Darrell's 996 Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, FL 32159

[JoelJohnson]

Been going to Darrell's for 4 years now 3-4 times a week, this past Thursday (4/25)I had a horrible experience. We also try to sit in front outside to enjoy seeing the people go by. A couple left the table by the door and I sat down, even though the table was not cleared yet, we've done this in the past. The manager on duty, Derik, came out and said there clean tables around the corner, I told that why I sat there. He said that there was a sign inside the door that "Please wait to be seated" (which could not be seen from outside). That sign has not been used since I've been going there and told him so, he got very rude and said "it's going to ne a long time before table got cleared", then he proceeded to go to the other two tables to get their orders and every time he went by the table he didn't bother to even take one dirty dish, like it was beneath him to clear a table. With that I told my friend that I was leaving, my friend said the Derik told him that he wasn't going to serve us until I apologised! All the other servers are always very pleasant and helpful.

I'll go back, but this experience has left me with a bad taste with me.

[dewilson58]

Unfortunate.


You never know what is going on in an individual's life.


No excuse, just you never know.

[Tweety Bird]

Been going to Darrell's for 4 years now 3-4 times a week, this past Thursday (4/25)I had a horrible experience. We also try to sit in front outside to enjoy seeing the people go by. A couple left the table by the door and I sat down, even though the table was not cleared yet, we've done this in the past. The manager on duty, Derik, came out and said there clean tables around the corner, I told that why I sat there. He said that there was a sign inside the door that "Please wait to be seated" (which could not be seen from outside). That sign has not been used since I've been going there and told him so, he got very rude and said "it's going to ne a long time before table got cleared", then he proceeded to go to the other two tables to get their orders and every time he went by the table he didn't bother to even take one dirty dish, like it was beneath him to clear a table. With that I told my friend that I was leaving, my friend said the Derik told him that he wasn't going to serve us until I apologised! All the other servers are always very pleasant and helpful.


I'll go back, but this experience has left me with a bad taste with me.

So my question would be, why did you not sit at a clean table?

[n8xwb]

Some of my thoughts after reading your post.

1. I'm surprised as a primary rule for customer service is "the customer is always right"

That being said:

Why do you feel that you can avoid following their seating rule? Just because you think it isn't used doesn't make it so. Are you somehow special? Perhaps someone else had previously asked for the table you sat down at. Perhaps tables are assigned so wait staff have similar work loads. Who knows? I don't. You don't. Since I wasn't there, I don't know how this all went down, but I would like to point out that telling you, no, you can't sit at a table, is not being rude -- his table, not yours! And you certainly don't have the right to expect to sit where you want, when you want ( except of course at your own home).

For me, this feeling of privilege has run amuck lately. I see it with the examples of bad parking. I see it at our golf courses when my ball is embedded in someone's footsteps in a sand trap (oh no, what a lousy approach) that almost never gets raked. I see it when folks park using their "handicap" placards, then hop out of their Corvette or Miata and proceed with NO difficulty walking, at all. We all see it every single day. Another example -- how about the golfer ahead displaying a "reasonable accommodation ribbon", who then pulls up to within a foot or two of the green?

Over and over and over we all see it -- and as Florida gets more and more crowded we see it more and more.

Sure would be nice if EVERYONE backed off, and realized they are one of many, followed the rules, didn't complain when they don't get exactly what they want, etc. etc. etc.

We are all lucky to be down here, not working, enjoying the lifestyle, but no, we do not get special privileges, nor should we.

[retiredguy123]

I agree with the OP. Most restaurants will guide you to a table, but will let you sit where you want. I would not return to one that didn't. And, if the restaurant is not very busy, I don't like it when they try to seat people in one section instead of spreading them out. I try to go to restaurants when they are not busy so the noise level is lower. There is plenty of competition in the restaurant business, and I think they should be trying to satisfy the customers, not the servers.

