Bonefish Grill Strange Policy

[Sandy and Ed]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

[Bogie Shooter]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

Go see the manager.

[retiredguy123]

I don't understand why asking for separate checks had anything to do with it. A lot of diners ask for separate checks. The restaurant only allows one discount per table to reduce their overall cost for discounts. Did it state that on the certificate?

[ThirdOfFive]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
Agree that is sounds a bit odd, but most probably a very rare occurrence.

[Shipping up to Boston]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

Corporate BS. This why these outfits don't last. Out of touch with reality.

[LarryTheBird]

Bonefish Grill may be remaned Bonehead Grill. That may be policy but it wasn't doing the customer right.

Walgreens does something similar, if you have a vendor coupon, they won't allow you to use your Walgreens rewards dollars.

[BrianL99]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??


It makes perfect sense.

You said there was a "$10 Promotion Certificate" used at your table? I'm sure the terms of the Prom Certificate probably said only 1 "per table". If you and your friends ate at different tables, it would have been a different circumstance, most likely.

"Promos" are designed to bring folks into a restaurant, who might not otherwise go there, not to bring in more people who are sniffing around for a further discount.

How much of a "promo discount" do you think you and your friends are entitled to?

[Two Bills]

Bonefish Grill may be remaned Bonehead Grill. That may be policy but it wasn't doing the customer right.

Walgreens does something similar, if you have a vendor coupon, they won't allow you to use your Walgreens rewards dollars.

Why would/should they?
If they allowed all coupons and reward cards, giving the stuff away would probably work out cheaper for a store.
One discount is plenty, just use the one that is the bargain.

[Bogie Shooter]

Corporate BS. This why these outfits don't last. Out of touch with reality.
I don’t know all the details of the OP post…..do you?

This company seems to doing ok…….

Bloomin' Brands acquired Bonefish Grill on October 5, 2001. At the time, the company had three locations. In 2006, Bonefish Grill announced the opening of its 100th restaurant.[4] As of January 2022, Bloomin' Brands had five franchised Bonefish Grill restaurants and 167 corporate-owned and operated Bonefish Grills.

[retiredguy123]

FYI, here is what it says about the promo certificate on the Bonefish website:

"Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or coupon."

[Velvet]

So next time, don’t let anyone else sit at your table, and don’t sit with anyone else so you can get your “table discount”.

[BrianL99]

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

What say ye??

When is this going to end? You're 20+ year veterans. You had a job for those 20+ years, which you got paid for, every month. In addition to getting paid for your job and free job training, you're getting lifetime health benefits, retirement benefits, plus educational benefits, PX shopping privileges, your own holiday and a myriad of other benefits.

Did you join the military, so you'd get discounted food for the rest of your life?

Didn't you get enough yet?

What about all the Firefighters out there? Police officers? Teachers? Sanitation workers? Doctors? What about them? Shouldn't they be getting discounts too?

Get an AARP Card. Most of the same business giving you a 10% "Military Discount", will give you the exact same discount, just for being old.

[Shipping up to Boston]

When is this going to end? You're 20+ year veterans. You had a job for those 20+ years, which you got paid for, every month. In addition to getting paid for your job and free job training, you're getting lifetime health benefits, retirement benefits, plus educational benefits, PX shopping privileges, your own holiday and a myriad of other benefits.

Did you join the military, so you'd get discounted food for the rest of your life?

Didn't you get enough yet?

What about all the Firefighters out there? Police officers? Teachers? Sanitation workers? Doctors? What about them? Shouldn't they be getting discounts too?

Get an AARP Card. Most of the same business giving you a 10% "Military Discount", will give you the exact same discount, just for being old.

So....just for s*its and giggles, under your premise....why do we arbitrarily ‘discount’ seniors over 55? Because they built this country? Where does that end? I’d much rather discount a veteran or first responder than do so for ‘just being old’. Who wrote that doctrine?

[retiredguy123]

So....just for s*its and giggles, under your premise....why do we arbitrarily ‘discount’ seniors over 55? Because they built this country? Where does that end? I’d much rather discount a veteran or first responder than do so for ‘just being old’. Who wrote that doctrine?
It's up to the business to provide voluntary discounts. I think they do it because they want to maintain good will with the community. It's an advertising gimmick. Most people over 55 and veterans do not really need the discounts as much as other people do.

