At what point does the COVID excuses end.....

[Koapaka]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

[Dana1963]

I have walked out of restaurants for those very same reasons.

[bagboy]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and sent to Cody's Roadhouse at LSL.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (normally more for exceptional service), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Maybe take a deep breath, go back again, and see if things are better. If they aren't, then scratch Cody's from your list.
We went to Cody's a couple of weeks ago, sat at the bar. Food was okay, service was so bad my wife said maybe we should scratch LSL Cody's from our list. We stopped in a few days ago, food was good, service was excellent.

[Koapaka]

Maybe take a deep breath, go back again, and see if things are better. If they aren't, then scratch Cody's from your list.
We went to Cody's a couple of weeks ago, sat at the bar. Food was okay, service was so bad my wife said maybe we should scratch LSL Cody's from our list. We stopped in a few days ago, food was good, service was excellent.

You are right....need to give it another shot. But gotta tell ya, for the first time in this entire COVID nightmare I was the one that was ****ed....vs being the one trying to tip very well and encourage staff that was working and heap praise on those that are willing to come and work vs collect free money. You could have knocked ME over with a feather I was so unaware I could get so ****ed about this, but it was honestly the worst possible lack of service we have ever had. We might give them another shot, but it will definitely be a while.

[jimbomaybe]

When you have policies that reduce the incentive, reason and necessity to work you get less work, why be surprised. I don't do too much fast food but Burger King was in the past my choice. Since the covid experience I have taken that franchise off my list. Not only have they reduced the size of the whopper, its now a woper but the last three out of ten visits they have gotten the order wrong

[Stu from NYC]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Surprised you did not ask to speak to the manager. We have been tipping 20% or more these days but for the service you got the tip would reflect the service.

[Bay Kid]

We have now learned how to get paid not to work.

[golfing eagles]

We have now learned how to get paid not to work.

And what's worse is that we have a model to follow-------Greece

[JSR22]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

We had dinner at ChopHouse across the street last evening. They were busy, had plenty of staff and the food and service were excellent.

[MDLNB]

We had dinner at ChopHouse across the street last evening. They were busy, had plenty of staff and the food and service were excellent.
Chop house has good reviews but I found it to be over priced for what you get. Just my impression.

[JSR22]

Chop house has good reviews but I found it to be over priced for what you get. Just my impression.

I think their food is excellent and worth the price. we eat there weekly.

[jdulej]

We have now learned how to get paid not to work.

No one is getting paid to not work anymore.

We go out to dinner 2 to 3 times a week, all over the north of 44 Villages and off the reservation from time to time. We have never had an issue with wait staff or getting timely service. Occasionally the bill gets screwed up as we will split the cost over 2 to 4 couples, but we always get it sorted out without getting nasty.

[snbrafford]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

==================================================

My wife and I recently traveled to New England area on our first vacation since this whole Covid thing stopping in Myrtle Beach along the way. All during our trip, many hotels and restaurants had signs posted that they were short staffed to had cut back on service due to COVID. If you go into other returns here in The Villages like Beef O'Brady's or Bob Evans or Darrell's Dinner or... the list goes on - there will often be a "short staffed" sign on the door. And not to mention - there are "help wanted" signs everywhere. No one wants to work for service industry wages as long as they can collect unemployment. The solution, in my opinion, is to reduce unemployment payments the longer a person is on it (assuming they are physically able to work) so they will go back to work. We can't continue to reward people for not working when there are plenty of jobs out there.

[fdpaq0580]

First. If service, food, beverage, anything is unsatifactory, LET THE MANAGEMENT KNOW. They would (or should) want to know before they lose customers over something correctable.

I was taught that "tip" was an acronym for "To Insure Proper or Prompt service" and is given in advance to someone so they will perform task or service quickly, correctly and to make sure you will be happy when job is done. A "Gratuity" is a Thank You given after you have received a satisfactory or better service than just average or minimum. The term "tip" is now a gratuity that is NOT the "thank you"gift that it was intended to be and is now expected, sometimes even demanded, for just doing basic job functions. Everybody seems to expect to be tipped for just doing their job. Entitlement?
I have been many places in my life were tipping is not the norm, even frowned upon and considered an insult. They are proud of the work they do and offering a tip makes them feel that you do not value their work and that you pitty them.
In this country many establishments, like reastaurants, have even successfully transferred much of the burden of paying their employees a decent wage to the customer. As a larger part/% of an employees pay becomes made up of tips, the less the employer needs to cover. And the customer (out of guilt or peer pressure) slowly is induced to increase the percentage of the tip. Anyone here old enough to remember 10,15,18% as being the norm? Now, even 20% is just standard and more if you think it is deserved or you just feel sorry for them. In many places, if not most, tips are devided, not just among wait staff, but by ALL the employees. So that Very generous tip you leave your fabulous server probably only adds a few cents to his/her take home since everyone from the chef to the bartender to the dish washer gets a cut. Who knows, since establishments are different.
Oh, for the day when the price on the menu is the price you pay and everyone is happy with that. Never happen.
I forgot about the taxes...

[MDLNB]

First. If service, food, beverage, anything is unsatifactory, LET THE MANAGEMENT KNOW. They would (or should) want to know before they lose customers over something correctable.

I was taught that "tip" was an acronym for "To Insure Proper or Prompt service" and is given in advance to someone so they will perform task or service quickly, correctly and to make sure you will be happy when job is done. A "Gratuity" is a Thank You given after you have received a satisfactory or better service than just average or minimum. The term "tip" is now a gratuity that is NOT the "thank you"gift that it was intended to be and is now expected, sometimes even demanded, for just doing basic job functions. Everybody seems to expect to be tipped for just doing their job. Entitlement?
I have been many places in my life were tipping is not the norm, even frowned upon and considered an insult. They are proud of the work they do and offering a tip makes them feel that you do not value their work and that you pitty them.
In this country many establishments, like reastaurants, have even successfully transferred much of the burden of paying their employees a decent wage to the customer. As a larger part/% of an employees pay becomes made up of tips, the less the employer needs to cover. And the customer (out of guilt or peer pressure) slowly is induced to increase the percentage of the tip. Anyone here old enough to remember 10,15,18% as being the norm? Now, even 20% is just standard and more if you think it is deserved or you just feel sorry for them. In many places, if not most, tips are devided, not just among wait staff, but by ALL the employees. So that Very generous tip you leave your fabulous server probably only adds a few cents to his/her take home since everyone from the chef to the bartender to the dish washer gets a cut. Who knows, since establishments are different.
Oh, for the day when the price on the menu is the price you pay and everyone is happy with that. Never happen.
I forgot about the taxes...


