Breakfast story

[Sandy and Ed]

My wife and I had breakfast at a new (for us) unnamed restaurant. We did our due diligence - had outstanding on-line reviews and menu seemed reasonable, etc.

On the door is a handwritten “CASH ONLY” sign that says an ATM is inside (a BitCoin ATM that charges 8%. Hmm….the web said credit cards were accepted ?!). No problem, I have cash on me.

The restaurant is small and crowded with limited seating. Food must be great!! My seat is at the only open table and my chair back is, literally, right at the edge of the entry door jamb.

We place our orders and sip our weak coffee (I rarely find coffee as good as my wife’s). The food is good – about the same as most other breakfast fare.

Asked for the bill but no paper bill - was only told the total we owed. They would need to send the detailed bill via text to my phone or email. Opted for the text. Surprise: amounts on the bill did not agree with amounts shown on the menu! Owner says published menu prices were “adjusted” and points to a disclaimer buried among various display pictures on the inside of the menu. Yeah, the difference in total was under $10 but to me it was both discourteous and presumptuous in light of the fact that no itemized bill was presented. (I probably did not handle this well and had words with the owner. Told him we would not eat there again).

Probably would not have been annoyed had they simply taped new prices on the plasticized menu or verbally adjusted the prices as we ordered. Anyone out there come across this kind of situation? And how did you handle?

(By the way getting my bill via text it went thru Square (Block, Inc) which seem to me to have an interesting privacy/sharing policy if you consent to get your invoice this way).

[wisbad1]

Please what restaurant?

[Davonu]

Why do you choose not to name the restaurant?

[fdpaq0580]

Please what restaurant?

You are not alone. We want to be warned about this place so we can avoid wasting our time with it.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, the way to handle an unwarranted price increase is to reduce the tip accordingly, and tell the server why. It was the server's responsibility to inform you of a price difference from the menu.

[Bill14564]

In my opinion, the way to handle an unwarranted price increase is to reduce the tip accordingly, and tell the server why. It was the server's responsibility to inform you of a price difference from the menu.

Sorry, but have to disagree.

If the information was on the menu, even if written in fine print, then it really isn't the server's responsibility to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you read it.

The server shouldn't be penalized for the owner's policies. Take it out on the owner, not the server.

[Stu from NYC]

Sorry, but have to disagree.

If the information was on the menu, even if written in fine print, then it really isn't the server's responsibility to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you read it.

The server shouldn't be penalized for the owner's policies. Take it out on the owner, not the server.

Agreed/ Find the owners policy to be reprehensible and would like to know the name so as to never go there.

[retiredguy123]

Sorry, but have to disagree.

If the information was on the menu, even if written in fine print, then it really isn't the server's responsibility to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you read it.

The server shouldn't be penalized for the owner's policies. Take it out on the owner, not the server.
The server's job is to explain the menu to the customers. It would be very easy to tell the customers that they have ordered something that has been increased in price. I agree that the owner should also have been informed.

[Chi-Town]

Looking for a cash only breakfast place. Post the name por favor.

[Skip]

The IRS and the FTC would love to know about your experience. Not having records is a great way to cheat customers, do an all cash business and not pay fair taxes (like me).

Most readers here would want to know WHO is treating their customers this way.

If you took the time to tell us about your experience, you should take the extra 2 seconds and reveal WHO you are talking about.

The great thing about Social Media, is that it's powerful.

Thanks for your post - "now for the rest of the story", please.

Skip

[Bonanza]

You are doing a total disservice to all the readers on this forum by not naming the restaurant to which you've referred.

Why are you protecting them? You really need to step up to the plate and give everyone a head's up instead of leaving us all with a cliffhanger. You would feel the same way if the situation was in reverse.

Do the right thing and fess up!

[fdpaq0580]

You are doing a total disservice to all the readers on this forum by not naming the restaurant to which you've referred.

Why are you protecting them? You really need to step up to the plate and give everyone a head's up instead of leaving us all with a cliffhanger. You would feel the same way if the situation was in reverse.

Do the right thing and fess up!