[BrianL99]

So....just for s*its and giggles, under your premise....why do we arbitrarily ‘discount’ seniors over 55? Because they built this country? Where does that end? I’d much rather discount a veteran or first responder than do so for ‘just being old’. Who wrote that doctrine?


"Discount" offered by business for "military", "first responders", AARP members, AAA members, are nothing more than pandering by the businesses, to make it seem like you're getting something special ... in order to motivate you to patronize that business.

"10% discounts" are nothing more than advertising dollars, spent in a different way. Most every business carries a line item for A&P ... advertising and promotions. It's all one & the same.

If a business wants to show support for some particular group of people, there are more substantive ways to do it, than offering a paltry discount, to every Tom, Dick, Harry or Susan who belongs to that group. There's a big wide gulf between "support, gratitude & appreciation" and simple advertising.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

[dewilson58]

What say ye??

Okay.

[Shipping up to Boston]

"Discount" offered by business for "military", "first responders", AARP members, AAA members, are nothing more than pandering by the businesses, to make it seem like you're getting something special ... in order to motivate you to patronize that business.

"10% discounts" are nothing more than advertising dollars, spent in a different way. Most every business carries a line item for A&P ... advertising and promotions. It's all one & the same.

If a business wants to show support for some particular group of people, there are more substantive ways to do it, than offering a paltry discount, to every Tom, Dick, Harry or Susan who belongs to that group. There's a big wide gulf between "support, gratitude & appreciation" and simple advertising.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

Thank you for coming out of the sand trap to humor me kind sir ;)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When I was a front end supervisor for a Party City, we had a woman who came in a couple of times, and wanted her veteran's discount. She didn't want to give her name, and said her right to privacy meant she didn't have to show her VA status on any ID. The second time she came in, she said she was the wife of a veteran. We told her we don't give discounts to spouses of veterans, only to spouses of active-duty military personnel. She didn't like that much either.

Basically though she was none of the above. She was just a junkie who wanted clearance stuff at an additional discount so she could sell it cheap to a flea market guy she knew.

Here in The Villages, a LOT of people wear their "Veteran's" baseball caps everywhere they go. Even the ones who aren't veterans. I've met a few of them. It's definitely not a lot of people, but one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. It's insulting to actual veterans, when non-vets wear vet insignia or try to get discounts for being fake veterans.

[Shipping up to Boston]

When I was a front end supervisor for a Party City, we had a woman who came in a couple of times, and wanted her veteran's discount. She didn't want to give her name, and said her right to privacy meant she didn't have to show her VA status on any ID. The second time she came in, she said she was the wife of a veteran. We told her we don't give discounts to spouses of veterans, only to spouses of active-duty military personnel. She didn't like that much either.

Basically though she was none of the above. She was just a junkie who wanted clearance stuff at an additional discount so she could sell it cheap to a flea market guy she knew.

Here in The Villages, a LOT of people wear their "Veteran's" baseball caps everywhere they go. Even the ones who aren't veterans. I've met a few of them. It's definitely not a lot of people, but one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. It's insulting to actual veterans, when non-vets wear vet insignia or try to get discounts for being fake veterans.

Stolen Valor....here in TV?! Noooo

[Bill14564]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

So now you know and can consider that when choosing a restaurant next time.

Not the server’s fault for a corporate policy but I wonder how well it would go over if you had a one tip per table policy and put the single tip in the check that received the discount. For some reason I believe that the two checks would then be seen as separate and each worthy of separate tips even thought they weren’t worthy of separate discounts.

[Shipping up to Boston]

So now you know and can consider that when choosing a restaurant next time.

Not the server’s fault for a corporate policy but I wonder how well it would go over if you had a one tip per table policy and put the single tip in the check that received the discount. For some reason I believe that the two checks would then be seen as separate and each worthy of separate tips even thought they weren’t worthy of separate discounts.

Excellent point by you sir

[PugMom]

personally, I'd say don't go back.

[frayedends]

I'm guessing that the checks were separated at the end and I'm sure it all had to be rung up as 1 table when she was putting in the order. You probably could have gotten the military discount for everyone instead of the $10 promo.

I can understand the frustration but it's just a system issue.

[JMintzer]

///

[fdpaq0580]

///

I, for one, would love to know what you deleted, or decided not to post.

[JMintzer]

I, for one, would love to know what you deleted, or decided not to post.

I misread a post, and when I realized I had made a mistake, I deleted the post...