I've traveled and lived in many countries and found that a large amount of places placed the gratuity in the bill, so you really didn't have much choice.

[Escape Artist]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

You stated that others were being served and getting their food, drinks, etc. so maybe you were just unlucky and got a bad server? That can happen at any time, not just because of Covid.

[JSR22]

==================================================

My wife and I recently traveled to New England area on our first vacation since this whole Covid thing stopping in Myrtle Beach along the way. All during our trip, many hotels and restaurants had signs posted that they were short staffed to had cut back on service due to COVID. If you go into other returns here in The Villages like Beef O'Brady's or Bob Evans or Darrell's Dinner or... the list goes on - there will often be a "short staffed" sign on the door. And not to mention - there are "help wanted" signs everywhere. No one wants to work for service industry wages as long as they can collect unemployment. The solution, in my opinion, is to reduce unemployment payments the longer a person is on it (assuming they are physically able to work) so they will go back to work. We can't continue to reward people for not working when there are plenty of jobs out there.

The people who stayed as servers are working in the higher priced restaurants and there is plenty of help. They make a whole lot more money getting 20 to 25% tip off an $70 to 80 tab then a $20 to 25 tab.

[Two Bills]

==================================================

My wife and I recently traveled to New England area on our first vacation since this whole Covid thing stopping in Myrtle Beach along the way. All during our trip, many hotels and restaurants had signs posted that they were short staffed to had cut back on service due to COVID. If you go into other returns here in The Villages like Beef O'Brady's or Bob Evans or Darrell's Dinner or... the list goes on - there will often be a "short staffed" sign on the door. And not to mention - there are "help wanted" signs everywhere. No one wants to work for service industry wages as long as they can collect unemployment. The solution, in my opinion, is to reduce unemployment payments the longer a person is on it (assuming they are physically able to work) so they will go back to work. We can't continue to reward people for not working when there are plenty of jobs out there.

There is of course the alternative, of making a working wage more attractive than unemployment payments.
That would mean paying a little more for your food, and/or sensible sized portions!

[Escape Artist]

There is of course the alternative, of making a working wage more attractive than unemployment payments.
That would mean paying a little more for your food, and/or sensible sized portions!

This is a two-pronged problem. One is that businesses, especially restaurants, have been greatly affected by the pandemic so they've had to reduce their staff and economize in other ways. Secondly, many service industry workers were collecting both federal and state unemployment until that stopped recently. they might be slow getting back into the job scene as maybe they've saved up during the past year and half and are living off that for the time being.

And finally, you don't raise wages during an inflationary economy. Having said that, many businesses have offered workers incentives like paying for their college tuition among other perks.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

==================================================

My wife and I recently traveled to New England area on our first vacation since this whole Covid thing stopping in Myrtle Beach along the way. All during our trip, many hotels and restaurants had signs posted that they were short staffed to had cut back on service due to COVID. If you go into other returns here in The Villages like Beef O'Brady's or Bob Evans or Darrell's Dinner or... the list goes on - there will often be a "short staffed" sign on the door. And not to mention - there are "help wanted" signs everywhere. No one wants to work for service industry wages as long as they can collect unemployment. The solution, in my opinion, is to reduce unemployment payments the longer a person is on it (assuming they are physically able to work) so they will go back to work. We can't continue to reward people for not working when there are plenty of jobs out there.

Unemployment MAXIMUM in Florida is $275/week.

If you work a part-time job at near-minimum wage, you'll be lucky to see $150/week in unemployment checks - and then only for 26 weeks. After that you get nothing.

No one wants to collect unemployment if their check can't even cover the cost of their the electric bill. But there are people who were working full time with benefits, who have college degrees and professional career-type jobs, who are overqualified for Burger King AND have expenses more appropriate to the salaries they were making before their companies closed shop or eliminated positions/departments.

[wisbad1]

We have now learned how to get paid not to work.
So where did everyone go? Not sure what is going on anymore.

[jdulej]

So where did everyone go? Not sure what is going on anymore.

They don’t want to wait on a bunch of non-vaxxed crazy people which is the reputation the villages is getting. Many of the prior wait staff have kids or live with their parents with no healthcare. Would you subject yourself to that risk?

[DylanTodd]

In my humble opinion, I commend the original poster for leaving the 20% tip and then posing the question here on TOTV. What he/she originally asked is when will the 'covid excuses stop?'

I am still in the restaurant business in New England until my wife & I move down full time. This afternoon I was actually at the Massachusetts restaurant association meeting with other restauranteurs discussing all these challenges we are currently facing and trust me there are a lot of them! The best perspective I heard today is the people shortage is here to stay and would have been here regardless of the COVID. As baby boomers are aging out of the workforce the generations underneath chose to have less children or delay starting a family. This is probably the realistic cause for our shortage, not covid.

Again its just my opinion, but if we don't support the art of service and provide patience for restaurant managers during the next year or so while we get our footing underneath us it will just drive more people away from the industry.

[Nucky]

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

When those who do such work have wrinkles in their bellies then and only then will they com back to work, maybe. I'll bet you people may have taken the time during COVID to try and improve their life situations. Work, family, jobs, learning to cut their expenses. It could be way worse. Be grateful you were out for a dinner and had what some would consider a decent evening.

