Johnny Rockets

[upstate]

Went last night and for the last nine years, went inside and asked the waitress if we could get a table outside to listen to the music. There was a “hostess” last night that said we had to give her our name and we had to wait outside of the seating area to be called. Thirty five minutes passed and we told her to take our name off the list. Never experienced this before, any thoughts?

[Two Bills]

Probably too many people sitting on outside tables listening to the music. :icon_wink:

[champion6]

Went last night and for the last nine years, went inside and asked the waitress if we could get a table outside to listen to the music. There was a “hostess” last night that said we had to give her our name and we had to wait outside of the seating area to be called. Thirty five minutes passed and we told her to take our name off the list. Never experienced this before, any thoughts?1) The band is playing, so it's after 5 p.m. - prime time for dinner. 2) It's High Season in Florida - everything is crowded and service is slower.

[badkarma318]

Were all of the outside tables occupied?

[village dreamer]

i saw a lady feeding her dog off of a plate out side as i walked by. no thanks

[I'm Popeye!]

i saw a lady feeding her dog off of a plate out side as i walked by. no thanks

That's because some people actually believe these animals are people.

[Rainger99]

Never experienced this before, any thoughts?

Did you have a reservation? Were there tables inside?

I have had to wait 30 minutes or more with a reservation at some restaurants (not Johnny Rockets - wouldn’t wait more than 5 minutes there).

[Bay Kid]

Did you have a reservation? Were there tables inside?

I have had to wait 30 minutes or more with a reservation at some restaurants (not Johnny Rockets - wouldn’t wait more than 5 minutes there).

I didn't know Johnny Rockets took reservations, not that I would make one.

[upstate]

Were all of the outside tables occupied?

No, very few tables were occupied. As I said, we have never seen this before, even at high season and the band playing. Other customers were expressing the same feeling.

[ThirdOfFive]

I didn't know Johnny Rockets took reservations, not that I would make one.
No reason to.

Our last trip there (actually, our only trip there) happened last Friday late afternoon. We entered and were shown to a booth by the host, where we sat--and sat--and sat. Eventually the host sashayed on by with a couple of menus. We waited for what must have been ten minutes at least AFTER we read the menus and folded them up on our table, but no one came by to offer us water, take our drink order, etc. We got up to leave, at which time one of the staff at the counter grabbed a couple of menus and hurried in our direction. As we passed her I commented "not impressed, but thanks anyway" and left.

Ten minutes not a long wait time? Agree totally, if the restaurant was even moderately busy. But I actually counted more staff people than customers! Maybe six customers inside total. Of the workers, one was at the counter wrapping silverware in napkins while too others stood by and made conversation with her. One at the counter (the one who finally decided to give us menus when she saw we were leaving) was reading something on the counter. A couple of guys walked back and forth a few times behind the counter. Saw a guy in back (the cook?) but couldn't see what he was doing. The "host" didn't seem to do much of anything but gaze absently around the room.

Yeah, I advocate giving an eatery more than one chance. But there is a very big difference between errors when the place is full and work is piling up, and what we saw at Johnny Rocket's this time.

[MrFlorida]

It's high season, everyplace is crowded this time of year. Go back in June, and walk right in.

[I'm Popeye!]

This place was so good just 3 years ago; I say new management destroyed this place, not the pandemic...

[Worldseries27]

that's because some people actually believe these animals are people.
billions of poor and sick on our world, yet animals are bequeathed millions should be your answer

[Worldseries27]

went last night and for the last nine years, went inside and asked the waitress if we could get a table outside to listen to the music. There was a “hostess” last night that said we had to give her our name and we had to wait outside of the seating area to be called. Thirty five minutes passed and we told her to take our name off the list. Never experienced this before, any thoughts?
once out of 9 years.. I'll take it.

[Rwirish]

Snowbird season.

[banjobob]

Just an oversight

[banjobob]

And you just sat there , maybe make some attempt to signal a need for service.

[Cobullymom]

billions of poor and sick on our world, yet animals are bequeathed millions should be your answer
So you bequeathed all your money to the poor? I happen to like dogs more than some people, it's a free world.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Maybe the regulars were off at South Florida Spring Break? That would be where the money is for the week, or maybe the other booty

[Villages Kahuna]

High season?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It seems to me to be a lot of passive-aggressive behavior here. You went to a place and sat there passively waiting, growing more and more aggravated, but never spoke up. Instead, you waited until you reached your breaking point and left.