OP is offline now. Maybe they will be back tomorrow.

[Chi-Town]

OP is offline now. Maybe they will be back tomorrow.

After breakfast.

[RICH1]

Going to pay an 75% increase in Homeowners Insurance, another 400.00 increase in County Taxes and is whining about a Greasy spoon breakfast price increase ! Come on man

[thelegges]

I always wonder if OP won’t post the name of an establishment, or at least the location, why bother with the post. Sometimes missing parts of the story is more important than the complaint.

Thursday we dine the wine and dine prefixed at prima Italian in Brownwood. 4 wines, appetizer, entree, and mousse for dessert for $39.95, printed on a separate paper flyer. Bill came each item was separate and total without tax was $45.25 per person. Asked why the difference, but really didn’t get an answer. Food was excellent, wine not so much. But we have a choice to return, but wouldn’t do the special again

[Marathon Man]

...
On the door is a handwritten “CASH ONLY” sign that says an ATM is inside ...

Those that want to know the name of the place, all you need do is turn around if you see this sign on the door.

[Skip]

for $39.95, printed on a separate paper flyer. Bill came each item was separate and total without tax was $45.25 per person.

The term "BAIT and SWITCH" came to mind.

Thanks, we felt the same.

Skip

[Skip]

My wife and I had breakfast at a new (for us) unnamed restaurant.

Ahhh! This has to be Tim Rohan's place in Fruitland Park. They went to cash only a while back.

Got it!

Skip

[Papa_lecki]

Seems like an income tax avoidance scheme.

Owner seems tech savvy (texting receipt), so if pricing was an issue due to inflation, print menus or use QR codes.

[retiredguy123]

I always wonder if OP won’t post the name of an establishment, or at least the location, why bother with the post. Sometimes missing parts of the story is more important than the complaint.

Thursday we dine the wine and dine prefixed at prima Italian in Brownwood. 4 wines, appetizer, entree, and mousse for dessert for $39.95, printed on a separate paper flyer. Bill came each item was separate and total without tax was $45.25 per person. Asked why the difference, but really didn’t get an answer. Food was excellent, wine not so much. But we have a choice to return, but wouldn’t do the special again
Reminds me of the time I went into a restaurant where the sign outside said "20 entrees for less than 10 dollars". When I ordered the 20 entrees, they acted as if I was crazy.

[Taltarzac725]

Reminds me of the time I went into a restaurant where the sign outside said "20 entrees for less than 10 dollars". When I ordered the 20 entrees, they acted as if I was crazy.


Sounds like poor grammar.

[fdpaq0580]

Sounds like poor grammar.

Addition or deletion of a single word changes the meaning. It isn't the customer's fault they can't read the mind of the advertiser. 😏

[jimbomaybe]

The Villages is a very nice place to live, many positive aspects, if this was not the case it would not be the popular destination it is, having an older population is generally a good thing as well, the down side is an older population is more complacent more likely to allow themselves to be jerked around and ripped off,, the restaurant was crowded , I think most people would like to know the name of this establishment

[Worldseries27]

the villages is a very nice place to live, many positive aspects, if this was not the case it would not be the popular destination it is, having an older population is generally a good thing as well, the down side is an older population is more complacent more likely to allow themselves to be jerked around and ripped off,, the restaurant was crowded , i think most people would like to know the name of this establishment
kind of remember a story about a similar situation up in sawgrass grove.
The game is afoot
tally-ho

[Sandy and Ed]

Ahhh! This has to be Tim Rohan's place in Fruitland Park. They went to cash only a while back.

Got it!

Skip

Irrelevant. Just wanted to know how others would handle !!!

[Sandy and Ed]

Reminds me of the time I went into a restaurant where the sign outside said "20 entrees for less than 10 dollars". When I ordered the 20 entrees, they acted as if I was crazy.
Funny. Need to use that one!!

[WingedFoot78]

What is the name of the restaurant? "Tim Rohan's Place" doesn't help.

[Ecuadog]

What is the name of the restaurant? "Tim Rohan's Place" doesn't help.