We have one couple in our group who find fault with everything from the second we hit the parking lot. Not fun.

[bagboy]

They don’t want to wait on a bunch of non-vaxxed crazy people which is the reputation the villages is getting. Many of the prior wait staff have kids or live with their parents with no healthcare. Would you subject yourself to that risk?

Those spewing that garbage about Villagers being unvaccinated are clueless

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/the-villages_fl/?s=23561273)

[justjim]

Facts are there is a shortage of labor at all levels. The labor shortage was predicated for year 2020 by labor analysts twenty five years ago when I was still active in the workforce. Look around you. Covid 19 made the labor shortage noticeable in the service industry because these employees interact daily with the public. Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, teachers, construction equipment operators, truck drivers, computer programmers, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, just to name a few of the occupations where a shortage exists. Unemployment compensation has little to do with the shortage of workers in today’s economy.

[sdeikenberry]

My golf group stopped using Cody's Sumter for lunch after golf. We watched service go down the tubes as COVID progressed, while other restaurants seemed to be handling staffing and service much better. The last time our group was at Cody's we experienced much the same as the author of this thread.

[tsmall22204]

The door you walked in is also an exit. All your complaining and not once did you ask for a manager. I think your problem is YOU.]

[ttc1991@aol.com]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

We had exactly the same experience. We must have had the same server. We will not be returning for a long time. Cody's in Brownwood, however, has excellent service. And nearby Gator's in LSL has been our go-to alternative for LSL's Cody's.

[bowlingal]

It must have been your server. According to your post, other people came in after you, different server, and got service before you. Go back, sit at another table and see......

[jdulej]

Those spewing that garbage about Villagers being unvaccinated are clueless

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/the-villages_fl/?s=23561273)

I don't like it either, but it is what it is. The surrounding workforce, who couldn't afford to eat at Cody's if they didn't work there, see a bunch of entitled rich people (rich from the point of view of having nothing) take over their little part of Fl, complain about everything, refuse (not everyone, but many) to follow guidelines set by the CDC, live in pretty little houses that don't flood, the power never goes out. And on and on. To the locals, we (Villagers) are like a drug - you get hooked on the high of at least having a job, but can never get quite enough. So you hate them but still show up for your fix. I think some finally just said F-- it, I'm otta here - and good for them.
(sorry for the rant, I must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But, I stick by the above)

[golfing eagles]

I don't like it either, but it is what it is. The surrounding workforce, who couldn't afford to eat at Cody's if they didn't work there, see a bunch of entitled rich people (rich from the point of view of having nothing) take over their little part of Fl, complain about everything, refuse (not everyone, but many) to follow guidelines set by the CDC, live in pretty little houses that don't flood, the power never goes out. And on and on. To the locals, we (Villagers) are like a drug - you get hooked on the high of at least having a job, but can never get quite enough. So you hate them but still show up for your fix. I think some finally just said F-- it, I'm otta here - and good for them.
(sorry for the rant, I must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But, I stick by the above)

Interesting. Thirty years ago, Sumter County ranked as the poorest of 67 counties in Florida in all categories. Now it ranks between 14th and 29th depending on which metric you use. I wonder how upset "the locals" are about that?????

[jdulej]

Interesting. Thirty years ago, Sumter County ranked as the poorest of 67 counties in Florida in all categories. Now it ranks between 14th and 29th depending on which metric you use. I wonder how upset "the locals" are about that?????
Like I said, It's a drug. I know (for myself) I would not put up with the way I see many customers in places like Cody's treat the wait staff. And I worked that sort of job in my youth. Also, any statistics measuring wealth around here is so skewed by the Villages as to be worthless, IMO.

Saying the above, I don't want to imply that the original OP is at all guilty. This thread has wandered all over the place.

[wdst1]

==================================================

My wife and I recently traveled to New England area on our first vacation since this whole Covid thing stopping in Myrtle Beach along the way. All during our trip, many hotels and restaurants had signs posted that they were short staffed to had cut back on service due to COVID. If you go into other returns here in The Villages like Beef O'Brady's or Bob Evans or Darrell's Dinner or... the list goes on - there will often be a "short staffed" sign on the door. And not to mention - there are "help wanted" signs everywhere. No one wants to work for service industry wages as long as they can collect unemployment. The solution, in my opinion, is to reduce unemployment payments the longer a person is on it (assuming they are physically able to work) so they will go back to work. We can't continue to reward people for not working when there are plenty of jobs out there.
Reduce unemployment, yeah right. Even $15/hr is not a liveable wage. Stop your draconian statements and pray you are not in their position.

[golfing eagles]

Like I said, It's a drug. I know (for myself) I would not put up with the way I see many customers in places like Cody's treat the wait staff. And I worked that sort of job in my youth. Also, any statistics measuring wealth around here is so skewed by the Villages as to be worthless, IMO.

Saying the above, I don't want to imply that the original OP is at all guilty. This thread has wandered all over the place.

As usual.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

But I have to believe that the presence and subsequent growth of The Villages has greatly expanded the employment opportunities for "the locals". (Sumter County unemployment rate July 1991-----9.2%, July 2021------6.5%)

[golfing eagles]

Reduce unemployment, yeah right. Even $15/hr is not a liveable wage. Stop your draconian statements and pray you are not in their position.

Liveable????? $15/hr = 30K/yr---and that is a one income family, most in that category will have 2 workers.

Here are the federal poverty line guidelines for 2021 with size of family in left column:

1 $12,880
2 $17,420
3 $21,960
4 $26,500

So 30+K/yr is certainly "liveable"

Not everyone can be a billionaire

[Ewalsh43]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Next time politely complain to the manager. You might get the meal for free. The manager cant fix a bad waiter or waitress if they don’t know there is a problem. Tipping only condones the bad behavior…..reducing the tip sends a clear message.

[Dana1963]

In my humble opinion, I commend the original poster for leaving the 20% tip and then posing the question here on TOTV. What he/she originally asked is when will the 'covid excuses stop?'