[Tblue]

I agree with the OP, I too had a similar situation. 4 of us go to dinner, both couples have the 10$ OFF card. We both presented our cards when our separate checks came and we were informed by the waiter that only one card per table could be used. Sure enough the fine print on the card says “One offer per table”. Who reads the fine print until now, so our friend put his 10$ OFF card back in his pocket, to be used next time. Yes, I agree with the OP a strange policy.

[huge-pigeons]

FYI, here is what it says about the promo certificate on the Bonefish website:

"Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or coupon."

This does not say ‘per table’. IMO, this refers to the person/couple per check holding the coupon, not the other people that might have a different discount on a different check. Bonefish doesn’t want 1 person/couple per check to apply multiple discounts.

[BrianL99]

I agree with the OP, I too had a similar situation. 4 of us go to dinner, both couples have the 10$ OFF card. We both presented our cards when our separate checks came and we were informed by the waiter that only one card per table could be used. Sure enough the fine print on the card says “One offer per table”. Who reads the fine print until now, so our friend put his 10$ OFF card back in his pocket, to be used next time. Yes, I agree with the OP a strange policy.

Going out to dinner and worrying about or complaining about not getting your 10% off your $75 dinner tab, must be a stressful way to retire.

Have one less drink. Problem solved.

[Rwirish]

Makes full sense. One coupon per table regardless of how the bill is paid.

[marsil]

Forget it. Your choice to sit at that table. Don't be a village griper. Too many already. Move on.

[Tom&Vicki]

First, Thank you for serving your country, both of you!
Second, call the manger on the carpet for showing such disrespect for those who made the sacrifice.
Semper Fi

[Sandy and Ed]

This does not say ‘per table’. IMO, this refers to the person/couple per check holding the coupon, not the other people that might have a different discount on a different check. Bonefish doesn’t want 1 person/couple per check to apply multiple discounts.
Now that makes sense. Logical. However what happened to me seemed illogical. But nowadays- up is down, right is left, good is bad, bad is good, etc. Who am I to say what is logical anymore. Reason I asked you guys. I don’t chase discounts (I’ve got too much money in the bank to care) but I do question insanity occasionally. And no, I don’t worry about the 10% discount - just the policy. Either give it or don’t. Make up your mind.

[Sandy and Ed]

Forget it. Your choice to sit at that table. Don't be a village griper. Too many already. Move on.
Thank you Junior

[Sandy and Ed]

Makes full sense. One coupon per table regardless of how the bill is paid.
Maybe you should think this through again. We shared a table - not the meal nor the bill. Again, illogical

[Ele201]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

I agree with everything you said in your post. A discount for being a veteran and a promo coupon or voucher are like apples and oranges. As it’s the restaurant’s corporate policy to offer military discounts to its customers, you and your wife should have received that discount — whether you’re dining at a table with other people, at the bar or wherever.

Having said that, I think you were correct in not making an issue out of it. After all, it’s just 10 percent off the check. So for example, $3 off a $30 check. But it’s the principle of the thing, just feels unfair. Btw Your neighbor got a pretty good deal though, a $10 coupon/voucher off of her lunch bill, so good for her.

By the way, Thank you for your service, your wife as well!

[Sandy and Ed]

I'm guessing that the checks were separated at the end and I'm sure it all had to be rung up as 1 table when she was putting in the order. You probably could have gotten the military discount for everyone instead of the $10 promo.

I can understand the frustration but it's just a system issue.
That I would not do. I take mine and my wife takes hers. We are not opportunists bilking a generous establishments’s offer to discount our meal due to our service.

[Sandy and Ed]

So now you know and can consider that when choosing a restaurant next time.

Not the server’s fault for a corporate policy but I wonder how well it would go over if you had a one tip per table policy and put the single tip in the check that received the discount. For some reason I believe that the two checks would then be seen as separate and each worthy of separate tips even thought they weren’t worthy of separate discounts.
Now that was funny. Good sense of humor. I don’t slight the waitress and I will go back to Bonefish. Food and service is great and bartenders know us. Makes my “perfect gin martini”, perfectly. I just have an issue with an insane corporate policy. Call it an itch that I just can’t scratch

[arbajeda]

Ask for the manager. For me it would be a matter of principle, something that I thought was wrong. Corporate policy? Let the head person tell you, so you can express to him/her your disappointment. Although you just might get an exception. If you don't ask, the answer's always no.

[Cheapbas]

FYI, here is what it says about the promo certificate on the Bonefish website:

"Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or coupon."