I get it. It's not your job to tell employees what to do. It's not your job to post about your bad experience here either, and yet here you are.

I've had to wait at Johnny Rockets too on occasion, and every time I'd get off my butt, walk into the restaurant, and flag an employee (you can tell by their uniform - any of them will do), and let them know I'd like to order and I'll be outside.

Works like a charm.

When you're done, you let the manager know how the food was, how everything ELSE about the service was, and how that one bit of waiting made you feel as well.

The manager will then either course-correct or not. That is his job. He can't do his job if he doesn't get active feedback from his customers. He doesn't know what -exactly- needs to be fixed, if his customers don't tell him using their big-boy words.

[kendi]

No, very few tables were occupied. As I said, we have never seen this before, even at high season and the band playing. Other customers were expressing the same feeling.

Not enough servers. It’s not unusual for it to be slow there. But they’re very friendly and hard working.

[Pennyt]

Went there a few months ago with our guests. The food used to be good and the service was so much fun. Not anymore. The place felt dirty, one bathroom stall was filled with, well, you know, because the flush didn't work. The service was slow and the food awful. Dogs were sitting in chairs outside. Would not go back.

[I'm Popeye!]

////

[tallmanf]

Don’t know why people do this and the establishment doesn’t do anything. Just a note dogs are not to be in outside dinning area. Just entitled people. Same as grocery stores. Leave your pet at home. No one else enjoys them like you do.

[JSR22]

Don’t know why people do this and the establishment doesn’t do anything. Just a note dogs are not to be in outside dinning area. Just entitled people. Same as grocery stores. Leave your pet at home. No one else enjoys them like you do.

Dogs are allowed in the outside dining area. They have a menu for the dogs.

[pauld315]

Went there a few months ago with our guests. The food used to be good and the service was so much fun. Not anymore. The place felt dirty, one bathroom stall was filled with, well, you know, because the flush didn't work. The service was slow and the food awful. Dogs were sitting in chairs outside. Would not go back.

Place went downhill after the Suliemans sold it a few years ago

[ThirdOfFive]

Went there a few months ago with our guests. The food used to be good and the service was so much fun. Not anymore. The place felt dirty, one bathroom stall was filled with, well, you know, because the flush didn't work. The service was slow and the food awful. Dogs were sitting in chairs outside. Would not go back.
Indeed.

Issues like this tend to be systemic. An employee having a bad day is one thing, and errors from time to time are understandable. But what you described--and others have experienced--tend to be reflective of the entire establishment. Slow, haphazard or no service; employees neglecting their jobs in favor of socializing with one another, and a perceived overall lackadaisical attitude instead of one of excellence, says far too much. Or maybe just enough.

As my wife said, "I'd be VERY nervous about what comes out of that kitchen".

[Pairadocs]

Probably too many people sitting on outside tables listening to the music. :icon_wink:

And perhaps (?), planning on staying at their tables for the entire evening ? Always presents a controversial situation: if NOT posted how long a table can be occupied, other than "common" decency to the waitress/waiter (who depends on table turn over to make average tips for the evening), and to those waiting for a table, there seems little can be done to force people to vacate a table. This is always a difficult situation here in the villages, and anywhere, especially in restaurant venues that feature any kind of entertainment. If the is ONE answer to this, it seems no one has come up with it yet.

[Pairadocs]

i saw a lady feeding her dog off of a plate out side as i walked by. no thanks

Sadly, that is not an uncommon site in The Villages. Don't know if this is a fair comment, but seems especially common in Sumter county.. is it possible that there are differences in state health and safety laws among various counties ? Of course this has nothing to do with the long wait for a table in high season...LOL !

[Pairadocs]

That's because some people actually believe these animals are people.

Oh yes, they absolutely do. Of course all of this is certainly off the subject of this thread (table wait at Johnny Rocket's) but yes, just look at the number of strollers, the birthday parties, gifts, clothing, shoes and boots, etc. it's an entire (and probably harmless ?) industry. However, it does make one wonder at some of the sights in stores and restaurants. Seems much more prevalent here than the general population, don't often see dogs sitting on the laps of owners eating in restaurants in other locations... so not sure what "it" actually is ? Actual dementia, or perhaps "empty-nest" longing for their actual children again ? Has some psychological connection, but, fortunately rather harmless (except for these really over the line health issues). Don't think it is going to decrease from what I've observed ! ?