Rae Rae’s is Tim Rohan's place.

[ThirdOfFive]

deleted by author.

[Notsocrates]

OP is offline now. Maybe they will be back tomorrow.

Yes...to drop another bomb

[thelegges]

kind of remember a story about a similar situation up in sawgrass grove.
The game is afoot
tally-ho

Referring to the $7 beer that op didn’t ask if it was happy hour or the cost prior to ordering. Or the fact all drinks are in plastic cups since it’s not a sit down restaurant but a food court setting.
Either way sawgrass didn’t post $$$ and then up the charge. Customers assume there is always happy hour and in a CC setting in the bar area of a restaurant, glass is used. Sawgrass is not a CC attached to golf course, it’s a food court.

[donfey]

After breakfast.
Well said.

[sallyg]

Rae Rae’s is Tim Rohan's place.
Absolutely LOVE Rae Rae's. Whatever experience you had has to be outweighed by the good. The food, service and atmosphere is top notch. Excellent breakfast. Best biscuits anywhere. (We always buy an extra to take home). Fish fry is also excellent. We will gladly pay cash, get our bill texted or sent by smoke signal, to have such a fine place nearby.

[Caymus]

Reminds me of the time I went into a restaurant where the sign outside said "20 entrees for less than 10 dollars". When I ordered the 20 entrees, they acted as if I was crazy.

Maybe they meant the charge to "enter" the restaurant 20 times is less than $10.:icon_wink:

[jimkerr]

The server's job is to explain the menu to the customers. It would be very easy to tell the customers that they have ordered something that has been increased in price. I agree that the owner should also have been informed.

No, that’s not the servers job. It’s our job as the customer to read the menu and order what we want. You should always tip your server even if the food isn’t good. It’s not his/her fault.

[Ktygrett]

I love Rae Rae’s also. I’ve never had a problem there.

[Scudder]

Eat at home and you won’t have these problems

[Sandy and Ed]

Eat at home and you won’t have these problems
Ok. Let’s get some things straight:
No one is dropping any bombs here!
Will continue to eat out at least once a week and patronage local restaurants. I’ll eat at home when I want to, thank you!
No one complained about food. It was good
No one complained about cleanliness
No one complained about “posted” price. It was reasonable
No one complained about overall service. It was ok. Place was busy
Establishment was not and has not been identified.
Intent was to seek how others would handle such an unusual situation not to disrespect a business with unsolicited opinion
You have to respect how difficult it must be for a mom and pop (no matter how successful) to recover from covid.
Let’s drop this issue and stop reading more into it than intended

[FT9508]

if you are not going to name the restaurant pls stop wasting our time.

[Bogie Shooter]

if you are not going to name the restaurant pls stop wasting our time.

You should read ALL posts………..

[retiredguy123]

No, that’s not the servers job. It’s our job as the customer to read the menu and order what we want. You should always tip your server even if the food isn’t good. It’s not his/her fault.
I agree that the quality of the food is not the server's responsibility. But, the server expects you to pay them a tip based on 20 percent of the bill, which is a significant amount. So, I think that making sure the customer understands the menu, including the options and charges, is certainly part of the server's job. A good server would have explained any price changes for items the OP ordered. Obviously, the OP felt deceived.

[coleprice]

Sorry, but have to disagree.

If the information was on the menu, even if written in fine print, then it really isn't the server's responsibility to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you read it.

The server shouldn't be penalized for the owner's policies. Take it out on the owner, not the server.

You are legally correct, but Morally and Ethically WRONG. I would never visit a business that conducted themselves this way. The Original Poster of this thread should let Villagers know the name of the restaurant so that other people can avoid this unscrupulous business. BTW, since the food servers are aware of that the owner overcharges its patrons, they should let patrons know . . . Otherwise, they are in cahoots with them. Nobody reads "fine print" on a busy menu!

[Bill14564]

You are legally correct, but Morally and Ethically WRONG. I would never visit a business that conducted themselves this way. The Original Poster of this thread should let Villagers know the name of the restaurant so that other people can avoid this unscrupulous business. BTW, since the food servers are aware of that the owner overcharges its patrons, they should let patrons know . . . Otherwise, they are in cahoots with them. Nobody reads "fine print" on a busy menu!

Seriously?!!

When did it become Morally and Ethically WRONG to expect the customer to read the information that was presented to them? If the information was hidden in some way or presented in a deceptive way then I might agree but that was not how it was explained.

And as for reading the fine print.... this is the same argument people use when complaining about deed restrictions. If you don't read the information presented to you then you have no one to blame for a misunderstanding.

I am not a fan of "due to _____ actual prices may be higher than what is posted on the menu." I understand why businesses might choose to do this but I don't like it and I tend to not go back to those businesses. And not presenting a written bill and not accepting credit cards while still being able to text my bill through Square will definitely keep me from coming back. But Morally and Ethically WRONG? That's quite a bit of a stretch.

[BumpaOompa]

By not listing the restaurant it is clear to me the OP never actually had this negative experience. Just trying to get everyone riled up.

[JSR22]

By not listing the restaurant it is clear to me the OP never actually had this negative experience. Just trying to get everyone riled up.

The restaurant was posted. Rae Rae's Fruitland Park. The post is 100% true.

[retiredguy123]

You are legally correct, but Morally and Ethically WRONG. I would never visit a business that conducted themselves this way. The Original Poster of this thread should let Villagers know the name of the restaurant so that other people can avoid this unscrupulous business. BTW, since the food servers are aware of that the owner overcharges its patrons, they should let patrons know . . . Otherwise, they are in cahoots with them. Nobody reads "fine print" on a busy menu!
I agree. And, if the servers are not accountable for anything, they should be replaced with a touch screen.

[golfing eagles]

I agree. And, if the servers are not accountable for anything, they should be replaced with a touch screen.

Interesting concept. But how does a touch screen bring your food from the kitchen to your table??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[fdpaq0580]

Interesting concept. But how does a touch screen bring your food from the kitchen to your table??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

How about you walk up to the touch screen menu, order your food, screen gives you a number, you find a table. When your order is ready you go to the counter and pick it up and take it back to your table.
Yeah, just like at some fast food joints. You save money and you can verify your order is correct when you pick it up and not have server bring you wrong order or have things missing. No complaining that they can't get good help now.😌

[Rainger99]

Seriously?!!
And as for reading the fine print.... this is the same argument people use when complaining about deed restrictions. If you don't read the information presented to you then you have no one to blame for a misunderstanding.

I would like to see how fine the fine print was. I have seen some very long menus and if they buried it in the middle of page 5, they are clearly trying to hide it. It should be displayed prominently (very large font) on the front page of the menu and the waiters should also point out that the prices on the menu are not the prices that you pay.

According to this article, it is illegal to post one price and charge a higher price.

Can restaurants provide different prices not listed on the menu? – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale (https://wsvn.com/news/help-me-howard/can-restaurants-provide-different-prices-that-arent-listed-on-the-menu/)

[Stu from NYC]

Yep, just go on believing that. I have a bridge to sell you, very cheap.

Better to buy my bridge, hardly used other than a little old lady on Sundays

[Stu from NYC]

Interesting concept. But how does a touch screen bring your food from the kitchen to your table??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Guess you cannot tip a touch screen

[retiredguy123]

Interesting concept. But how does a touch screen bring your food from the kitchen to your table??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
I'm working on that part.

[retiredguy123]

Seriously?!!

When did it become Morally and Ethically WRONG to expect the customer to read the information that was presented to them? If the information was hidden in some way or presented in a deceptive way then I might agree but that was not how it was explained.

And as for reading the fine print.... this is the same argument people use when complaining about deed restrictions. If you don't read the information presented to you then you have no one to blame for a misunderstanding.

I am not a fan of "due to _____ actual prices may be higher than what is posted on the menu." I understand why businesses might choose to do this but I don't like it and I tend to not go back to those businesses. And not presenting a written bill and not accepting credit cards while still being able to text my bill through Square will definitely keep me from coming back. But Morally and Ethically WRONG? That's quite a bit of a stretch.
"Not how it was explained?" Did you read the original post? Half of the post was about being deceived about the prices, and, in bold print, the OP said:

Surprise: amounts on the bill did not agree with amounts shown on the menu!

[NoMoSno]

Interesting concept. But how does a touch screen bring your food from the kitchen to your table??????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
Robot servers in Florida: BellaBot a hit with restaurant customers in Boca (https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/01/13/robot-servers-florida-bellabot-hit-restaurant-customers-boca/9134250002/)

[fdpaq0580]

I agree that the quality of the food is not the server's responsibility. But, the server expects you to pay them a tip based on 20 percent of the bill, which is a significant amount. .

That is one of my pet peeves. They Expect it.
TIPS- To Insure Prompt Service. You Tip the Host/Hostess to get special attention (head of the line, etc). A Gratuity is a Thank You (reward?) given for going above and beyond normal expectations of the job. I seldom actually witness above and beyond. Just take my order and bring it to me. That is what they are hired to do. Host gives me the menu most of the time, and someone else brings the drink. And the % system is payment on a sliding scale. Orders, 1 burger plate, 1 steak plate. Same percent = two different amounts for the exact same effort.
Yes, I tip, usually 20% of pre-tax total. I just think the "tip" thing has lost its meaning and value and should be done away with. Servers should be paid by the company for the work they perform and not have to rely on the guilt trip charity of customers.

[GATORBILL66]

Probably never happened or OP would have named the restaurant. Seems funny that no one else on here has even seen the "CASH ONLY" sign. Must of had a bad experience somewhere, probably not even in the villages.

[fdpaq0580]

"Not how it was explained?" Did you read the original post? Half of the post was about being deceived about the prices, and, in bold print, the OP said:

Surprise: amounts on the bill did not agree with amounts shown on the menu!

That sounds a bit like fraud to me. Is it? What do you call "false advertising"??

[mgkw1]

Rae Raes is filthy and will never eat there again

[fdpaq0580]

Rae Raes is filthy and will never eat there again

Post #1 cash only and different prices than posted turned me away. Besides, I am a pretty good breakfast maker. Anything you can order out I can do as well, if not better. Yes. Anything. And you can eat in your pajamas if you like. Sorry, not open to the public. And, no tipping allowed.

[retiredguy123]

Probably never happened or OP would have named the restaurant. Seems funny that no one else on here has even seen the "CASH ONLY" sign. Must of had a bad experience somewhere, probably not even in the villages.
Rae Rae's does have a "Cash Only" sign on the counter in their restaurant.

[Bill14564]

…
Did you read the original post? …

Thoroughly, even the non-highlighted parts.

[LeannWilliams64]

I'm pretty sure Breakfast story is referring to Rae Rae's on 441 beside Brylah's.

[kendi]

[QUOTE=Sandy and Ed;2135559]Irrelevant. Just wanted to know how others would handle !!![/QUOTE

Appreciate your choice not to post the name considering the purpose of your post.

[Bogie Shooter]

I'm pretty sure Breakfast story is referring to Rae Rae's on 441 beside Brylah's.

You can confirm by reading earlier posts.:wave:

[walterray1]

Rae Rae's has been cash only for as long as I can remember.

[golfing eagles]

I'm pretty sure Breakfast story is referring to Rae Rae's on 441 beside Brylah's.

Thank you.

Of course that has been mentioned three times already on this thread

[CFrance]

Irrelevant. Just wanted to know how others would handle !!!
Actually, I don't see in your original post where you asked how others would handle it. It appears just to be a complaint.

[Bertram00]

Yep, just go on believing that. I have a bridge to sell you, very cheap.

No thanks, I don't play bridge.

[JMintzer]

Actually, I don't see in your original post where you asked how others would handle it. It appears just to be a complaint.

From the original post: "Anyone out there come across this kind of situation? And how did you handle?"

Seems to me he specifically asked just that...

[Stu from NYC]

Thank you.