Separate checks is not used “in conjunction”. The restaurant was wrong here. I’ve been in large groups that split the check many ways, never been an issue before.

[vinricci]

Brian99,
Jealous much?

[elle123]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
The waitress should've accepted your military discount. If that's actually a "corporate policy" it needs to be altered.

[Girlcopper]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
Most restaurants are like that and this has been in effect for many years. One coupon, gift card or discount per table. Not odd at all.

[nova1968]

Thank you for your service.
So you got shorted a few dollars, Is it that important to you that you post it or go crying to the Manager.
I’m a veteran myself and occasionally discounts offered are not recognized but I have more important things to do in my life than fret over being shorted a few dollars in a restaurant.
If you think the waitress shorted you by not recognizing your discount you could have not left a tip to compensate for your veteran discount.

[mike234]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
the villages is loaded with cheapskates.

[Girlcopper]

I don't understand why asking for separate checks had anything to do with it. A lot of diners ask for separate checks. The restaurant only allows one discount per table to reduce their overall cost for discounts. Did it state that on the certificate?
Exactly. I personally can’t name one place that takes more than one coupon or discount per table no matter how many seperate checks you want. This is nothing new at all. And requesting to see a manager like someone else suggested will get you no where. It’s the policy of almost all restaurants.

[Bill14564]

Exactly. I personally can’t name one place that takes more than one coupon or discount per table no matter how many seperate checks you want. This is nothing new at all. And requesting to see a manager like someone else suggested will get you no where. It’s the policy of almost all restaurants.

I can name at least one that treats separate checks as separate transactions and allows separate discounts and separate payment types on each.

Walking out without discussing it with a manager will get you no where. Talking with the manager will at least give you a chance to air your complaint with someone who might be able to make a difference.

Perhaps the moral to this story is to not share a table for four but to ask for separate tables for each couple then just talk between tables. Sure, more work for the wait staff and bussers and one less table for another customer but hey, if that's what corporate policy demands....

[DrHitch]

Walgreens does something similar, if you have a vendor coupon, they won't allow you to use your Walgreens rewards dollars.

It makes sense that you can't double dip with two coupons on the same transaction... But in this case the OP had two different transactions albeit at the same table.

[Marine1974]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense


What say ye??
Manages can’t fix what they don’t know about and if waitress not trained properly will continue to
not honor our veterans.
Thanks for your service.
USMC

[Guzzel]

First of all, thank you for your service! Second, I think you handle the situation perfectly by letting it go and not embarrassing anyone. And third, next time get there first. 😁

[Shipping up to Boston]

the villages is loaded with cheapskates.

Love the vitriol from all these posters who I can guarantee invoke their ‘senior discount’ if it’s offered. Don’t take the discount, as an earlier poster suggested, ‘just for being old’. If you can’t afford to go out....stay home and cook. I don’t think the OP is a ‘cheapskate’ and as he stated, he loves the restaurant, staff and tipped them accordingly. Some people stand on principle, not a bad thing. I challenge all of you to ask a waiter/waitress or bartender at any establishment....if they’re being candid, how many of these so called ‘rich’ and senior discount entitled patrons actually leave a decent tip as they whip out their Morty Seinfeld tip calculators.

[Red Rose]

I think they should have given you the discount because it’s not a coupon. It’s an everyday discount for your military service and had nothing whatsoever to do with your friend’s coupon. Thank you for your service.

[Villagesgal]

So many missed the point. The coupon was used by their neighbor for her bill. They were a separate entity getting a separate check for their meals. They should have called a manager over and explained that they saw their neighbor sitting alone so joined her. They did not all 3 come together, it was a chance meeting. The manager would have given them their discount. We have done this with another couple and had no problem after calling the manager over, we both had coupons.
I agree with some posters re the military discount. I can see it for those who fought in wars or conflicts, but not for all military who chose their jobs, but that has nothing to do with anything, that business gives an across the board discount to military, so they qualified for it and should be given it.

[Sandy and Ed]

Go see the mgr. Why do you need us to tell you that?
I don’t. I’m just asking for opinions AND letting my comrades know in advance. If you don’t have a dog in this why even respond? Zero value added.

[nn0wheremann]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
If you paid first would the military discount be applied to all parties at the table? Was the coupon applied to all parties at the table? Take it out of her tip.