I am still in the restaurant business in New England until my wife & I move down full time. This afternoon I was actually at the Massachusetts restaurant association meeting with other restauranteurs discussing all these challenges we are currently facing and trust me there are a lot of them! The best perspective I heard today is the people shortage is here to stay and would have been here regardless of the COVID. As baby boomers are aging out of the workforce the generations underneath chose to have less children or delay starting a family. This is probably the realistic cause for our shortage, not covid.

Again its just my opinion, but if we don't support the art of service and provide patience for restaurant managers during the next year or so while we get our footing underneath us it will just drive more people away from the industry.
Your assessment is thoughtful and seems accurate I'm sure you will be contradicted. I have 3 granddaughters who were in food service they admittedly left the industry because of pay no benefits hours and lousy tippers although still in college all 3 are still employed now receiving financial assistance for college paid vacation, sick pay dental medical 401k. Better pay and hours.
I just don't throw out 20% tips if a waiter/waitress earns it they receive it. When I receive poor service they may be lucky to get the minimum 10-15% and I let them know it along with shift manager/owner.

[Professor]

Solution...eat at home. Food out is generally mediocre at best anyway. Cook it yourself and you get what you want done the way you want at the time you want it...win/win. Frankly we have grown tired of poor service, higher prices, and food that is just not that good, so we have opened up two places at restaurants for others by not going out to eat anymore. One side benefit...we have both lost some weight since we eat healthier at home. Enjoy those tables we won't be occupying everyone!

[Smiley Services]

I have walked out of Codys more than once for the same reasons....JS

[GeriS]

Those spewing that garbage about Villagers being unvaccinated are clueless

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/the-villages_fl/?s=23561273)
You're wasting your time trying to convince them. There eyes are not open.

[cafw1]

I've been wondering if waiters and waitresses now receive "going rate" pay of $15+ per hour. Does anybody know what a server receives? I've seen signs outside of restaurants saying Hiring--$15 plus per hour. It could be really lucrative if the base pay is $15 and they get tips on top of that----you'd think people would be rushing to get those jobs. If anybody knows let us know.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

You really think that TV is going to get high quality minimum wage employees with Disney right down the road? When Covid came through alot of older employees, ie boomers, decided that retirement was better than working, and the openings go to younger employees. . .

Lots of restaurant employees have had to go looking for other jobs during the pandemic and found them. . . My daughter is one. . . restaurant mgmt has to deal with transient employees, and local franchises will move them around to where the higher demand is. . especially with no benefits and non restaurant offers benefits

Let say that the rural areas are not the most ideal for career development. . . If you haven't figured out yet, TV has outgrown the local minimum employees, and florida in general has had a large influx of retirees. . . putting a higher demand on minimum wage employees all over the state, who aren't afraid of leaving when the mgmt sux in their opinion. . . if you don't look at nor understand demographics, you won't understand why your expectations are no longer getting met. . . but you might be affected by it without realizing.

People don't realize that that there are limits to everything, go read "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, and you will find out that human organizations actually have a limit of size before its too hard to manage, based upon brain capacity, There are limits to the TV as physical homes might scale, but the rest of the financial and employment support may not. . .

I know that some TV wannabees are now looking elsewhere, and we are not there permanently, but will no hesitate to move if the developer over develops and the amenity quality suffers too much.

finance guy

[ChicagoNative]

“…rich, entitled, anti-vaxx villagers…”. That’s about as fertile as two feet up a bull’s behind, but I digress.

Regarding the Covid excuse, I’ve begun to wonder the same thing. While we’ve personally taken this whole thing seriously right from jump, and also realize that there were and still are some bad hiccups in the supply chain, I suspect it’s being used as a handy catch-all by all businesses.

Regarding Cody’s, we’ve dined at the LSL location many times as we love the patio atmosphere. There has been one time where we experienced a similar experience as the OP, and that was pre-Covid. Every other time we’ve gone there, both service and food have been good. We try to go during off hours, and even then they still draw decent crowds. The place is jammed during “normal” lunch and dinner times.

I would not tip 20% for the kind of service described. Nevah. Evah. Why reward that? Tipping is already out of control imo, and now there seems to be a more vocal sentiment that tipping should be 30%+ to be proper….because Covid, ad nauseum.

We’ve worked hard for what we’ve got and don’t feel the least bit guilty for being able to afford to eat out once or twice a week; nor will we be guilted into over tipping, especially for crap service.

[Andyb]

Besides the COVID excuse, it’s the fact workers can stay home and make the same amount of money or more. Government creating laziness.

[Oneiric]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Wow. That was bad. What did the manager say if you spoke to him early when it just started to get bad?

[KakiOmmm]

I wonder if any of you have ever worked in food service??? It is the worst job and customers are rude all the time. You are at the mercy of the kitchen, the hostess and the customers. Good luck to all wait staff everywhere, especially now, with so many people being so rude. Also, Cody's and Burger King... what do you expect? Eat at a decent restaurant and you probably won't have to complain so much! Leave a good tip, if you feel inclined, and know that they are not working there for the fun of it and they are not getting rich.

[Marine1974]

We have now learned how to get paid not to work.

You have to wonder about people who cashed their stimulus handout and then judge others who refuse to be our slaves .
Why judge . $600 a week unemployment buys you what ?

[golfing eagles]

You have to wonder about people who cashed their stimulus handout and then judge others who refuse to be our slaves .
Why judge . $600 a week unemployment buys you what ?

About the same as working 40 hours/week at $15.00/hr.----only you don't have to work

[jdulej]

Besides the COVID excuse, it’s the fact workers can stay home and make the same amount of money or more. Government creating laziness.

News flash - the additional unemployment benefits started by the Trump admin and continued by the Biden admin ended some time ago. No one rolling in free government gifts besides the top 1%.

[billethkid]

And the merry go round continues (to go no place!).

[golfing eagles]

News flash - the additional unemployment benefits started by the Trump admin and continued by the Biden admin ended some time ago. No one rolling in free government gifts besides the top 1%.

Of course they are---that's right, all evil in the world emanates from the "top 1%". Yep---evil jobs, evil venture capital, evil charitable donations---all those problems. And they do it just to "screw the little guy"---right???? I've heard that crap from one side of the aisle all my life and it's still a load of BS

[Wyseguy]

News flash - the additional unemployment benefits started by the Trump admin and continued by the Biden admin ended some time ago. No one rolling in free government gifts besides the top 1%.

I get the anger over people making as much to stay home as they would for working. I am trying to fine an employee now for a landscape crew, offering 18-20 an hour, health (employee only) and $500.00 bonus after 60 days satisfactory work.
BUT
Many people currently not working are in this position because they were prevented from working when covid started. The two weeks to flatten the curve turned into approaching two years. Younger people saw their career paths destroyed. Many, forced to stop working, also lost their company provided health for themselves and their families. Young parents sending their kids to parochial schools could no longer afford the tuition, and then many schools closed. Most in TV were insulated from much of the pain. SS checks kept coming in. Medicare was there for you. We need to try and understand the other side as well.

[jdulej]

Of course they are---that's right, all evil in the world emanates from the "top 1%". Yep---evil jobs, evil venture capital, evil charitable donations---all those problems. And they do it just to "screw the little guy"---right???? I've heard that crap from one side of the aisle all my life and it's still a load of BS

One of the great things about America is the opportunity it provides many people (not all, but that's another story) to excel and reach for their dreams, be they wealth, fame, or whatever. What gets lost somewhere along the line is the responsibility that goes with success. To me, there is an expectation that those that achieve the most should give back the most. I don't see that. What I see is "I want more, more, more"

[jdulej]

I get the anger over people making as much to stay home as they would for working. I am trying to fine an employee now for a landscape crew, offering 18-20 an hour, health (employee only) and $500.00 bonus after 60 days satisfactory work.
BUT
Many people currently not working are in this position because they were prevented from working when covid started. The two weeks to flatten the curve turned into approaching two years. Younger people saw their career paths destroyed. Many, forced to stop working, also lost their company provided health for themselves and their families. Young parents sending their kids to parochial schools could no longer afford the tuition, and then many schools closed. Most in TV were insulated from much of the pain. SS checks kept coming in. Medicare was there for you. We need to try and understand the other side as well.

Well said. It's a real problem that I don't think anyone has figured out yet. Hopefully, as we finally move past Covid things will normalize.

[golfing eagles]

One of the great things about America is the opportunity it provides many people (not all, but that's another story) to excel and reach for their dreams, be they wealth, fame, or whatever. What gets lost somewhere along the line is the responsibility that goes with success. To me, there is an expectation that those that achieve the most should give back the most. I don't see that. What I see is "I want more, more, more"

From some, not all.

[PurePeach]

You need to call Cody’s and talk to the manager. If no one tells them about these things they can’t fix them.

[JSR22]

Besides the COVID excuse, it’s the fact workers can stay home and make the same amount of money or more. Government creating laziness.

Not true. The government unemployment subsidy has stopped. Unemployment $ in Fl are very low. The servers have moved on to the better restaurants for better tips. Why work at Cody's if you can work at Chop House?

[Love2Swim]

They don’t want to wait on a bunch of non-vaxxed crazy people which is the reputation the villages is getting. Many of the prior wait staff have kids or live with their parents with no healthcare. Would you subject yourself to that risk?

Agree. And people don't seem to realize, that some of the people in the service industry moved on to other jobs that had better hours, and weren't so tip dependent. Lots of these people are younger, have kids, may be staying home with the kids to do home schooling. The Cares Act unemployment benefits have ended now, so saying that people are getting paid not to work, is just another baseless right wing talking point.

[Queenie504]

When the virus stops killing people

[merrymini]

Not everyone who lives in the Villages is rich.
Not everyone eating out is nasty but there are always some.
I would never leave a 20 percent tip for bad service.
If you do not like the Villages or the people who live here you are free to go elsewhere.
The work ethic is dead but respond when you hit them in the wallet.
Tried Cody’s once when I got here seven years and never went back, terrible restaurant.
Top income people pay most of the taxes.

[jammaiora]

Why didn't you walk out after the first 30 min. experience. No tip was appropriate based on waitress attitude and lack of service. By tipping her, your reenforced and condoned her behavior. She will continue to be the same way.

[nn0wheremann]

Part of this is a generational thing. No one is at fault. It is what it is. The steaks are pre-cooked, warmed in a sous vide pot, then finished on the grill. Rare might no longer be an option if that is not programmed into the cooking instructions. Cut the tip for rude or ineffective service, or else you encourage that kind of service.

[jdulej]

Not everyone who lives in the Villages is rich.
Not everyone eating out is nasty but there are always some.
I would never leave a 20 percent tip for bad service.
If you do not like the Villages or the people who live here you are free to go elsewhere.
The work ethic is dead but respond when you hit them in the wallet.
Tried Cody’s once when I got here seven years and never went back, terrible restaurant.
Top income people pay most of the taxes.

Not everyone who lives in the Villages is rich. Compared to outside the Villages, they are
Not everyone eating out is nasty but there are always some. True
I would never leave a 20 percent tip for bad service. Your choice
If you do not like the Villages or the people who live here you are free to go elsewhere. Thinking about it hard.
The work ethic is dead but respond when you hit them in the wallet. No it isn't Just for crappy jobs and it' about time
Tried Cody’s once when I got here seven years and never went back, terrible restaurant. I like it
Top income people pay most of the taxes. As a % of income - no way

[FromNY]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.
Cody's food and service was not so great before Covid . That being said. Did you ask to speak to management. A new server may require some teaching. That only occurs when people bring situations to the attention of the manager. Leavening a generous tip does not improve service. Speaking to the server or manager may make a difference. Leave the tip in accordance to service, maybe 10%

[jbartle1]

When the misinformation stops.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

lets take a look at the jobs market,
20 Fastest Growing Jobs: 2020-2030 - The Big Picture (https://ritholtz.com/2021/09/fastest-growing-jobs/)

and maybe you might see where the intelligent, courteous, career minded young people are headed, versus a no benefit, rural job with no night life without an hour drive, which is tough to return after a few drinks. . . other than Disney, which probably pays better and has bigger parties after work, and i even bet the sex is better after work as well

[OhioBuckeye]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Small businesses don’t have employees. It’s either employees not making enough money or it’s more money to stay home & collect easy unemployment money or more places are making $15. an hr. somewhere else. It’s really bad hear in Texas too. It might get worse because S.S. sounds like it wil end this week.

[CTKID]

Management is quick to offer something free off the menu if you complain instead of fixing the problem. I vote with my money and choose to spend it at other restaurants. Until enough of us stop going there the motivation is missing to fix the root cause. Money is the motivator not pride regarding good service and food at reasonable prices. We go back every once in a while to see if anything has changed.

[BlackhawksFan]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

Pandemic or not, Cody's service has always been poor, no matter which location. Everything you experienced I have experienced in all three, now just two Village's locations. It's systemic, not pandemic.

[Escape Artist]

Pandemic or not, Cody's service has always been poor, no matter which location. Everything you experienced I have experienced in all three, now just two Village's locations. It's systemic, not pandemic.

True. Some restaurants are just badly run and these shortcomings are exacerbated by events like a pandemic.

[MDLNB]

Not everyone who lives in the Villages is rich. Compared to outside the Villages, they are
Not everyone eating out is nasty but there are always some. True
I would never leave a 20 percent tip for bad service. Your choice
If you do not like the Villages or the people who live here you are free to go elsewhere. Thinking about it hard.
The work ethic is dead but respond when you hit them in the wallet. No it isn't Just for crappy jobs and it' about time
Tried Cody’s once when I got here seven years and never went back, terrible restaurant. I like it
Top income people pay most of the taxes. As a % of income - no way


50% of the population pay NO federal income taxes. Probably half the middle class are included in that number. The average income in the villages IS lower middle class.
The wealthy carry the rest of the country in UN-Constitutional income taxes. Yes, it is illegal to discriminate and the federal tax system discriminates and penalizes the achievers. I agree with that post that you HAD to respond to, that there are some "nasty" folks in The Villages and if they do not like it here they should feel free to move elsewhere. All those folks do is bring down a really nice place to live. And it was very nice until the folks that hated it up North decided to come down here and make it just like up North where they left.

[MDLNB]

If I get bad service, I do not return. If the food is not as good as I can get at home, I do not return. If the service is bad, I still give the waitress the benefit of doubt in case she is having a bad day, but I will give the minimum tip. I do not wish to encourage bad service. It the service is good, I always give above the average tip.
Since Covid, I have found that I can usually cook the same meal faster, better and cheaper. AND I give myself a great tip!

[Sherry8bal]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.

But you see, there's the problem. You STILL left a 20% tip so that server thinks she's doing a fantastic job and that you liked her service so why should she make any effort to do anything different? That's what a tip is for - GREAT SERVICE!! You got what you deserved.

[Wyseguy]

Not everyone who lives in the Villages is rich. Compared to outside the Villages, they are
Not everyone eating out is nasty but there are always some. True
I would never leave a 20 percent tip for bad service. Your choice
If you do not like the Villages or the people who live here you are free to go elsewhere. Thinking about it hard.
The work ethic is dead but respond when you hit them in the wallet. No it isn't Just for crappy jobs and it' about time
Tried Cody’s once when I got here seven years and never went back, terrible restaurant. I like it
Top income people pay most of the taxes. As a % of income - no way

Anyone who says "in no way do the top income earners pay more taxes", I know right away that this person really is ignorant of the facts. The top 1% pay almost 40% of the taxes. The bottom 50% pay 3.04%. People can argue that the wealthy should pay more than they currently are (top 3% pay over 50%), but anyone who says the wealthy pay less than others is not educated on the facts.

[jimjamuser]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.
I try my best to avoid ALL restaurants. It is just like asking to be disappointed. Americans eat out more than the French and look around at waistlines here in TV Land and there is a correlation. I have to be dragged into a restaurant or forgot to pack a lunch on a road trip to think about venturing into one.
....I have a full and busy life that I don't wish to watch zip by as I vegetated seated and waiting for food cooked by people that hate and are jealous of the customers and probably spit into half of the food when no one is looking. you know it happens! If a restaurant has a better, so-called, "atmosphere" than your home - you need to hire an interior decorator to improve your "atmosphere" and get a better stereo system and TV.
....there are better ways to get one's ego massaged than getting waited on for MONEY.
.....IMO restaurants are a "shallow Hal" approach to life.
.....Big changes are happening in REAL LIFE out there in the REAL "atmosphere"!

[rmd2]

They don’t want to wait on a bunch of non-vaxxed crazy people which is the reputation the villages is getting. Many of the prior wait staff have kids or live with their parents with no healthcare. Would you subject yourself to that risk?

The no health care is not an issue with regard to COVID vaccinations. There is no charge for those.

[HORNET]

That’s that restaurant, Other restaurants are doing much better

[yankygrl]

Decided to go out to eat this evening, and went to Cody's Roadhouse at Lake Sumter.