[Pairadocs]

No, very few tables were occupied. As I said, we have never seen this before, even at high season and the band playing. Other customers were expressing the same feeling.

I guess this is too obvious... but, did any of the concerned or disgruntled people waiting, go to the hostess and even ASK if they could sit at all the unoccupied tables ? I've certainly experienced situations where the "hostess" is completely unaware of what the situation is concerning tables !

[fdpaq0580]

Oh yes, they absolutely do. Of course all of this is certainly off the subject of this thread (table wait at Johnny Rocket's) but yes, just look at the number of strollers, the birthday parties, gifts, clothing, shoes and boots, etc. it's an entire (and probably harmless ?) industry. However, it does make one wonder at some of the sights in stores and restaurants. Seems much more prevalent here than the general population, don't often see dogs sitting on the laps of owners eating in restaurants in other locations... so not sure what "it" actually is ? Actual dementia, or perhaps "empty-nest" longing for their actual children again ? Has some psychological connection, but, fortunately rather harmless (except for these really over the line health issues). Don't think it is going to decrease from what I've observed ! ?

Yes. It's mental, and not necessarily as harmless as it might seem.

[village dreamer]

Dogs are allowed in the outside dining area. They have a menu for the dogs. so they use the same plates for people ????

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

so they use the same plates for people ????

Dunno about where you come from but where I come from we have this stuff called dish detergent. We also have really cool devices called sponges. I think my town invented this amazing thing called a dish rack. Of course everyone's heard of the newest miracle known as "indoor plumbing and hot water."

Some day soon at a restaurant near you, someone might even come up with a big metal thing and maybe even call it something funky like - a Hobart.

I know, it sounds crazy and far-fetched. But I swear it's true, at least where I come from.

[village dreamer]

Dunno about where you come from but where I come from we have this stuff called dish detergent. We also have really cool devices called sponges. I think my town invented this amazing thing called a dish rack. Of course everyone's heard of the newest miracle known as "indoor plumbing and hot water."

Some day soon at a restaurant near you, someone might even come up with a big metal thing and maybe even call it something funky like - a Hobart.

I know, it sounds crazy and far-fetched. But I swear it's true, at least where I come from.
i dont know where you come from, but where i come from animals dont eat off human plates. and it does sound crazy and far fetched to me. heck we dont even let dogs in our food stores , if you can belive that. i dont think i would want to eat at your house.

[I'm Popeye!]

Dunno about where you come from but where I come from we have this stuff called dish detergent. We also have really cool devices called sponges. I think my town invented this amazing thing called a dish rack. Of course everyone's heard of the newest miracle known as "indoor plumbing and hot water."

Some day soon at a restaurant near you, someone might even come up with a big metal thing and maybe even call it something funky like - a Hobart.

I know, it sounds crazy and far-fetched. But I swear it's true, at least where I come from.

Sounds like you might have Dog Hair particle infective sponges to wash those animal-over-licked dishes that are sitting on your rack. barf

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Sounds like you might have Dog Hair particle infective sponges to wash those animal-over-licked dishes that are sitting on your rack. barf

I don't have a dog. My cat has her own dish. I also find it unappetizing to see a dog sitting on a chair or on the restaurant table eating off a plate there.

But not because of unsanitary washing protocol. Your own mouth harbors almost as much bacteria as a dog's mouth - and yours is riskier to your own health than theirs is (you can't catch a cold from a dog, but you can catch one from a human).

Do we dispose of or boil all plates that come into human contact in restaurants? Nope. Some places have paper or disposable take-out containers but if you're sitting at the table, you're getting something that someone else at off of. Or drooled on. Or their dentures popped out on.

How many of you who own dogs, or visit homes that have dogs, walk barefoot on the house's floor? You'll pick up more disgusting who knows what that way, than you will eating off a plate that was once used by a dog, and has been washed many times under hot water with detergent.

Being grossed out by watching someone's dog get up on the restaurant table and helping herself to the lobster mac & cheese is a reasonable reaction. Being grossed out because that dog is being served whipped cream and fried beef liver in a normal dessert plate on the floor next to the table is an unreasonable reaction.

[HORNET]

Maybe that’s it! You wanted to sit outside to listen to the music!