[Shipping up to Boston]

So many missed the point. The coupon was used by their neighbor for her bill. They were a separate entity getting a separate check for their meals. They should have called a manager over and explained that they saw their neighbor sitting alone so joined her. They did not all 3 come together, it was a chance meeting. The manager would have given them their discount. We have done this with another couple and had no problem after calling the manager over, we both had coupons.
I agree with some posters re the military discount. I can see it for those who fought in wars or conflicts, but not for all military who chose their jobs, but that has nothing to do with anything, that business gives an across the board discount to military, so they qualified for it and should be given it.

So now they need to show that they served in a forward area in the military, maybe produce kill counts?! This thread has clearly jumped the shark!

[Haggar]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

If that's what written on the coupon and you don't like what happened write to corporate and explain what happened. I have on another matter and they sent me a coupon for something - I don't remember what.

Do you belong to their dine around program? Outback and Bonefish belong to the same chain so you can earn rewards at both to be used at either. Gives me $5.00 after I spend x amount. It's not a discount so it could be used in your situation. Sometime they'll give me the 10% AARP discount in addition to the rewards. Sometimes they say it can't be done. Don't argue or complain since they could give no rewards or discounts and I would still go there. Bigger things in life to worry or complain about.

[waterflower]

And toxic food that is seasoned to taste good. Most of their food is illegal in Europe

[pjwenz]

So instead of speaking to the Manger, (Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…) you decided it was better to embarrass the Resturant. Well Done.

[Indydealmaker]

When is this going to end? You're 20+ year veterans. You had a job for those 20+ years, which you got paid for, every month. In addition to getting paid for your job and free job training, you're getting lifetime health benefits, retirement benefits, plus educational benefits, PX shopping privileges, your own holiday and a myriad of other benefits.

Did you join the military, so you'd get discounted food for the rest of your life?

Didn't you get enough yet?

What about all the Firefighters out there? Police officers? Teachers? Sanitation workers? Doctors? What about them? Shouldn't they be getting discounts too?

Get an AARP Card. Most of the same business giving you a 10% "Military Discount", will give you the exact same discount, just for being old.

It is now time to start getting out of bed on the correct side.

[Proveone]

I don't understand why asking for separate checks had anything to do with it. A lot of diners ask for separate checks. The restaurant only allows one discount per table to reduce their overall cost for discounts. Did it state that on the certificate?
Your response doesn't make sense. There were two different transactions for two different patrons. I would have left the table and gone to see the manager. Bad business policy.

[retiredguy123]

Your response doesn't make sense. There were two different transactions for two different patrons. I would have left the table and gone to see the manager. Bad business policy.
So, if there are 6 people at the table, and every one asks for a separate check, they are all allowed to use a discount certificate or other discount? I don't necessarily disagree, but the restaurant wants to limit the number of discounts per table. That was the policy explained to the OP.

[ffresh]

It's up to the business to provide voluntary discounts. I think they do it because they want to maintain good will with the community. It's an advertising gimmick. Most people over 55 and veterans do not really need the discounts as much as other people do.

YES ... businesses in a free society (something we haven't seen for a VERY long time) should be able to do whatever they feel will benefit the business; that includes whomever they wish to offer discounts to. If I had a magic wand and were dictator, I would offer discounts to families with children. Socioeconomically, this is one of the groups struggling most financially. Seniors are, for the most part, high on the same ladder, i.e. doing rather well! :spoken:

Fred

[LeRoySmith]

I’ve got too much money in the bank to care

could I borrow 20 bucks?

[sallyg]

Sorry to hear this. Bonefish is one of our favorite restaurants. The discount would have cost them very little compared to the ill will they have generated. Penny-wise and pound-foolish comes to mind.

[JMintzer]

The vitriol in this thread (for asking a simple and valid question) is staggering!

But considering the sources, I really shouldn't be surprised... :ohdear:

[HoosierPa]

This is a 1st world problem

[Bill14564]

This is a 1st world problem

Well, that’s where I live so…

[coffeebean]

I agree with everything you said in your post. A discount for being a veteran and a promo coupon or voucher are like apples and oranges. As it’s the restaurant’s corporate policy to offer military discounts to its customers, you and your wife should have received that discount — whether you’re dining at a table with other people, at the bar or wherever.

Having said that, I think you were correct in not making an issue out of it. After all, it’s just 10 percent off the check. So for example, $3 off a $30 check. But it’s the principle of the thing, just feels unfair. Btw Your neighbor got a pretty good deal though, a $10 coupon/voucher off of her lunch bill, so good for her.