Got seated, and waited and waited and waited for our server to come and even ask us for drink order. I would say it was at least 15 minutes, but hey, everyone is short staffed...so we just enjoyed waiting. Came and took our drink order, wanted a bottle of wine and 2 waters. Another 15 minutes LITERALLY before the water was served. Oh, no wine, what else do you want (claims they only had ONE of the bottle selections listed....ok, no problem, hubby has a beer and I stick with my water). Order was taken at that time. Hubby asked for his steak cooked rare.....she responds cant promise that buy will request.) Now, at what point does the customer not have the right to request the temp they want their steak cooked?? I ordered chicken wings. Literally, another 20 minutes passed and when she waltzes by to serve the people that have come in way after us, I ask about the beer. "Oh, I put the order in, I have to wait for them to serve it" was her response. No apology, no let me check on it...basically, "not my fault". Beer finally arrives about 10 minutes later....still no food. We actually watched people come in, get seated, get served and enjoying their meal being waited on by other servers as we sat and waited. Never offered to refill water, just kept asking "everything alright here" every time she passed by. Finally, food arrives. Hubby orders another beer since he has been drinking the other one during the extended wait....never comes. Bottom line, I have been the person preaching patience as we deal with these staff shortages...but it was apparent this particular server was NO hurry, not my fault, get there when I get there mode.

I actually was so unhappy I seriously considered leaving no tip. I could not bring myself to do it and tipped the 20% minimum we always leave (And for exceptional service we have left as much as 100% of the bill....trust me, CHASE credit card sends me constant email notifications, "did you intend to leave this percentage as tip?"), but gotta wonder....think we will be eating at home a lot more this winter as the snowbirds return.

At what point does the "short staffed" issue start to allow incompetence to rule the day?? There HAS to be a limit, where do you draw the line???

Sorry to say, this has really turned us off to Cody's. The entire experience was actually that sad.
So you add to the issue by tipping the usual 20% AND not asking to speak to a manager to report the bad service...you deserve exactly what you got.

[Aloha1]

It might get worse because S.S. sounds like it will end this week.

Oh, please. Do not believe the political lies that you won't get your social security check unless the debt ceiling is raised. the 14th Amendment MANDATES that those checks go out and the debt ceiling has nothing to do with it. Neither Congress nor the President can stop that despite what you hear them say.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Oh, please. Do not believe the political lies that you won't get your social security check unless the debt ceiling is raised. the 14th Amendment MANDATES that those checks go out and the debt ceiling has nothing to do with it. Neither Congress nor the President can stop that despite what you hear them say.

This is mostly true. SS is self-funded. Current projections say it will run short of income around 2030 and have to dip into the fund it keeps its reserves in. With massive unemployment where people are not paying into SS because they are not making salaries, that date could come sooner. But, even if it does the SS will not "run out of money" suddenly, it will begin reducing payments at first (currently scheduled for 2030).

The government does occasionally borrow money from SS by selling it Special Treasury notes. What makes them "special" is that by law, if the SS wants to sell the notes back, the government legally has to buy them before paying back any other debts. There are many simple things the government COULD do to push that 2030 date out further to 2050 or further, but then, it looks like they are not in the mood to get much of anything done and haven't been for a while now.

The SS is safe for the rest of most of our lives. There is one possible exception to that statement. Should there be a civil war or a collapse of our government, then whatever follows may choose to NOT honor that debt, in which case about 65 million Americans are going to be fairly upset.

[Bill14564]

Oh, please. Do not believe the political lies that you won't get your social security check unless the debt ceiling is raised. the 14th Amendment MANDATES that those checks go out and the debt ceiling has nothing to do with it. Neither Congress nor the President can stop that despite what you hear them say.

Curious where in the 14th amendment it MANDATES that Govt spends money it does not have and cannot borrow?

I'm not asking whether their is money for Social Security checks to go out, I believe there is. But if there was not, I'm curious where the 14th amendment MANDATES that Govt must send out checks that will bounce.

[golfing eagles]

Curious where in the 14th amendment it MANDATES that Govt spends money it does not have and cannot borrow?

I'm not asking whether their is money for Social Security checks to go out, I believe there is. But if there was not, I'm curious where the 14th amendment MANDATES that Govt must send out checks that will bounce.

Hard to "bounce" a check when you have the ability to print more money. (of course, that leads to other problems)

[Byte1]

One of the great things about America is the opportunity it provides many people (not all, but that's another story) to excel and reach for their dreams, be they wealth, fame, or whatever. What gets lost somewhere along the line is the responsibility that goes with success. To me, there is an expectation that those that achieve the most should give back the most. I don't see that. What I see is "I want more, more, more"

In America, it is NOT a responsibility to give back when you succeed. Most DO give back in some manner, but it is NOT a responsibility. Where do these folks get that idea that the wealthy MUST give away their money. Don't get me wrong, it is the wealthy that do give away great sums of money, but they are under no obligation. Since the wealthy pay 90% of the taxes in America, I find it amazing that those that pay no taxes think that the wealthy do not pay enough.

[Byte1]

This is mostly true. SS is self-funded. Current projections say it will run short of income around 2030 and have to dip into the fund it keeps its reserves in. With massive unemployment where people are not paying into SS because they are not making salaries, that date could come sooner. But, even if it does the SS will not "run out of money" suddenly, it will begin reducing payments at first (currently scheduled for 2030).

The government does occasionally borrow money from SS by selling it Special Treasury notes. What makes them "special" is that by law, if the SS wants to sell the notes back, the government legally has to buy them before paying back any other debts. There are many simple things the government COULD do to push that 2030 date out further to 2050 or further, but then, it looks like they are not in the mood to get much of anything done and haven't been for a while now.

The SS is safe for the rest of most of our lives. There is one possible exception to that statement. Should there be a civil war or a collapse of our government, then whatever follows may choose to NOT honor that debt, in which case about 65 million Americans are going to be fairly upset.

But, if the gov deems it prudent to save S.S. it can/can reduce the amount paid out in your monthly check/deposit.

[Bill14564]

Hard to "bounce" a check when you have the ability to print more money. (of course, that leads to other problems)

Running out of funds would definitely be self-inflicted in order to avoid/postpone the other problems.

I just don't understand the reasoning behind the other poster's assertion that the 14th amendment mandates that checks be sent out regardless of the funds to back them up.

[JMintzer]

In America, it is NOT a responsibility to give back when you succeed. Most DO give back in some manner, but it is NOT a responsibility. Where do these folks get that idea that the wealthy MUST give away their money. Don't get me wrong, it is the wealthy that do give away great sums of money, but they are under no obligation. Since the wealthy pay 90% of the taxes in America, I find it amazing that those that pay no taxes think that the wealthy do not pay enough.

Excellent points!

[Dana1963]

Running out of funds would definitely be self-inflicted in order to avoid/postpone the other problems.

I just don't understand the reasoning behind the other poster's assertion that the 14th amendment mandates that checks be sent out regardless of the funds to back them up.
Exactly. Most posters here I consider a wealth of misinformation. How did we get from Covid changes with one restaurant POOR SERVICE to Social Security

[golfing eagles]

Exactly. Most posters here I consider a wealth of misinformation. How did we get from Covid changes with one restaurant POOR SERVICE to Social Security

The usual way???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

The usual way???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

They shoulda' taken that left at Albuquerque...

[Bogie Shooter]

Exactly. Most posters here I consider a wealth of misinformation. How did we get from Covid changes with one restaurant POOR SERVICE to Social Security

The usual way???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

And another thing, never speed thru a roundabout.:faint:

[ex34449]

I think I remember fairly clearly many here wanting a lot of things shut down due to the flu. It happened. All the way from longshoremen to restaurants. You know, those non essential jobs. If you're trying to make ends meet and your non essential job just got offed what are you supposed to do?
There are plenty of jobs available right now. Go to any Wendy's. Go to a few other places as well because you'll need 3 jobs just to live.
Cody's service, as well as most other companies in many fields are hurting right now. You can't screw up the economy in a month and expect it to recover in the same time.
Better get use to it though as it's not going to end anytime soon.

[JMintzer]

I think I remember fairly clearly many here wanting a lot of things shut down due to the flu. It happened. All the way from longshoremen to restaurants. You know, those non essential jobs. If you're trying to make ends meet and your non essential job just got offed what are you supposed to do?
There are plenty of jobs available right now. Go to any Wendy's. Go to a few other places as well because you'll need 3 jobs just to live.
Cody's service, as well as most other companies in many fields are hurting right now. You can't screw up the economy in a month and expect it to recover in the same time.
Better get use to it though as it's not going to end anytime soon.

Lowe's is begging people to work, starting at $32K/year... This includes health benefits, which include dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan, education support program, an Employee Assistance Program, maternity and parental leave...

You can get a local 1-2 BR apartment for under $1K/month...

So tell me about those 3 jobs again?

[ex34449]

Lowe's is begging people to work, starting at $32K/year... This includes health benefits, which include dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan, education support program, an Employee Assistance Program, maternity and parental leave...

You can get a local 1-2 BR apartment for under $1K/month...

So tell me about those 3 jobs again?

I agree with you but I see both sides. Many men can't change a tire much less swing a hammer. Which dept. would you like them to assist you in? I know of several people that lost their transportation due to the fact they couldn't afford them. Living 10 miles away with little to no mass transportation makes life very difficult.
Many people work in restaurants because the pay was good for what their knowledge base is. That said, you don't become a great waitress without a lot of time on the job. Hire someone that is clueless, you'll have poor service until they get proficient.
Everyone's job was and always will be essential. This mess was entirely man made.

[Byte1]

I agree with you but I see both sides. Many men can't change a tire much less swing a hammer. Which dept. would you like them to assist you in? I know of several people that lost their transportation due to the fact they couldn't afford them. Living 10 miles away with little to no mass transportation makes life very difficult.
Many people work in restaurants because the pay was good for what their knowledge base is. That said, you don't become a great waitress without a lot of time on the job. Hire someone that is clueless, you'll have poor service until they get proficient.
Everyone's job was and always will be essential. This mess was entirely man made.

Are you assuming that the average man/woman is inherently stupid and can't learn? Many times, if you go to Lowes and need assistance, the person that might be stocking the shelves will call someone with the knowledge to help you. Many learn from their customers also. I don't need a job, but if I did I would jump on that offer at Lowes in a heartbeat. Then again, I am not allergic to manual labor. I guess if my folks had bought me a car in high school, paid for insurance and fuel and gave me a substantial allowance, I would see no reason to take such a menial, low level job.

[Dana1963]

Lowe's is begging people to work, starting at $32K/year... This includes health benefits, which include dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan, education support program, an Employee Assistance Program, maternity and parental leave...

You can get a local 1-2 BR apartment for under $1K/month...

So tell me about those 3 jobs again?
If we look at just the metrics on drug screening most local unemployed or UNDEREMPLOYED will not pass a drug test/background check.

[JMintzer]

I agree with you but I see both sides. Many men can't change a tire much less swing a hammer. Which dept. would you like them to assist you in? I know of several people that lost their transportation due to the fact they couldn't afford them. Living 10 miles away with little to no mass transportation makes life very difficult.
Many people work in restaurants because the pay was good for what their knowledge base is. That said, you don't become a great waitress without a lot of time on the job. Hire someone that is clueless, you'll have poor service until they get proficient.
Everyone's job was and always will be essential. This mess was entirely man made.

You think all of the cashiers or people stocking shelves know how to fix a toilet?

[Henryk]

50% of the population pay NO federal income taxes. Probably half the middle class are included in that number. The average income in the villages IS lower middle class.
The wealthy carry the rest of the country in UN-Constitutional income taxes. Yes, it is illegal to discriminate and the federal tax system discriminates and penalizes the achievers. I agree with that post that you HAD to respond to, that there are some "nasty" folks in The Villages and if they do not like it here they should feel free to move elsewhere. All those folks do is bring down a really nice place to live. And it was very nice until the folks that hated it up North decided to come down here and make it just like up North where they left.

Grow up. The "folks up north" had nothing to do with this matter.

[MDLNB]

Grow up. The "folks up north" had nothing to do with this matter.


Apparently, I read his post differently. Maybe my reading comprehension is different than some that received theirs in a one room schoolhouse. If he is a resident of the Villages, I am sure that he has "grown up."