrance]

Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.
Don't think one should ever dismiss someone's bad experience and suggest that they took something out of context. You weren't there to experience what OP experienced. Everyone has different experiences in the same places. Unless you were there, you can't say.

It's why I don't pay much attention to any restaurant review. It is whatever it was for each person that was there. OP's experience was not good, as others' weren't. Other people love the place. My experience was somewhere in between. So who's to know? But I wouldn't dismiss another person's experience just because mine was different. Especially since I wasn't there.

[EnglishJW]

We often eat at Evans Prairie and have never had a bad experience (food or service). We have never used a discount card anywhere in TV if that is relevant.

[DougB]

I went to EP for lunch today. I saw a guy get a pitcher of beer which was $10.97 with tax. He gave the bartender a $20 and a $1 so he would get back a $10 bill and $.03 cents change. Never tipped anything. What a cheap A$$.

The people at EP have always been very courteous and concerned with making it a good experience for me. Some people expect way too much.

I never had a bad experience at EP, but if pitchers are 10 dollars, I'll stay with Tierra Del Sol's $6.50 pitchers.

[Fredwms]

Yesterday we both had $9 appetizers. My husband had 3 beers at $1.50 each. He paid $23 plus the tip. When she returned the LoyalTee card, the change was there. He left the tip and we left. It took a couple if times to realize someone was getting the tip plus the difference between the $1.50 discounted amount and the amount charged. He made sure the waitress was tipped.

$1.50 Beers? Now I know TV is my kind of place when I get there.
:crap2:

[Villager Joyce]

$1.50 Beers? Now I know TV is my kind of place when I get there.
:crap2:

And $3 martinis. Those prices are for LoyalTee members -- $20 annual cost. Only need one membership as long as my husband pays for my drinks.

[Matzy]

Never say NEVER - often it comes faster the other way than you think.
But, we were several times in EP and did not experienced any problems and the food was always good.

[JohnCliff]

All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice

[Jayhawk]

All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice

Excellent. I think you have earned a second chance.

Good luck to all.

:coolsmiley:

[Happinow]

After reading these posts, it appears that the server has come on here to apologize for the difficulties the OP had at Evans Prarie. I, for one, think it takes courage to come onto a public forum and apologize. Now, if the OP would give the restaurant and the server another chance. Thank you To the server for showing that you care about the customers and to publically apologize. You, in my opinion, are a stand up guy/gal! Evans Prarie is lucky to have you.

[Barefoot]

All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice
You certainly deserve credit for making a public apology. :coolsmiley:

[wendyquat]

All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice

Although I'm not sure you have the correct person, I do appreciate your apology. Please look back several posts and see that when I had time to "cool off" I said that I was sure you may have been having a bad day. We had absolutely NO complaints about your service or the food (btw I had pork shank and not steak but I did have a glass of wine). I took OFFENSE to the way the check was handled. Unlike some posters on this forum we find it necessary to take advantage of some discounts in The Villages. Buying the Buffalo Card supports the Villages High School while at the same time giving small discounts from those merchants who choose to participate. We have used it in a number of places for almost a year with no hassle. When you said the discount is taken at the "end" I couldn't see how that could possibly work when paying cash. I guess we did have an "obvious misunderstanding" and, again, I apologize for airing it before I "cooled off"! We will come to Evans Prairie again and give John Cliff another try! Thank you for explaining!

[sunnyatlast]

Seeing here how long it took for various posters to explain how the discount is applied "at the end", and then even more misunderstood explanations about how that would work with cash, no wonder there was a "miscommunication". We've seen pages of "miscommunication" here with some articulate posters.

It seems to me the restaurant should write and print a statement of how that works, and either print it in the menu, or tape a slip with that procedure inside the folder that the bill comes in.

Put it in writing so it's clear, and let the servers be servers!

[DougB]

Seems simple enough to show the server whatever card or coupon you are using when you order, and then when the bill comes the discount would already be taken off.

[Walt.]

... Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it.

This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."

[CFrance]

This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."
I think it makes perfect sense for the manager to want to verify the different discounts at payment. There is probably some expediency reason it is done that way.

It is always good to hear both sides of the story, and if it were my situation, I would certainly give a second chance if only for the mature way in which the explanation was offered here.

Bravo.

[Bonny]

Also remember that the Buffalo Card has an expiration date. That is probably why the manager wants to see it. Some people told the server one time they had the Card but forgot it at home and were mad because they couldn't get the discount. Just cuz you say you have one, doesn't mean you do.

[Walt.]

Also remember that the Buffalo Card has an expiration date. That is probably why the manager wants to see it. Some people told the server one time they had the Card but forgot it at home and were mad because they couldn't get the discount. Just cuz you say you have one, doesn't mean you do.

Yes it has an expiration date. But wouldn't it make sense for the manager to see the card before the bill is prepared? Why would you give the waiter payment for the incorrect (non-discounted) amount and then have them go find the manager and work out the discount?

Oh, by-the-way. Folks on this thread aren't following TOTV SOP. The waiter is posting for the first time. Doesn't this automatically makes him a fake, a stooge for the company, a disgruntled employee...

[Bonny]

Yes it has an expiration date. But wouldn't it make sense for the manager to see the card before the bill is prepared? Why would you give the waiter payment for the incorrect (non-discounted) amount and then have them go find the manager and work out the discount?

Oh, by-the-way. Folks on this thread aren't following TOTV SOP. The waiter is posting for the first time. Doesn't this automatically makes him a fake, a stooge for the company, a disgruntled employee...
I would doubt he's a disgruntled employee if he is on here apologizing.

[billybye]

This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."

I agree - I would not offer any form of payment without a corrected bil.

[Villager Joyce]

And here we go, right down the toilet.

[redwitch]

Think the discourse between John, the server, and Wendy was handled beautifully" thank you both for showing class, maturity and style.

As to the policy that two bills are brought out, one of which has the amount sans discount and one showing the final version, I think this is ridiculous. I know our tips should be based on the true cost of the meal and I'm guessing this is the reason for the two-step policy but it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. As to requiring the server to take the card or coupon to the manager, that's just ridiculous IMO. If a coupon, let the server attach it to the portion put in the register. If some sort of a discount card, let the server check for expiration, etc., and ring it up accordingly. If EP wants to show full purchase amount, I'm sure the computer can find a way to show full amount and discounted amount on one ticket.

And some of the comments on this thread deserve to be ignored. They're downright mean-spirited.

[graciegirl]

All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice


This appears to be settled nicely. I will ask for this young man next time I go there.


Good for you, sir.

AND WALT.... this first post rings genuine, that is the reason it isn't suspect to the skeptical folks like me.

Wendyquat I know to be sincere good person too. All's well that ends well.