City Fire Waitress

[Jaggy]

We has lunch at City Fire earlier this wk.. We had come down to put a bid on the house we are buying. (Yeah-Yippee_ should be moved in by end of Nov ) Of course I am excited and telling the waitress about looking at homes etc and she commented.. oh doesn't matter what village you live in.. they are all snobs.. I am sorry to rant but it has stuck with me and I wanted to share. If I remembered her name I would mention it.. My rant for the day.

[Geewiz]

So....tell her, "Yep, that's true...but, we leave tips for "the little people." Just make sure she doesn't bring you anything more to eat or drink.

[ladylake1]

So....tell her, "Yep, that's true...but, we leave tips for "the little people." Just make sure she doesn't bring you anything more to eat or drink.

Unfortunately, there is a perception among many of the locals that they are indeed "little people" to Villagers. If you live in a trailer in the "forrest" it may be difficult to relate to so many people buying new beautiful homes and not have to work and eat out every day. We all earned our life here but have to be cognizant of the real world that others outside TV reside in. Just my humble opinion.

[nitehawk]

We has lunch at City Fire earlier this wk.. We had come down to put a bid on the house we are buying. (Yeah-Yippee_ should be moved in by end of Nov ) Of course I am excited and telling the waitress about looking at homes etc and she commented.. oh doesn't matter what village you live in.. they are all snobs.. I am sorry to rant but it has stuck with me and I wanted to share. If I remembered her name I would mention it.. My rant for the day.

Dont know about the "All" part of the statement

[skip0358]

Want to know what outsiders think. Do a Search on What I hate about The Villages.

[Mr Hanky]

Who cares what anyone thinks? I treat everyone I meet with the kindness and respect they deserve regardless of their occupation.:)

[graciegirl]

Who cares what anyone thinks? I treat everyone I meet with the kindness and respect they deserve regardless of their occupation.:)

That is what I try to do too, and try to tell people what a good job they do. But saying that out loud isn't good for her job security, which is important to her. We all must overlook things in life, especially things not MEANT to hurt anyone which Jaggy did not mean to do at all. Jaggy was just being happy.

[gerryann]

Unfortunately, a lot of people do treat wait staff as "below" them. No more here in the villages as anywhere else. I've personally seen it and have been out when someone in my party treated them with disrespect. A lot of us worked in the service industry and experienced it for ourselves. I think that if those who would never dream of treating a wait staff as a "servant" go out of their way to treat everyone with the utmost respect.....to make up for those who feel they are better.

As for the waitress who made the remark....she was probably frustrated with her job as a whole...havin a bad day. She doesnt represent all in her profession, just as we don't all represent a few jerks who treat wait staff with disrespect.

[Ron52]

Most of the people in TV have worked their whole life to be able to retire in such a great place. Every body that I have met have been wounderful and very nice. TV is a cash cow for the area and without TV allot of people would be out of work. The Villages and its residents are the best!!

[A-4 Skyhawk]

We has lunch at City Fire earlier this wk.. We had come down to put a bid on the house we are buying. (Yeah-Yippee_ should be moved in by end of Nov ) Of course I am excited and telling the waitress about looking at homes etc and she commented.. oh doesn't matter what village you live in.. they are all snobs.. I am sorry to rant but it has stuck with me and I wanted to share. If I remembered her name I would mention it.. My rant for the day.

I hope they don't transfer her down to Brownwood for Remedial Training. She wouldn't like me because I probably wouldn't let her get away with her comment without some "coaching". :)
Let's Eat !!! :icon_hungry:

[mac9]

The waitress should not have taken out her frustrations on her customer. HOWEVER, I have been in the presence of Villagers that snap their fingers at the wait staff and who are generally disrespectful of them as fellow human beings. These are the ones that also think that 10% is a great tip! My favorite is the comment about "these Leesburgians" should be happy that we let them work here! There are "p-i-a's" in every group and the Villages does have their share of them, but I do think that it is the minority.

[Bogie Shooter]

Most of the people in TV have worked their whole life to be able to retire in such a great place. Every body that I have met have been wounderful and very nice. TV is a cash cow for the area and without TV allot of people would be out of work. The Villages and its residents are the best!!

Does that mean they should be treated with less respect??
Yes, the Villages residents are the best............but some are a P I t A.

[paulandjean]

So....tell her, "Yep, that's true...but, we leave tips for "the little people." Just make sure she doesn't bring you anything more to eat or drink.

That was not nice.You would say that about leaving tips for "the little people" She would probably leave that drink on your lap.I know I would.

[Geewiz]

That was not nice.You would say that about leaving tips for "the little people" She would probably leave that drink on your lap.I know I would.

Just so we're clear, the initial poster suggested that the server's rant came out of the blue and was not motivated by an action by the poster.

Everyone deserves respect - whether you are a resident or a worker here. Everyone deserves respect.

On the other hand, if you elect to act in a boorish fashion...well, expect a comment. I'm not a fan of rudeness, but, I've never been a bit fan of turning the other cheek, either.

Have a great day and be kind to your server!

[Mikeod]

While I certainly don't condone the server's comments that the OP obviously didn't deserve, I have seen enough boorish behavior at restaurants in TV to somewhat understand the comment. I have been tempted to remind some people that these are servers, not servants.

[graciegirl]

while i certainly don't condone the server's comments that the op obviously didn't deserve, i have seen enough boorish behavior at restaurants in tv to somewhat understand the comment. I have been tempted to remind some people that these are servers, not servants.


exactly!

[the bun]

along those lines,i asked a local company to come in and show us the lest expensive way we could re-do my kitchen counters. when she came,we explained that we were on a very fixed income and not one of the wealthiest people in the villages. Her reply to me was, (not in a kidding manner) "Don't give me that line,everyone in the villages is rich". With that we showed her the door.

[Jaggy]

Just so we're clear, the initial poster suggested that the server's rant came out of the blue and was not motivated by an action by the poster.

Everyone deserves respect - whether you are a resident or a worker here. Everyone deserves respect.

On the other hand, if you elect to act in a boorish fashion...well, expect a comment. I'm not a fan of rudeness, but, I've never been a bit fan of turning the other cheek, either.

Have a great day and be kind to your server!

I was the original poster. my rant is because it sorta pricked my balloon.. I am all excited to become a resident and telling my glee to everyone who will listen.. Her comment got under my skin.. I was a waitress once time and let me tell you.. I am allllways nice to my server.. it is a HARD job.

[NotGolfer]

There is a saying...."you only get one chance to make a good impression". I'm only saying this because there may be a few living in T.V. who have spoiled it for the larger percentage. I too have heard we have a reputation for being rude, arrogant, entitled...the list goes on. It has to start from somewhere. That being said though...the folks I know don't fall into this short list. I think we all should strive to prove the "bad reputation" wrong!!

[Golfingnut]

The average individual retiree in the Villages makes more than the average FAMILY total income for the local labor employee's without the expense of getting to and from work, so in that light, everyone in the villages is rich in the eyes of our waiters, waitresses, landscapers etc. etc. So greet your servers with respect and leave them with a 25 % tip and you will see a big difference. They deserve it.

[sueandskip]

We has lunch at City Fire earlier this wk.. We had come down to put a bid on the house we are buying. (Yeah-Yippee_ should be moved in by end of Nov ) Of course I am excited and telling the waitress about looking at homes etc and she commented.. oh doesn't matter what village you live in.. they are all snobs.. I am sorry to rant but it has stuck with me and I wanted to share. If I remembered her name I would mention it.. My rant for the day.


As Rossan of Rossan a Danna would say <<<<IT's ALWAYS SOMETHIN !:girlneener:

[BBQMan]

The average individual retiree in the Villages makes more than the average FAMILY total income for the local labor employee's without the expense of getting to and from work, so in that light, everyone in the villages is rich in the eyes of our waiters, waitresses, landscapers etc. etc. So greet your servers with respect and leave them with a 25 % tip and you will see a big difference. They deserve it.

Very honest and very accurate. Good advice. One of my friends, who happens to live outside the bubble, has a daughter who has been looking for work. She applied for work with several restaurants here in TV and there was one question that came up in each of her interviews (obviously phrased differently by different interviewers). The question was, "How do you deal with rude, obnoxious, old people?" This is not an isolated feeling but one that is reality for many if not most of those serving us here in TV. We may all be 'old' and that we cannot change, however we do not have to be rude and obnoxious. Unfortunately, too many of us fit that description. BTW, she has landed a job and her motto is, "kill them with kindness, they don't know how to handle it."

[Bonny]

The worst is when someone snaps their finger, whistles or starts tapping their glass on the counter to get the bartenders attention.
There are a lot of people that make a full time job out of complaining about the restaurants & servers.
I would definitely have said something to the manager. Even if you don't know who it was, he would talk to all of the employees as a reminder.

[ilovetv]

The average individual retiree in the Villages makes more than the average FAMILY total income for the local labor employee's without the expense of getting to and from work, so in that light, everyone in the villages is rich in the eyes of our waiters, waitresses, landscapers etc. etc. So greet your servers with respect and leave them with a 25 % tip and you will see a big difference. They deserve it.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. However, this server did not greet the patron's gleeful, happy statements "with respect", and SHE in particular does not "deserve" a 25% tip, for saying they are "all" snobs. "All" includes this patron.

[Trish Crocker]

I have found that people that have low self esteem tend to look at others that 'they' feel are superior and many, many times misinterpret things that are said and done. If they are not feeling good about themselves they may attribute things such as snobbishness when it is not warranted. There is never, ever justification for treating anyone with disrespect and sometimes we have to go out of our way to make sure that the people we come in contact with or who are providing a service are made to feel appreciated. This does not mean condescending...just friendly. We are incredibly lucky and yes, we have worked for it but that person taking your order is also working...very hard. We are all fortunate that we were afforded the opportunities that we have, education, careers and TV. I think if the opportunity ever presented itself again I would call her out on it...ask why? Maybe by doing that and showing concern you may be able to change her ideas of "all" Villagers and instead realize that maybe "some" are snobs but there are wonderful people living there.

[nitehawk]

WOW --- What happen to all of the non snobs that say you should hear both side of story --- does not sound right that a waitress would say anything like that out of the blue -- what provoked the statement --- if you want congratulation on buying a home in TV go to TOTV - i am sure at least 20 people will congratulate you - wish you well -welcome you - tell you how lucky you are to live in TV - tell you they cant wait to meet you - on and on. I cant see anyone saying TV people are ALL snobs out of the blue - although i believe some are - to all of the snobs out there -- being able to go to 9 Country Clubs that are not real country clubs does not make you one of the rich and famous

[Posh 08]

The other side of this coin. Bartender at Red Sauce was really pro TV. Wrote down some of the "best" villages and other good info for me. She was sooooo positive.

[missypie]

The worst is when someone snaps their finger, whistles or starts tapping their glass on the counter to get the bartenders attention.
There are a lot of people that make a full time job out of complaining about the restaurants & servers.
I would definitely have said something to the manager. Even if you don't know who it was, he would talk to all of the employees as a reminder.

Bonny, The last time I was on a cruise, I saw this old bugger snap his fingers and say" hey boy, get me a drink!". I thought how disrespectful to another.

[bluedog103]

Bonny, The last time I was on a cruise, I saw this old bugger snap his fingers and say" hey boy, get me a drink!". I thought how disrespectful to another.
Makes me wonder if he got the drink and if he did, what else was in that glass. People have a way of getting even.

[Indydealmaker]

WOW --- What happen to all of the non snobs that say you should hear both side of story --- does not sound right that a waitress would say anything like that out of the blue -- what provoked the statement --- if you want congratulation on buying a home in TV go to TOTV - i am sure at least 20 people will congratulate you - wish you well -welcome you - tell you how lucky you are to live in TV - tell you they cant wait to meet you - on and on. I cant see anyone saying TV people are ALL snobs out of the blue - although i believe some are - to all of the snobs out there -- being able to go to 9 Country Clubs that are not real country clubs does not make you one of the rich and famous

Before you doubt the veracity of the OP, try googling The Villages and sift through the mass of posters who hate us. You can tell that many of them hate us because they interact with us at retail establishments in the area.

[paulandjean]

WOW --- What happen to all of the non snobs that say you should hear both side of story --- does not sound right that a waitress would say anything like that out of the blue -- what provoked the statement --- if you want congratulation on buying a home in TV go to TOTV - i am sure at least 20 people will congratulate you - wish you well -welcome you - tell you how lucky you are to live in TV - tell you they cant wait to meet you - on and on. I cant see anyone saying TV people are ALL snobs out of the blue - although i believe some are - to all of the snobs out there -- being able to go to 9 Country Clubs that are not real country clubs does not make you one of the rich and famous

Very nice.

[mgjim]

The other side of this coin. Bartender at Red Sauce was really pro TV. Wrote down some of the "best" villages and other good info for me. She was sooooo positive.

Posh,

The exact same thing happened to me at Red Sauce a couple of weeks ago except it was a male waiter who took time to tell me more about his positive experience with The Villages and the best floor plans, best realtors to deal with, best time of the year to buy, etc. I thought maybe he worked for The Villages Sales/Marketing team.

Oh, and he wasn't our waiter so he wasn't fishing for a better tip or anything. Just a nice guy.

[redwitch]

Jaggy, on the plus side, it sounds like you were having a very nice conversation with the waitress and that she liked and trusted you enough to say what she truly felt.

It's a shame that many who work in TV don't like Villagers, but it's really no great surprise. There's no question that we have our share of those who think those who serve others are beneath their dignity. It only takes one of these types to ruin a decent day and that's the person that will be remembered, not the nice lady who just bought a house and was all excited and happy.

[gbuell]

Jaggy,
My name is Gina Buell and I am the owner of City Fire. In reading your post I am absolutely shocked and mortified that one of our servers would say something like that to you!! For her to take such a wonderful moment away from you by making an awful and COMPLETELY UNTRUE remark has me speechless. Please let me apologize profusely and make it up to you. My email address is gina@cityfirerestaurants.com please contact me so I can personally take care of this. I hope TOTV will allow this post to stay on to reach you. I have tried to reply to our Guests before just to answer questions and was scolded therefore never replied to a post again. However after reading your post I am so horrified that I had to respond. Please accept my heartfelt apology.

[Bruiser1]

:mademyday:Jaggy,
My name is Gina Buell and I am the owner of City Fire. In reading your post I am absolutely shocked and mortified that one of our servers would say something like that to you!! For her to take such a wonderful moment away from you by making an awful and COMPLETELY UNTRUE remark has me speechless. Please let me apologize profusely and make it up to you. My email address is gina@cityfirerestaurants.com please contact me so I can personally take care of this. I hope TOTV will allow this post to stay on to reach you. I have tried to reply to our Guests before just to answer questions and was scolded therefore never replied to a post again. However after reading your post I am so horrified that I had to respond. Please accept my heartfelt apology.

[Bruiser1]

:mademyday:

Tip of the hat to to Gina the manager of City Fire.

After working 34 years at one of the biggest Investor owned Utilities in the country, it takes a special person to work with the public. By that I mean the person has to utilize special skills. Among those skills are empathy,enthusiasm and diligence. To project that in trying times challenges even the best of us.

Empathy goes both ways ! When you leave "the Bubble" of the Villages you see anxiety, frustration and the loss of the American Dream.

When you talk to the "servers" you find they commute as far as Gainesville for Jobs. Imagine if YOU would have commuted that distance for a Job.

Gina shows tremendous class and shrewd business sense to address this problem.

City fire has gained a new customer.

[Bogie Shooter]

Jaggy,
My name is Gina Buell and I am the owner of City Fire. In reading your post I am absolutely shocked and mortified that one of our servers would say something like that to you!! For her to take such a wonderful moment away from you by making an awful and COMPLETELY UNTRUE remark has me speechless. Please let me apologize profusely and make it up to you. My email address is gina@cityfirerestaurants.com please contact me so I can personally take care of this. I hope TOTV will allow this post to stay on to reach you. I have tried to reply to our Guests before just to answer questions and was scolded therefore never replied to a post again. However after reading your post I am so horrified that I had to respond. Please accept my heartfelt apology.

This points out once again that if you have a problem.....talk to management.
A discussion with the manager most likely would have solved the issue and avoided all the bad publicity for City Fire.
Further, I know that advertisers support TOTV, however, when someone posts to defend accusations; scolding them for posting doesn't make sense to me.
TOTV members deserve to read those responses as much as the complaints

[Shirleevee]

While I certainly don't condone the server's comments that the OP obviously didn't deserve, I have seen enough boorish behavior at restaurants in TV to somewhat understand the comment. I have been tempted to remind some people that these are servers, not servants.

I know this is an older post, but I must agree........

[Shirleevee]

Jaggy,
My name is Gina Buell and I am the owner of City Fire. In reading your post I am absolutely shocked and mortified that one of our servers would say something like that to you!! For her to take such a wonderful moment away from you by making an awful and COMPLETELY UNTRUE remark has me speechless. Please let me apologize profusely and make it up to you. My email address is gina@cityfirerestaurants.com please contact me so I can personally take care of this. I hope TOTV will allow this post to stay on to reach you. I have tried to reply to our Guests before just to answer questions and was scolded therefore never replied to a post again. However after reading your post I am so horrified that I had to respond. Please accept my heartfelt apology.

Never in the five years that we have been in TV and especially @ City Fire has a server been rude. On the other hand, I have see patrons in a few establishments treat the servers as their personal servants.

[Bonny]

Yes, kudos to Gina !! Mike & Gina, who own City Fire, are 2 of the nicest & most caring people I know. They care about their employees and their guests ! If I ever wanted to work again, which I wouldn't, LOL, I would hope to work for people like them !

[TOTV Team]

This points out once again that if you have a problem.....talk to management.
A discussion with the manager most likely would have solved the issue and avoided all the bad publicity for City Fire.
Further, I know that advertisers support TOTV, however, when someone posts to defend accusations; scolding them for posting doesn't make sense to me.
TOTV members deserve to read those responses as much as the complaints


CITY FIRE RESTAURANTS is not an advertiser and we would love for them to participate on the site and support Talk of The Villages.com. When Admin removes posts from businesses that do not support TOTV it is only because that is the right thing to do when we have local businesses that DO pay to support the site.

This thread will remain as it has helped resolve a TOTV user issue but now be closed.

If you would like to see City Fire as a supporter of the site you can let them know through a Private Message or call them and they can be a regular on the site!