[Fredman]

I eat at that restaurant several times a week and have always been treated with respect by that waiter (of course I don't sit at dirty tables). The op sounds like a privileged villager. Anyone with common sense doesn't sit at a dirty table because the servers are busy taking orders and cleaning tables is not a priority. He offered to take your order if you would have moved to a clean table. You were away out of line with your behavior and should be embarrassed for posting about the incident. ������������������

[bagboy]

I eat at that restaurant several times a week and have always been treated with respect by that waiter (of course I don't sit at dirty tables). The op sounds like a privileged villager. Anyone with common sense doesn't sit at a dirty table because the servers are busy taking orders and cleaning tables is not a priority. He offered to take your order if you would have moved to a clean table. You were away out of line with your behavior and should be embarrassed for posting about the incident. ����������������� ��

Well said, and I might add, to call out a server/Mgr by name is quite out of line.

[Kilmacowen]

The sign said "Please wait to be seated"

[JoelJohnson]

The sign said "Please wait to be seated"


The sign could not be seen from outside, and since it was never an issue before, there was no reason to look for it.

[Topspinmo]

Must not tip enough, at my previous location We dined at Tex mex restaurant, and had no problems finding seat I preferred. Naturally I wouldn’t go for seat that had not been busted yet. Maitre d knew us by name as asked where I would like to set. The waiters was more than happy to make us happy cause they knew they would get rewarded for good service.

[PNaughton]

:agree::agree::agree::bigbow:Some of my thoughts after reading your post.

1. I'm surprised as a primary rule for customer service is "the customer is always right"

That being said:

Why do you feel that you can avoid following their seating rule? Just because you think it isn't used doesn't make it so. Are you somehow special? Perhaps someone else had previously asked for the table you sat down at. Perhaps tables are assigned so wait staff have similar work loads. Who knows? I don't. You don't. Since I wasn't there, I don't know how this all went down, but I would like to point out that telling you, no, you can't sit at a table, is not being rude -- his table, not yours! And you certainly don't have the right to expect to sit where you want, when you want ( except of course at your own home).

For me, this feeling of privilege has run amuck lately. I see it with the examples of bad parking. I see it at our golf courses when my ball is embedded in someone's footsteps in a sand trap (oh no, what a lousy approach) that almost never gets raked. I see it when folks park using their "handicap" placards, then hop out of their Corvette or Miata and proceed with NO difficulty walking, at all. We all see it every single day. Another example -- how about the golfer ahead displaying a "reasonable accommodation ribbon", who then pulls up to within a foot or two of the green?

Over and over and over we all see it -- and as Florida gets more and more crowded we see it more and more.

Sure would be nice if EVERYONE backed off, and realized they are one of many, followed the rules, didn't complain when they don't get exactly what they want, etc. etc. etc.

We are all lucky to be down here, not working, enjoying the lifestyle, but no, we do not get special privileges, nor should we.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Regardless of all the comments stating pro or con thoughts, there is NO excuse for the way in which the CUSTOMER was treated.

[bagboy]

Regardless of all the comments stating pro or con thoughts, there is NO excuse for the way in which the CUSTOMER was treated.

But, you were not there, you don't KNOW exactly what happened.

[JoMar]

I agree with the OP. Most restaurants will guide you to a table, but will let you sit where you want. I would not return to one that didn't. And, if the restaurant is not very busy, I don't like it when they try to seat people in one section instead of spreading them out. I try to go to restaurants when they are not busy so the noise level is lower. There is plenty of competition in the restaurant business, and I think they should be trying to satisfy the customers, not the servers.

Satisfying customers doesn't always mean doing what the customer wants since there is usually a difference in opinion. I worked for several companies that had rules, procedures, staffing etc. that tried to focus on the customer but also on profits and expenses, you know, that PITA bottom line. I know it's sometimes hard to accept, but the customer isn't always right. I do agree that if where you go doesn't meet your expectations then you should go and find a place that does.....asking a place of business to change what works for them to suit your expectations....well, don't think that's going to happen. And to the OP, Derick evidently explained the situation and it puzzles me why you ignored it.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

But, you were not there, you don't KNOW exactly what happened.