By the way, Thank you for your service, your wife as well!

Agree about the military discount being denied is the principle of it. The money is a non issue.

[JPSmoke]

The $10 was for of a coupon, then a gift certificate. But if they opened by saying separate checks that then does not sound reasonable.

[Velvet]

Well, that’s where I live so…

I know, that comment always makes me laugh… unless they are actually not living on this continent, internet is worldwide.

[Pairadocs]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??

Not sure, like you explained, sounds a bit odd, but only a few dollars. Do you suppose if the same situation applied, a senior couple came in, saw perhaps a younger nephew and his wife so joined them. Then IF the nephew and wife used some kind of coupon they had, would that mean the senior couple who joined the would NOT get the senior discount (assuming it is an establishment that gives a standard senior discount) ? Just seems strange, wonder if the server did not completely understand his/her training ?

[Barborv]

My take on this is that the coupon said (as stated by a response) "Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or coupon.". Fine! But that should relate to your bill. If there are 2 separate bills, one has nothing to do with the other. The person paying their bill cannot use two discounts! So, then you should only tip on one bill and not the other at the table! Doesn't make sense. And as far as a military discount, you sacrificed to give us our freedom and our military and veterans deserve even more! G-D bless you for your service!!!!

[Eg_cruz]

My wife and I went to Bonefish Grill on 466 for lunch and met a neighbor already seated so we joined her.

I told the waitress we were on separate tabs.

As requested, we receive separate bills. Our neighbor paid with cash plus one of those free $10 promo certificates.

Bonefish Grill honors military discounts and my wife and I are both 20+ year veterans. She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.

Sounded irrational to me but decided not to embarrass my wife, my neighbor or myself to call in a manager for a couple of bucks and let it go. But still…

My wife and I were dining together on a separate check, the neighbor paid her bill first while we waited to pay ours. Again, it just doesn’t make a bit of sense

What say ye??
There are a few restaurants with this policy. I don’t agree with it but if you read the promo certificate it probably has it stated on it.

[Sandy and Ed]

There are a few restaurants with this policy. I don’t agree with it but if you read the promo certificate it probably has it stated on it.
You are probably right but of course we did not know how our neighbor was going to pay her bill nor, if we had, would we have asked her for the certificate to review. Seems like many failed to read and understand what I thought had been a clear narrative. Thankfully not everyone. This has certainly turned out to be a tempest in a teacup

[npwalters]

a bit off subject but this reminded me of an experience years ago.

I was on a business trip and 4 of us went out to dinner. We sat at a table for 4 in a restaurant that was almost empty. We asked the server for separate checks (since we were on per diem) and were told they would not do that and for us to split the bill between us.

It was late and we did not want to go to another restaurant so we did this to make a point. Each of us moved to a separate table. The server (and manager) thought this was OK and we each got our separate bill. Sometimes a policy overrides common sense.

[coffeebean]

This is a 1st world problem

We, here in The Villages, live in a first world. I'm so tired of hearing that expression. We are all damned lucky to live in our first world so, yes, any first world problem, effects us.

Off my soap box now. Carry on.

[coffeebean]

a bit off subject but this reminded me of an experience years ago.

I was on a business trip and 4 of us went out to dinner. We sat at a table for 4 in a restaurant that was almost empty. We asked the server for separate checks (since we were on per diem) and were told they would not do that and for us to split the bill between us.

It was late and we did not want to go to another restaurant so we did this to make a point. Each of us moved to a separate table. The server (and manager) thought this was OK and we each got our separate bill. Sometimes a policy overrides common sense.

Reminds me of the diner scene from "Five Easy Pieces" with Jack Nicholson at his finest........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlwibCZbF8Y

[Stu from NYC]

a bit off subject but this reminded me of an experience years ago.

I was on a business trip and 4 of us went out to dinner. We sat at a table for 4 in a restaurant that was almost empty. We asked the server for separate checks (since we were on per diem) and were told they would not do that and for us to split the bill between us.

It was late and we did not want to go to another restaurant so we did this to make a point. Each of us moved to a separate table. The server (and manager) thought this was OK and we each got our separate bill. Sometimes a policy overrides common sense.

Very strange policy

[bilcon]

Bonefish Grill may be remaned Bonehead Grill. That may be policy but it wasn't doing the customer right.

Walgreens does something similar, if you have a vendor coupon, they won't allow you to use your Walgreens rewards dollars.

That's different. One discount per person on the same purchase. No problem, but one discount per table? Seriously, I would have questioned that with the manager. Never mind being embarrassed with your neighbor.

[mtdjed]

FYI, here is what it says about the promo certificate on the Bonefish website:

"Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or coupon."

I have not read the entire thread but will still offer my comments.

Thank you, Ed and Sandy for your service. Shame on you Bonefish. If the coupon said what is stated above, there is no implication that it is limited to one discount per table. At best it means only one discount per customer. I went to Bonefish last week with a group of four and I paid the bill and put out my AARP card and got that 10 % discount off the entire check with no question. I was the only AARP member. Would they only let one person claim a Military discount? I could picture a scenario where each party at the table received a promotional coupon and planned their event together because of the coupon.

[Gpsma]

I have not read the entire thread but will still offer my comments.

Thank you, Ed and Sandy for your service. Shame on you Bonefish. If the coupon said what is stated above, there is no implication that it is limited to one discount per table. At best it means only one discount per customer. I went to Bonefish last week with a group of four and I paid the bill and put out my AARP card and got that 10 % discount off the entire check with no question. I was the only AARP member. Would they only let one person claim a Military discount? I could picture a scenario where each party at the table received a promotional coupon and planned their event together because of the coupon.

As a poster previously stated…tired of hearing its a first world problem…im tired of hearing thank you for yoir service.

Both are overused trite statements that are almost meaningless at this point.

[Indydealmaker]

As a poster previously stated…tired of hearing its a first world problem…im tired of hearing thank you for yoir service.

Both are overused trite statements that are almost meaningless at this point.

Your irrelevance is duly noted.

[Shipping up to Boston]

As a poster previously stated…tired of hearing its a first world problem…im tired of hearing thank you for yoir service.

Both are overused trite statements that are almost meaningless at this point.

Wow! And this from Captain Ketchup aka Admiral 'Tube Steak'!

[LeRoySmith]

im tired of hearing thank you for yoir service.

We need HALAL now!



makes perfect sense

[CarlR33]

Excellent point by you sir
I alway tip based on the retail price not the discount price.

[bsloan1960]

What about all the Firefighters out there? Police officers? Teachers? Sanitation workers? Doctors? What about them? Shouldn't they be getting discounts too?

. Who else "Should" is not part of this. The fact is that OP Does- NOW have that perk. Your opinion that OP doesn't deserve any perks beyond those you complained about doesn't change the fact that he has that perk and uses it when invited to do so. This issue is wheather or not the business was acting in good faith when it declined to give OP the perk it advertised.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I alway tip based on the retail price not the discount price.

Agree
I’m one of those weirdos that still tips in cash....as long as it’s still circulating!

[CoachKandSportsguy]

She returned with our credit card and told us that since “the table” used a gift certificate already we were ineligible to receive the customary military discount for our meal - only one discount to the same table regardless if on separate bills as a matter of “corporate policy”.


Its business, its not personal, save the coupon for next time.

If its printed or advertised and you missed it,
your expectations / interpretations / judgements don't matter, its business, its not personal, save the coupon for next time

now you know, you can deal with it.

you didn't know before, you didn't deal with it properly

[Sandy and Ed]

Its business, its not personal, save the coupon for next time.

If its printed or advertised and you missed it,
your expectations / interpretations / judgements don't matter, its business, its not personal, save the coupon for next time

now you know, you can deal with it.

you didn't know before, you didn't deal with it properly
Ok. A lot of folks missed the point. Those who read it carefully and did not have any predisposed biases on military service, coupons, discounts, etc. Probably got the total insanity of the policy. Even if I had known the policy before we sat down I would have still joined our neighbor for a meal. In any case it is a screwed up policy. Would prefer it if they gave no discount.

[Byte1]

So next time, don’t let anyone else sit at your table, and don’t sit with anyone else so you can get your “table discount”.

Maybe they could just push two tables together so that they would not be at the same table....:1rotfl::clap2:

[Byte1]

Should have waited until your friends left and then told the waitress that you ARE the only ones at that table. If they say, someone else was sitting there before, then you ask them if the policy means that there is only one discount per table per day. But, I rarely ask if there is a military discount, because some folks think they are offering us charity instead of patriotic respect. Since most of us can afford to pay full price for a meal, if a business wishes to get petty about it, it's better to do like you did and just brush it off as just another stupid act of idiocy.