Of course that has been mentioned three times already on this thread

My reading of this is OP refused to give up the name of the restaurant but others decided who it was.

Went to a dollar store this morning and they do not accept cash anymore all charge cards.

[Flyers999]

Post #1 cash only and different prices than posted turned me away. Besides, I am a pretty good breakfast maker. Anything you can order out I can do as well, if not better. Yes. Anything. And you can eat in your pajamas if you like. Sorry, not open to the public. And, no tipping allowed.

Can I see a menu?

[Flyers999]

Better to buy my bridge, hardly used other than a little old lady on Sundays

Can I post one toll and charge another?

[Stu from NYC]

Can I post one toll and charge another?

Yes but put up a sign that you are going to do this. And refuse to put up the toll arm until you are paid in full.

[JoMar]

Ahhh! This has to be Tim Rohan's place in Fruitland Park. They went to cash only a while back.

Got it!

Skip

Don't think so....they will give a receipt when you check out at the register. We go several times a month and yes, their prices have increased but so have every other place. More places are adding surcharges for CC, they could reprint menu's but that would be impractical in my view.

[fdpaq0580]

Can I see a menu?

Sorry, as posted earlier, not open to the public. And, no printed menu (although I have written one for a set menu on special occasions). Since DW and I do the shopping together, she knows what ingredients are available and just orders what ever she wants. Examples: Belgian waffle wit fresh strawberries and whipped creme, poached eggs on sourdough with ham, crispy bacon or sausage (links or patties, steak and eggs with hash browns, home made biscuits with sausage gravy, banana nut pancakes, and lots more. Hungry yet?☺

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Sounds like poor grammar.

how do you hear the words posted here or on signs?

:loco:

[tophcfa]

Hmmmm, not golf cart accessible and a Bitcoin ATM? Wouldn’t go there for a great breakfast that is free, to each his or her own.

[thelegges]

Sorry, as posted earlier, not open to the public. And, no printed menu (although I have written one for a set menu on special occasions). Since DW and I do the shopping together, she knows what ingredients are available and just orders what ever she wants. Examples: Belgian waffle wit fresh strawberries and whipped creme, poached eggs on sourdough with ham, crispy bacon or sausage (links or patties, steak and eggs with hash browns, home made biscuits with sausage gravy, banana nut pancakes, and lots more. Hungry yet?☺

No, because breakfast is the easiest and cheapest meal to prepare. This morning I started stone ground grits at 3am. Biscuits are rising, waffle mix is resting. Have thick cut bacon, sausage from the our raised pig. And eggs that were dropped yesterday sitting on my counter.

Not everyone has the ability to have farm to table, but it beats anything out there, we eat breakfast 5 days a week at home, 2 days we left early and had to take away from the fridge. Breakfast out is so disappointing for me

[Eg_cruz]

Eat at home and you won’t have these problems
How does not solve anything
He really just wanted to know how any of us would handle prices being higher then on menu and no paper bill which I find is a legit question

[pauld315]

I think is illegal in Florida to have one price on the menu and charge you a higher price. I doubt their disclaimer would hold up in court. Contact the Attorney General office and they will confirm if it is illegal. I know there was a place I was going to in Ocala that was doing the same thing, somebody complained to the Attorney General's office and that practice was stopped.

[phassett]

Having worked in foodservice, not tipping or providing a gratuity is not okay. That said, how would I handle this situation, first off, if you have a QR code and refuse me a menu, I will walk out. If you are cash only, and tell me at the door, I will turn around. The irony of wanting technology for payment but not menus is not lost on me, I just don't like to read a picture of a menu on my phone.

For issues with pricing, I've been to several places, with great food, that have a "sign" taped in the menu that alerts me to the fact that the prices are not really the prices. I usually don't care to ask about the new prices but if they came back 30-40% higher than the menu, I'd likely pay, tip, and not return. Saying something to anyone has never made a difference in my entire life so I've gotten away from it. My patronage is the only control I have.

Just an aside, what's the most interesting about the story to me is that square makes it's money from cc purchases. It feels like he does take cc but cash is more lucrative.