[Pairadocs]

Yes. It's mental, and not necessarily as harmless as it might seem.

That's true, I was just thinking that while it was really stomach turning to sit inside a and be that close to a lady with a dog on her lap eating from the same table next to us, it makes it difficult to enjoy food, and yes, it may not be that "harmless". It seems a major thing especially in the villages. Was in the Dollar Store yesterday, couple walking through casually, their small dog, on a leash, doing the same, but wandering all over (longer leash). They were busy looking at cards when he came to me and "harmlessly" began licking my shoe and toes (had on flip flops). I kind of jumped back and said "no, no", they turned around, noticed he has crossed he isle to where I stood, they called him and pulled the leash, and laughed and laughed, "he's a lover she said, don't mind him, everyone is his friend, he doesn't bite, he'll just kiss you to death"... end of quote. The dog had on a little coat with "emotional companion pet" on it ! I tend to be a compassionate person, and when I see so many people in stores clutching at small dogs that they can not bare to leave at home even for a trip to a store or restaurant.... it is perplexing. I once asked my relative why, when she "just has to go to the bank", or is only going to go pick up some food at a drive through and tells me in winter what a pain it is to get him (the dog) all dressed and ready to go, and then he won't walk to the car if there is any sign of snow, so she has to pick him up and carry him to the car. When I asked why not just let him stay home in his nice warm bed, she said: "because it's not worth it, he gets very angry at me if he doesn't get to go every time I leave the house, and then he pouts at me for several days !"..
I could not even respond. This person looks, acts, like any normal person, until.... it comes to the dog ? We've had a lot of dogs through the years when the kids were growing up, we gave them excellent care, but this whole dining with the family, getting new clothes for various occasions, arranging play dates with other dog's parents, giving dog birthday parties, bringing presents when you meet another dog for a play date (my relative said it's expected to bring a gift for the other dog when you arrange a play date ?), to me this is all a relatively new "hobby" or "activity" ? Nope, the relative is not an "old maid" with no children, she is just a widow now and the children are all adults...maybe that is the root of it ? She certainly seems extremely cognitively sound in every other area of her life ?

[Pairadocs]

I don't have a dog. My cat has her own dish. I also find it unappetizing to see a dog sitting on a chair or on the restaurant table eating off a plate there.

But not because of unsanitary washing protocol. Your own mouth harbors almost as much bacteria as a dog's mouth - and yours is riskier to your own health than theirs is (you can't catch a cold from a dog, but you can catch one from a human).

Do we dispose of or boil all plates that come into human contact in restaurants? Nope. Some places have paper or disposable take-out containers but if you're sitting at the table, you're getting something that someone else at off of. Or drooled on. Or their dentures popped out on.

How many of you who own dogs, or visit homes that have dogs, walk barefoot on the house's floor? You'll pick up more disgusting who knows what that way, than you will eating off a plate that was once used by a dog, and has been washed many times under hot water with detergent.

Being grossed out by watching someone's dog get up on the restaurant table and helping herself to the lobster mac & cheese is a reasonable reaction. Being grossed out because that dog is being served whipped cream and fried beef liver in a normal dessert plate on the floor next to the table is an unreasonable reaction.

I don't know, just seems like something better done at home in your own kitchen or dinning room to me. In public there are just too many mixed opinions, so it would be best to leave pets at home when dining out. One of the things we used to do, load up the children on a Saturday night and go to the local Dairy Queen. When we were all finished, my husband never ever failed to go to the window and get a one scoop no topping custard in a cup.... for Gizmo, when we got home ! We never ever considered taking him, or taking him anywhere except when we went camping for a week at the fishing camp. He never went to the grocery store, hardware store, never even was invited to a birthday party.. but he seem to be happy ? ?

[Pairadocs]

So you bequeathed all your money to the poor? I happen to like dogs more than some people, it's a free world.

I totally agree. A person is free to do what they wish with their money. Children are starving as I play golf, as someone buys a new boat, or plane. But, also see the morality involved when one sees an estate left to an animal. You said you liked dogs more than "some people", but on the other hand, those people you don't care for are not the ones you would probably leave money to to help them to a better life. But, you are quite right that people can spend their own money as they wish, but it's fortunate that we do have some make the decision to invest in the lives of hungry humans, those who do not, should not be shamed or made to feel guilty.