Amerikanos Grille (poor treatment of applicants)

[jricci13]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?

[Kenswing]

With the amount of restaurants looking for help I would just chalk it up as a bad experience and move on. There are plenty of other places that will hire her.

[ThirdOfFive]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar and drank a draft beer while she spoke to management and filled out an application. She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff. She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?
Interesting.

The first thought that entered my mind reading the OP occurred far before the concluding paragraphs, when I read the phrase " I sat at the bar and drank a draft beer while she spoke to management and filled out an application. She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app".

That thought was "red flag".

Maybe the niece didn't drink anything. But appearance is reality. Had the writer of the OP sat at a table and ordered a coffee instead of at the bar drinking beer, I doubt this would have happened. Amerikanos was remiss in how they handled it (a phone call to the niece would have had the same result) but their reaction, in my opinion, was warranted--and prudent.

[retiredguy123]

I don't know if this had anything to do with it, but as an employer, I would prefer that a 33-year old job applicant show up for an interview by themselves. I would also prefer that they have a vehicle.

Employers are afraid of being sued, so they don't always tell an applicant the truth about why they were not hired.

[JohnN]

Well, sounds like a bad experience and shame on the restaurant.
In the long run, it's probably better that she's not working there.
Take a deep breath and move on.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As someone who was responsible for interviewing people at a retail gig in the past, I'd say I wouldn't have hired her at all. Not because of the shots at the bar thing. But rather, because of Auntie being in the room while the initial meeting takes place. Any potential employee should know that if they can't stand on their own two feet, independently without "mommy" in the room, should learn to do that before applying for jobs. Auntie should've dropped the 33-year-old adult woman off and left the building.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I don't know if this had anything to do with it, but as an employer, I would prefer that a 33-year old job applicant show up for an interview by themselves. I would also prefer that they have a vehicle.

Employers are afraid of being sued, so they don't always tell an applicant the truth about why they were not hired.

100% concur. If the niece were 16-21 applying for a hostess position, okay - maybe. But 33 for a bar spot? Hard no. Tells me they are not independent enough (thinking or otherwise), may not have reliable transportation, will have family hovering (helicopter family) over them and/or interfering while they work, and apparently in any discipline. The OP was wrong to approach management in any way on behalf of a grown-a$$ woman.

The fact the OP came here to try to smear the potential employer tells me even more about them and their niece. Red flags waving all over the place here, IMHO.

[Eg_cruz]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar and drank a draft beer while she spoke to management and filled out an application. She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff. She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?
Thank goodness she dodged that bullet……could you imagine working with someone like that. Best place would be Legacy staff there are simply the best

[Bill14564]

Well, sounds like a bad experience and shame on the restaurant.
In the long run, it's probably better that she's not working there.
Take a deep breath and move on.

Agreed.

Even allowing that we only have one side of the story, it still looks bad for the hiring practices of the restaurant.

If the niece had stayed at the bar and caused a scene then sure, that is an individual I would not want working at my bar. But, that is so far from what was described that it seems unlikely.

- Did the business hold an interview out in the bar area and then become unhappy that one of the patrons was a relative? That would be an odd business practice.

- Did the business decide against hiring the individual based on their transportation situation? I guess if you have potential employees lining up at your door you can be that choosy.

- Did the niece have a drink at the bar and the restaurant decide "we wouldn't hire anyone who made the poor choice to actually drink here?"

It is odd to have an interview and make a hiring decision the same day the application was turned in. Something seems strange there.

Who knows? As someone else pointed out, there are many restaurants looking for help these days. Hopefully the niece can find a good fit at one of the others.

Still like the food, the experience of the OP won't keep me from going there.

[Eg_cruz]

Interesting.

The first thought that entered my mind reading the OP occurred far before the concluding paragraphs, when I read the phrase " I sat at the bar and drank a draft beer while she spoke to management and filled out an application. She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app".

That thought was "red flag".

Maybe the niece didn't drink anything. But appearance is reality. Had the writer of the OP sat at a table and ordered a coffee instead of at the bar drinking beer, I doubt this would have happened. Amerikanos was remiss in how they handled it (a phone call to the niece would have had the same result) but their reaction, in my opinion, was warranted--and prudent.
Really …..The restaurants actions were warranted really wow

[Djean1981]

What if she did stay and have a drink? I don't see how that relates to the job (it's not drinking or being inebriated while at work)..

[Rapscallion St Croix]

We need Paul Harvey to tell us " the rest of the story".

[Keefelane66]

You should have just dropped of your niece and went for a walk, she should be a big girl now.

[Djean1981]

That makes sense.

[charlie1]

We need Paul Harvey to tell us " the rest of the story".

I Agree!

[jricci13]

My niece went inside the restaurant and I stayed outside. She came outside to ask me for 2 phone numbers. I didn't go there to "hold her hand", so those responses are silly. The venue is 1/2 mile from my house and I drove her there on the golf cart to show her where she could apply.

[jricci13]

She didn't need a car since we live 1/2 mile away. It wasn't like we were applying together. She walking inside and I stayed outside. She just came out to ask for 2 phone numbers.

[GrnThumb]

The OP states that his niece is a “very sweet “ person. Apparently the management wasn’t looking to hire a “very sweet” person but instead wanted a bold and confident and outspoken type of personality who could handle the type of customers that TV encounters. But management should have been more upfront about whether or not she had the job. The uncle waiting for her at the bar had no bearing on her getting or not getting the job. At least he ordered a drink while waiting.

[bowlingal]

aren't there cameras in the place? A quick review of the tape will tell the story

[Luggage]

Well your daughter is 33 and I guess she's never been interviewed before for whatever reason but I would recommend she gets her stuff in order understands what is required on a resume and a job application and has everything written out in advance including those phone numbers and addresses I guess of personal references and has a sheet and a couple of extra pens and paper with her. Then next time you should drop her off and wait in a parking lot somewhere else. Every job and retailer is totally different and they are all strange. If she's looking for a job after not having one for a while start small and work at a fast food place or a small diner and not one of these bigger chain type places where they're worried about their own jobs. Places around the villages are generally more high tension and busier but you should try some of the small diners or any other retailers everyone's paying at least $15 an hour if they have any sense in today's marketplace. Or in my estimation tell her to get more of an education and go to the community college and you help her out for the next year or two to get a degree in something that she can get a job that will pay more like bookkeeping or web design or anything like that

[Rwirish]

33 year applying for a job and you were with her. Sorry, big red flag.

[crash]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?
First would she want to work there after they did that and second she is 33 years old let her fight her own fights.

[Travelhunter123]

What if she did stay and have a drink? I don't see how that relates to the job (it's not drinking or being inebriated while at work)..

Well said

[Kelevision]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?

Sorry to hear that but I might agree that next time she should go on her own and as for the car situation, they shouldn’t know what she’s driving or who is taking her or picking her up. It’s funny how big the villages is. I live south of 44 and haven’t even been to Spanish Springs. It’s too far. Lol. So many places are hiring but if you have her go to a Villages run restaurant, you might be better off. Those are MCGRADY’S. S SAWGRASS GROVE BAR, FENNY GRILL, TIERRA DEL SOL and TACO MAC. But they’re all more south. They get all the perks of Villages employees though. All the other restaurants here are leased out. Best of luck.

[mkjelenbaas]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?
Not to me - but am not looking for a job. Thanks for asking.

[WesMan]

What a bunch of sour people that responded

[Dantes]

I thought you had to be 55 to live here

[airstreamingypsy]

What a bunch of sour people that responded

Always.......

[retiredguy123]

I thought you had to be 55 to live here
No. Only one person in the household needs to be 55, and all others need to be at least 19. Also, there are exceptions to that rule up to 20 percent of the households in The Villages.

[JSR22]

I thought you had to be 55 to live here

19 and up

[LG999]

IMHO applying for a job is something we do by ourselves.

[Daxdog]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?


Your sweet 33 year old nice must have said something unsweetened to them. And in other posts you say you waited outside, why did you pay your bill if outside ? I guess everyone’s nice is sweet.

[Mellow]

[QUOTE=Eg_cruz;2118282]Thank goodness she dodged that bullet……could you imagine working with someone like that. Best place would be Legacy

I thought the same family owned Legacy as well as other restaurants in TV

[JSR22]

[QUOTE=Eg_cruz;2118282]Thank goodness she dodged that bullet……could you imagine working with someone like that. Best place would be Legacy

I thought the same family owned Legacy as well as other restaurants in TV

Suleiman used to own Amerikanos. It was sold when they renovated Lopez.

[RICH1]

33 years old riding dirty with Auntie! Lots more to this story before a Restaurant gets smeared for hiring practices!

[Ele201]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?
I have several feelings and thoughts about your experience. The first thing (after thinking about this and reading all of the responses) is that it is a blessing that your niece did not start at this job. Seems like their expectations for potential employees is quite different than what you envisioned. And if it is true that your niece did not imbibe at their bar, and didn’t come back later on to drink shots either — then that is a lie and once again, good she didn’t start there.

Having said that, what happened there could be seen as a learning experience as well. In future interviews, I think it would be advantageous for your niece to appear more independent during the interview process. While the people interviewing your niece were very judgmental of her, there is a grain of truth that your niece did not come off as an independent person.

At 33, she must have a cell phone, so wondering why your phone number and other contacts weren’t in it — so she walked over to you to get the numbers. That would work if she were 16. Perhaps next time drop her off at the restaurant, then have her text you when she’s done and meet her in the parking lot. In a job interview, appearances are everything.

Better luck to your niece in the future!

[ithos]

The judgmental responses are uncalled for. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and they have to start over. We simply do not know the circumstances.

But to assume that there is a something wrong with the applicant that makes her unfit to work at a restaurant is not justified. The food and beverage business is where many good people go to work in order to get back on their feet or to help pay for school.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?

Does she drink " Fire Ball Whiskey". If she doesn't than that should clear it up.

[rsmurano]

It’s not uncommon to get hired that day or the next day when interviewed. If true about telling the new hire the day she came into work that she is fired/or not hired, the restaurant should have never done this. They could have called her the same day they caught here drinking to say they changed their mind to hire her, why wait until she came in to tell her that.
Also, if the applicant was from out of town, I don’t see what the issue is having her mom/grandmother/relative bring her in and wait for her at the bar. Something else happened that we don’t know about.

[joelfmi]

welcome to the real world of hires and employees.
Employees and hires are treated in retail as expendable object such as the Home depot to name just a few of many.of bad employer

[phousel]

Interesting.

The first thought that entered my mind reading the OP occurred far before the concluding paragraphs, when I read the phrase " I sat at the bar and drank a draft beer while she spoke to management and filled out an application. She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app".

That thought was "red flag".

Maybe the niece didn't drink anything. But appearance is reality. Had the writer of the OP sat at a table and ordered a coffee instead of at the bar drinking beer, I doubt this would have happened. Amerikanos was remiss in how they handled it (a phone call to the niece would have had the same result) but their reaction, in my opinion, was warranted--and prudent.
What?? How about conferring with the bartender?

[retiredguy123]

welcome to the real world of hires and employees.
Employees and hires are treated in retail as expendable object such as the Home depot to name just a few of many.of bad employer
I agree, but there are just as many or more irresponsible job applicants who don't respect the employers.

[Sherry8bal]

At 33 years old and she can't go look for a job by herself??? Why would anyone want to hire someone like that, regardless of her experience. Part of "growing up" is that they don't need someone else to escort them to a job interview - they should be able to handle it by themselves. They are trusting their business to that person and she can't help herself? I would not have hired her either.

[Boomer]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?


As the old saying goes ---"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Please do your niece a favor and do not ever chaperone a job interview again. Even though you might think you were not being obvious, it looks like you sure were, especially considering that she left no doubt you were hovering about when she "consulted" with you for the phone numbers. That was a definite giveaway. (She really should have been prepared with all the info needed for an application.)

And then you said you "attempted to angrily talk to the manager" after your niece had "pleaded" that the shots thing was not true. (I would hope she would have tried to discuss it calmly and maybe she did, but it sounds like things might have gotten a little emotionally charged.) You should never have jumped into it. All that did was convince them they were right not to hire her.

The "shots" accusation is certainly a weird turn of events, but the fact remains that you were around. They had to have been aware of your presence and that probably raised a lot of questions about why in the heck you were basically along on an adult woman's job interview.

There are lots of openings and things should work out for her to find a job soon, so just chalk up this convoluted mess of a situation to experience and stay the heck out of her way next time.

Boomer

[Bogie Shooter]

Your sweet 33 year old nice must have said something unsweetened to them. And in other posts you say you waited outside, why did you pay your bill if outside ? I guess everyone’s nice is sweet.

Maybe you haven’t been to this restaurant……there is outside seating. I always pay at the table , outside.


Niece

[fishon]

Maybe they figured out she doesn’t drive and might not be able to get to work reliably.

[oldtimes]

We need Paul Harvey to tell us " the rest of the story".

I totally agree. There is something very off about a 33 yr old who needs an escort to a job interview.

[ThirdOfFive]

As the old saying goes ---"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Please do your niece a favor and do not ever chaperone a job interview again. Even though you might think you were not being obvious, it looks like you sure were, especially considering that she left no doubt you were hovering about when she "consulted" with you for the phone numbers. That was a definite giveaway. (She really should have been prepared with all the info needed for an application.)

And then you said you "attempted to angrily talk to the manager" after your niece had "pleaded" that the shots thing was not true. (I would hope she would have tried to discuss it calmly and maybe she did, but it sounds like things might have gotten a little emotionally charged.) You should never have jumped into it. All that did was convince them they were right not to hire her.

The "shots" accusation is certainly a weird turn of events, but the fact remains that you were around. They had to have been aware of your presence and that probably raised a lot of questions about why in the heck you were basically along on an adult woman's job interview.

There are lots of openings and things should work out for her to find a job soon, so just chalk up this convoluted mess of a situation to experience and stay the heck out of her way next time.

Boomer
True. Whatever the realities of the situation, the fact remains that it was completely avoidable.

On the positive side, the job market today favors the employees; there are still numerous businesses that are consistently advertising for workers.

[Road-Runner]

I couldn't be further from a 'safe spaces' kind of person, but many here could be a whole lot nicer than they are. Other than the hiring manager himself, no one will probably ever know exactly what happened here. It could be the niece didn't have 'the look' the manager wanted, maybe she was overweight, maybe she didn't speak well, or maybe the manager is just an a$$ and she's lucky to be rid of the place. Whatever the reason have just a little compassion for your fellow man people. Geez, tough crowd!!

[oldtimes]

I couldn't be further from a 'safe spaces' kind of person, but many here could be a whole lot nicer than they are. Other than the hiring manager himself, no one will probably ever know exactly what happened here. It could be the niece didn't have 'the look' the manager wanted, maybe she was overweight, maybe she didn't speak well, or maybe the manager is just an a$$ and she's lucky to be rid of the place. Whatever the reason have just a little compassion for your fellow man people. Geez, tough crowd!!

What about a little compassion for the restaurant who may have done nothing wrong and cannot defend themselves. I am sorry but this one sided story has a lot of holes.

[Road-Runner]

What about a little compassion for the restaurant who may have done nothing wrong and cannot defend themselves. I am sorry but this one sided story has a lot of holes.

You're not wrong, but attacking the original poster and her niece doesn't necessarily help the restaurant either. Point out there's two sides to every story and move on. Just my opinion, but can't go wrong being a little more civil now days.

[jarodrig]

To the OP :

Why did you feel it was necessary for you to edit your post to omit the part about you drinking a draft beer at the bar while waiting ??

Just curious…..

[Stu from NYC]

I totally agree. There is something very off about a 33 yr old who needs an escort to a job interview.

Very true mom should have dropped her off and taken off.

[Wyseguy]

As someone who was responsible for interviewing people at a retail gig in the past, I'd say I wouldn't have hired her at all. Not because of the shots at the bar thing. But rather, because of Auntie being in the room while the initial meeting takes place. Any potential employee should know that if they can't stand on their own two feet, independently without "mommy" in the room, should learn to do that before applying for jobs. Auntie should've dropped the 33-year-old adult woman off and left the building.

I do my fair share of joking around with millennials. That being said, disregarding an applicant because her aunt drove her is really pretty petty. For whatever reason, there are a lot of individuals in the newer generations with extreme anxiety. Life can suck, why make it harder for people. Let's say she did have her aunt there for emotional support. Perhaps this job is her chance to gain some esteem. I had a warehouse and trucking company in NY for 35 years. Dealt with longshoremen (ILA) and teamsters local unions. My employees would train new hires and help them build up their esteem. I guess for some it is easier to just disregard them.

[PugMom]

True. Whatever the realities of the situation, the fact remains that it was completely avoidable.

On the positive side, the job market today favors the employees; there are still numerous businesses that are consistently advertising for workers.

i agree, she can pick & choose where she wants to work, signs are up everywhere. if anything, the interview showed her how to proceed in the future.

[Stu from NYC]

I do my fair share of joking around with millennials. That being said, disregarding an applicant because her aunt drove her is really pretty petty. For whatever reason, there are a lot of individuals in the newer generations with extreme anxiety. Life can suck, why make it harder for people. Let's say she did have her aunt there for emotional support. Perhaps this job is her chance to gain some esteem. I had a warehouse and trucking company in NY for 35 years. Dealt with longshoremen (ILA) and teamsters local unions. My employees would train new hires and help them build up their esteem. I guess for some it is easier to just disregard them.

Could be you are right but seems like a rather one sided story

[Wyseguy]

Your sweet 33 year old nice must have said something unsweetened to them. And in other posts you say you waited outside, why did you pay your bill if outside ? I guess everyone’s nice is sweet.


Ummmm you never met mine. Niece that is. Not every niece is sweet. Honest.

[Bill14564]

To the OP :

Why did you feel it was necessary for you to edit your post to omit the part about you drinking a draft beer at the bar while waiting ??

Just curious…..

But added that she was sitting at the bar outside while the interview was occurring inside.

My guess: deleted extraneous information and added detail to fend off the "hand holding" comments.

[Wyseguy]

Could be you are right but seems like a rather one sided story

All I have to go off of is the OP. It should go without saying that comments are based on the post being accurate. I can tell you experiences with employees, prospective employees, managers, HR departments, Unions etc etc. There is always more than what you hear the first round, or the tenth. I negotiated contracts with unions every two years. My first negotiation was on behalf of my own company with the local Teamsters in NYC. It was memorable. Fortunately college and grad schools back then taught philosophy, negotiations, business ethics and psychology of business so I was somewhat prepared. I hade two children go to college in the past ten years. I won't even mention the courses they had as core requirements when majoring in business.

[Topspinmo]

My very sweet 33 year old niece put in a job application at Amerikanos Grille in Spanish Springs. She is new to the Villages so naturally I took her to the square to put in applications since she has extensive service experience. I sat at the bar outside and she went inside to fill fill out an application and speak to management.. I was not “ holding her hand”! She came over to me for a few minutes and sat beside me to get a couple of phone numbers for the app and then continued to be interviewed by the staff.
She was told to return for work the next day at 2:30 p.m. (at lease that is how it was presented to her). I paid my bill and together we both left.

The next day my niece got dressed up and was ready to start her new job. I dropped her off at Amerikanos on the golf cart at 2: 30 and came home. Shortly after, I received a phone call from her; she was walking home and very upset. She told me that management had told her that she was not hired, she was to come in for an interview, and they were not comfortable hiring her because it was reported that "SHE STAYED AT THE VENUE AFTER APPLYING AND DRANK SHOTS OF FIREBALL AT THE BAR!". She pleaded with them that this was not true, but was told that she would not be hired. I
I was flabbergasted that they would make up such a story and went to talk to management. I attempted to angrily talk to the manager and let her know that this was false. My niece had never been to the square, drank nothing and I was sitting there the entire time she was filling out an application. The manager walked away and wouldn't even listen.
I have heard this kind of thing is common with the businesses in the square. Has this kind of thing happened to anyone else?


Well, do you really want her to work there now know what you know? if she has extensive experience go apply somewhere where they tip good.

[Topspinmo]

Does she drink " Fire Ball Whiskey". If she doesn't than that should clear it up.

I wonder why the call it fire ball whiskey? IMO it’s pretty sweet and only 60 proof. IMO it should be called limp ____ whiskey:what::shrug:

[retiredguy123]

I wonder why the call it fire ball whiskey? IMO it’s pretty sweet and only 60 proof. IMO it should be called limp ____ whiskey:what::shrug:
Probably because it has a cinnamon taste. Fireballs used to be a jawbreaker candy that had a very strong cinnamon taste. I loved them when I was a kid, and they only cost a penny.

[ElDiabloJoe]

///

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I do my fair share of joking around with millennials. That being said, disregarding an applicant because her aunt drove her is really pretty petty. For whatever reason, there are a lot of individuals in the newer generations with extreme anxiety. Life can suck, why make it harder for people. Let's say she did have her aunt there for emotional support. Perhaps this job is her chance to gain some esteem. I had a warehouse and trucking company in NY for 35 years. Dealt with longshoremen (ILA) and teamsters local unions. My employees would train new hires and help them build up their esteem. I guess for some it is easier to just disregard them.

If a 33-year-old woman needs so much "emotional support" from her aunt that she can't manage a job interview unless her aunt is in the room with her, then she's not a good fit to work in a restaurant AT ALL.

As I said - her aunt should've just dropped her niece off, and spent some time in the area - but NOT in the restaurant - so she could pick her up when the interview was over.

The issue to ME isn't about the woman needing a ride. If that aunt is her reliable transportation, then that's fine. The issue is that the aunt went into the restaurant where the interview was being held, hung out at the bar, had a drink, and then intervened like a mother hen would do if one of her baby chicks was being pecked at by another hen in the coop.

That's a HUGE red flag. First impressions MATTER in job interviews. I'm not talking about physical appearance. I'm talking about presenting yourself as someone who is capable of handling the job. In a restaurant you have to be able to think quickly, work on your feet, multi-task, and not be dependent on your aunt to defend you when a customer gets mad that you didn't bring the extra napkins fast enough.

And - you don't want to give the impression that if your boss needs to correct you on your behavior or a job function, you won't be bringing in auntie to intervene.

[Topspinmo]

Probably because it has a cinnamon taste. Fireballs used to be a jawbreaker candy that had a very strong cinnamon taste. I loved them when I was a kid, and they only cost a penny.

Yes, I remember the jaw breaker fireballs.