No, I wasn't there and you weren't either, but you seem to not believe the OP. Why not?

I can only respond to what I've read -- to what the OP posted.

If what the OP has posted is exactly what happened, the manager had no right to talk and treat the customer in the way which was described. To be spoken to and then ignored? Sorry. The manager should be fired. You don't speak to or treat customers that way.

[Fredman]

Regardless of all the comments stating pro or con thoughts, there is NO excuse for the way in which the CUSTOMER was treated.

You can't say that because u don't know the other side of the story. I do because I spoke to the server and I can say after hearing both sides the sever acted in accordance to the way the customer treated him.

[TheWarriors]

People watch?

[Bogie Shooter]

i have never been seated at a Darrell’s, always told sit where I wanted.....at 3 different locations. Has their policy changed?

[valuemkt]

My favorite breakfast place.. i always sit at the counter .. in a clean space

[Midnight Cowgirl]

You can't say that because u don't know the other side of the story. I do because I spoke to the server and I can say after hearing both sides the sever acted in accordance to the way the customer treated him.


In case you didn't understand my previous comment, I reiterate . . . I responded to exactly what the OP said -- nothing more and nothing less. I had and have no knowledge of anything else.

Now -- were you there or is it hearsay on your part? Are you simply believing what the server said and is that "server" the manager? If the server you spoke to isn' the manager, it amazes me that server was able to stand there not attending to her customers' needs, while the entire episode took place.

It's a puzzlement, isn't it??!?

[billethkid]

In general most of us follow the rules.
And as in this case when one does not, it represents either an isolated case but for sure a minority representation of residents here.

[Marathon Man]

No, I wasn't there and you weren't either, but you seem to not believe the OP. Why not?

I can only respond to what I've read -- to what the OP posted.

If what the OP has posted is exactly what happened, the manager had no right to talk and treat the customer in the way which was described. To be spoken to and then ignored? Sorry. The manager should be fired. You don't speak to or treat customers that way.

I don't. Because anyone who is hanging on to anger long enough to carry it home, sit in front of a computer, log in, and type up a complaint is likely going to slant the story. Lots of stories tell the tale of "he was so rude to me", when really the story teller is trying to justify his emotions after not getting what he wanted.

In this case, the OP was told he would not get service at the table, but he wants us to believe that he is somehow entitled to service there. He chose to stay and got what he was told he would get.

So, I ask you - where did the rudeness actually lie?

[Fredman]

I don't. Because anyone who is hanging on to anger long enough to carry it home, sit in front of a computer, log in, and type up a complaint is likely going to slant the story. Lots of stories tell the tale of "he was so rude to me", when really the story teller is trying to justify his emotions after not getting what he wanted.

In this case, the OP was told he would not get service at the table, but he wants us to believe that he is somehow entitled to service there. He chose to stay and got what he was told he would get.

So, I ask you - where did the rudeness actually lie?

Amen 😊

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I don't. Because anyone who is hanging on to anger long enough to carry it home, sit in front of a computer, log in, and type up a complaint is likely going to slant the story. Lots of stories tell the tale of "he was so rude to me", when really the story teller is trying to justify his emotions after not getting what he wanted.

In this case, the OP was told he would not get service at the table, but he wants us to believe that he is somehow entitled to service there. He chose to stay and got what he was told he would get.

So, I ask you - where did the rudeness actually lie?


I guess we will really never know who was ruder or who colored the story more or who did what and to whom. Whatever.

Regardless -- it sure has made for some interesing comments and opinions, hasn't it??!?

[photo1902]

I don't. Because anyone who is hanging on to anger long enough to carry it home, sit in front of a computer, log in, and type up a complaint is likely going to slant the story. Lots of stories tell the tale of "he was so rude to me", when really the story teller is trying to justify his emotions after not getting what he wanted.

In this case, the OP was told he would not get service at the table, but he wants us to believe that he is somehow entitled to service there. He chose to stay and got what he was told he would get.

So, I ask you - where did the rudeness actually lie?

:bigbow: