Bad Service at Mallory CC

[CHARLIE6543]

Went to Mallory CC for dinner last night we were a table of 12 and we all froze to death. I asked our waitress to have someone adjust the temperture because we were so cold, she said she would do that. Waited quite a while didn't feel any change so I asked the hostess Kathy and she smiled like you have got to be kidding me lady and said "oh yea". After a half hour I went and asked to see the manager was told she would be out to see me in a little while, guess what she never came. They really think we are idiots here in the Villages, well that is why they loose customers. If she had come out and just stood at our table she would have felt the cold air blowing on us. Remember there where 12 of us that were freezing and that s 12 less customer you will not be seeing again.

[OBXNana]

We ate here during our preview in mid October and had the luxury of sitting on the lanai with a gentle breeze and amazing view. From the time we walked in the door until we left, we found the service to be A plus. The food was also outstanding, but this thread deals with service.

I hope your experience was isolated and ours was typical of the restaurant. We're looking forward to returning soon and this is one of the first places we plan to stop for a beer and sandwich.

[graciegirl]

Went to Mallory CC for dinner last night we were a table of 12 and we all froze to death. I asked our waitress to have someone adjust the temperture because we were so cold, she said she would do that. Waited quite a while didn't feel any change so I asked the hostess Kathy and she smiled like you have got to be kidding me lady and said "oh yea". After a half hour I went and asked to see the manager was told she would be out to see me in a little while, guess what she never came. They really think we are idiots here in the Villages, well that is why they loose customers. If she had come out and just stood at our table she would have felt the cold air blowing on us. Remember there where 12 of us that were freezing and that s 12 less customer you will not be seeing again.


Charlie. Take a light wrap next time.


Isn't it awful about the terrible devastation in the Phillipines and the tornadoes yesterday in the mid section of the U.S.?

[tkret]

Charlie. Take a light wrap next time.


Isn't it awful about the terrible devastation in the Phillipines and the tornadoes yesterday in the mid section of the U.S.?
Once again, graciegirl, you're spot on!

[zcaveman]

Never been to Mallory but it is a good idea to take a light jacket to any restaurant in TV or the surrounding area.

I have no idea why they want to keep the restaurants so cold!!!

Z

[Bonny]

I always carry a sweater when I go out to eat. Many places are too cold and I doubt very much if they are going to change the temperature for me.
Sorry, but I can't believe all 12 people will never go back to Mallory because they were cold ! :ohdear:

[unknown*server]

You really shouldn't have titled your post "bad service...", unless you really HAD bad service, and not just because they didn't cater to your temperature desires.

I certainly hope you didn't gauge your server's tip upon his/her lack of control of the air conditioning unit.

[Bogie Shooter]

And the title "Bad Service at Mallory CC" will be on the Internet forever.................

[BettyCrocked]

It IS bad service when you ask to speak to management and your request is ignored.

[njbchbum]

It IS bad service when you ask to speak to management and your request is ignored.

I would call that poor management response.

[Trish Crocker]

Charlie. Take a light wrap next time.


Isn't it awful about the terrible devastation in the Phillipines and the tornadoes yesterday in the mid section of the U.S.?

Wonderful post Gracie..and I agree whole heartedly.

[BettyCrocked]

I would call that poor management response.

I would too, if I knew for a fact that the manager received the request. Either way, it's poor service on the part of someone, whether it be management or wait staff.

Oops, just noticed that OP only has 3 posts. I'm sure every word of it is blatant lies (cue the black helicopters).

[NotGolfer]

We've lived here a good while and the concensus would be that about nearly every eating place will be cold. A good reminder as Gracie pointed out would be to take a light wrap along. Even in church one will hear random comments about the temperature---too cold, too warm. I've been in Barnes and Noble even, where it's been very chilly. It's just plain difficult to control larger buildings to accommodate everyone. JMHO

[onslowe]

Gracie, your post is a little masterpiece of restraint, simplicity, and power.

Thanks for the reminder about what is really important.

[Barefoot]

.... I'm sure every word of it is blatant lies (cue the black helicopters).

Am I the only one who doesn't get this black helicopter reference? :confused:

I have learned to always take a shawl or jacket in my carry bag. Large buildings are often cold, whether it's a restaurant, movie theater or rec center.

Because of Charlie's complain, perhaps the vent directly above the diners should have been closed.

[ilovetv]

It is bad service when nothing is done about a legitimate complaint like A/C being so frigid that you could hang meat in there.

It's also distressing to see the messenger belittled in such a way that if he had said, "The food portion was too small, only half the size one would expect"....

...the reply here would have been "Remember all the starving little kids in Biafra....they'd love to have the meal you got".

Posts such as the o.p. stated are too often turned into a "trash the o.p." session. And then the choir joins in to praise their pals.

It's a big turn off.

[Polar Bear]

Charlie. Take a light wrap next time.


Isn't it awful about the terrible devastation in the Phillipines and the tornadoes yesterday in the mid section of the U.S.?

I think some of this thread is being a little hard on the OP. (You know I still love ya, Gracie! :) ) Of course there are more important matters in the world. But it doesn't make our little day-to-day issues totally irrelevant. I know I'd be a bit upset with the situation the OP describes. And I might even come here to vent a little.

[KathieI]

Charlie, I can understand your frustration. I hate it when a restaurant has it freezing where even my toes are cold. Recently, this happened and we mentioned it to the manager, and he did something about it. Now... that's customer service... I don't blame you, yes, there are many more important matters in the world, but when we are totally ignored regarding a request, I think that its appropriate to call them on it. I hate being cold... that's why I have always lived in warm climates.

[graciegirl]

,,,

[CFrance]

I think just about every place is too cold down here. I had learned to park an extra visor in the car because so often I'm stuck with sun shining in my eyes. Well, duh, last time I was freezing in a restaurant I decided to park a sweater in the car next to the visor.

Toojays is one of the worst for that problem. No matter where you sit, there is a ceiling vent nearby dousing you with cold air. I don't know why restaurants keep their temps down so much. It's not uncommon.

[CFrance]

Am I the only one who doesn't get this black helicopter reference? :confused:

I have learned to always take a shawl or jacket in my carry bag. Large buildings are often cold, whether it's a restaurant, movie theater or rec center.

Because of Charlie's complain, perhaps the vent directly above the diners should have been closed.

No!!

[ednagrahm]

It IS bad service when you ask to speak to management and your request is ignored.

That might be a blessing in disguise. I recently sought out the Manager (her) with a minor complaint and found her to be arrogant and very defensive. I exited with the impression that she was not particularly customer oriented.

[OBXNana]

I think the person posting may have been cold, but her primary concern was the quality of having her needs met. Her requests were ignored or handled in what she felt was a inappropriate manner. Had the manager addressed the concern, come to the table, listened, and responded (even if it would have been to say the thermostat is pre programed) the dining experience would have been more to the liking of the group.

[graciegirl]

Went to Mallory CC for dinner last night we were a table of 12 and we all froze to death. I asked our waitress to have someone adjust the temperture because we were so cold, she said she would do that. Waited quite a while didn't feel any change so I asked the hostess Kathy and she smiled like you have got to be kidding me lady and said "oh yea". After a half hour I went and asked to see the manager was told she would be out to see me in a little while, guess what she never came. They really think we are idiots here in the Villages, well that is why they loose customers. If she had come out and just stood at our table she would have felt the cold air blowing on us. Remember there where 12 of us that were freezing and that s 12 less customer you will not be seeing again.

I think what might have happened is that the air was on the same setting it has been for awhile and it was chilly outside that night.

I think what might have happened is that there were orders to never touch the settings. Can you imagine the staff switching it about frequently?

I get all defensive because the people who work at restaurants are doing their jobs, generally to the best of their ability. I don't think they think "we are idiots", but then again maybe they don't have a really good opinion of most of us either.

I think there has to be a reason somewhere and probably Bogie or Gomoho or Pooh will get to the bottom of it.

I think that I have heard that the owner of the Mallory restaurant business is the same owner of the Glenview restaurant business and that person may need a little Dale Carnegie help. Perhaps the person that controlled the dial wasn't on site.

I was told by a very dependable server at Glenview after one in our party said they were cold that she nor anyone present had the power to adjust the setting.

Charlie, remember to take a light wrap.

And should you never go back and I never go back there will still be long lines of people waiting to eat there.

[ilovetv]

Gracie, your post is a little masterpiece of restraint, simplicity, and power.

Thanks for the reminder about what is really important.

"Masterpiece"?? Please. No need to suck up.

Somebody was freezing as I often have in restaurants where we PAY to relax and dine without the winter parkas we happily left behind in the north. I always bring a jacket or sweater, but often that isn't enough either. It's hard to dine with gloves on.

And I think it was management's attitude that bothered the o.p. more than the refrigerated "ambience".

[graciegirl]

...

[exmayor95]

It's Florida, hot outside, cold inside. Everywhere you go.

[Bogie Shooter]

"Masterpiece"?? Please. No need to suck up.

Somebody was freezing as I often have in restaurants where we PAY to relax and dine without the winter parkas we happily left behind in the north. I always bring a jacket or sweater, but often that isn't enough either. It's hard to dine with gloves on.

And I think it was management's attitude that bothered the o.p. more than the refrigerated "ambience".

?????

[ettojr]

I know I am new to posting on TOTV but I have been reading (skulking) for a few years. Life intervened since I joined so my time had been limited, but honestly it's comments like that that have made me reticent to join in. Seriously? Yikes!
So with true fear of retribution for mentioning it, I am channeling my inner Gracie so that I can show restraint, simplicity and power not respond as I would like to.

[rubicon]

It is bad service when nothing is done about a legitimate complaint like A/C being so frigid that you could hang meat in there.

It's also distressing to see the messenger belittled in such a way that if he had said, "The food portion was too small, only half the size one would expect"....

...the reply here would have been "Remember all the starving little kids in Biafra....they'd love to have the meal you got".

Posts such as the o.p. stated are too often turned into a "trash the o.p." session. And then the choir joins in to praise their pals.

It's a big turn off.

ilovetv spot on again

[graciegirl]

Can someone say how this can be resolved so everyone is comfortable?

It appears that management is very good at a lot of things at Mallory, but interaction with the public not so much. It isn't the first time I have heard that.

I am glad it isn't my job to keep this senior population happy in a restaurant setting.

[Bill32]

"Masterpiece"?? Please. No need to suck up.

Somebody was freezing as I often have in restaurants where we PAY to relax and dine without the winter parkas we happily left behind in the north. I always bring a jacket or sweater, but often that isn't enough either. It's hard to dine with gloves on.

And I think it was management's attitude that bothered the o.p. more than the refrigerated "ambience".

TV, aren't you exaggerating a little??? Freezing??parker and gloves?? ....please....we have been in every restaurant in TV and no two are alike, my wife has a sweater in a bag in the trunk of our car and another in the golf cart.

As one of the other posters said the manager should have come out and addressed the complaint whether or not he or she could change the temperature in the restaurant...

[swimdawg]

I'm a person who is usually cold so I always bring a sweater or a wrap.

This summer, there was a letter to the editor in The Buffalo News which I related to. I cut out the letter from the paper and made copies. When the restaurant is too cold, I give a copy of the letter to the server and ask that they kindly give it to the manager.

This is the jist of the letter:

WHY MUST RESTAURANTS BE UNCOMFORTABLY COLD?

One of the things retired seniors usually have more of is free time. With it comes the desire to make this freedom more enjoyable. Eating out, as we call our restaurant visits, is one of these pleasures. It frees us from having to prepare our own food and often brings us together with family and friends. In the warmer summer months, however, restaurants often overcompensate by keeping the the temperature uncomfortably low, which can severely decrease the eating out experience.

"The meal was good but it was too cold inside the restaurant" is often the criticism expressed by those who are more sensitive to these extreme temp changes. The experience of cutting one restaurant visit short because of the cold may well prevent a return visit. Naturally, the working staff will react differently to the same temperature, but the comfort of visiting guests must remain a serious consideration.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

[graciegirl]

I'm a person who is usually cold so I always bring a sweater or a wrap.

This summer, there was a letter to the editor in The Buffalo News which I related to. I cut out the letter from the paper and made copies. When the restaurant is too cold, I give a copy of the letter to the server and ask that they kindly give it to the manager.

This is the jist of the letter:

WHY MUST RESTAURANTS BE UNCOMFORTABLY COLD?

One of the things retired seniors usually have more of is free time. With it comes the desire to make this freedom more enjoyable. Eating out, as we call our restaurant visits, is one of these pleasures. It frees us from having to prepare our own food and often brings us together with family and friends. In the warmer summer months, however, restaurants often overcompensate by keeping the the temperature uncomfortably low, which can severely decrease the eating out experience.

"The meal was good but it was too cold inside the restaurant" is often the criticism expressed by those who are more sensitive to these extreme temp changes. The experience of cutting one restaurant visit short because of the cold may well prevent a return visit. Naturally, the working staff will react differently to the same temperature, but the comfort of visiting guests must remain a serious consideration.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

It is so much better when something is said diplomatically, which the letter you copied is.

You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.

[redwitch]

I would call it bad service if a server told me she would take care of turning down the thermostat but didn't, as was the case here. She could have told the group that she was sorry but they could not adjust the thermostat; actually adjusted the thermostat; said she would get the manager to listen to their complaint. The server did not do this -- she said SHE would turn down the thermostat. When this didn't happen, the group asked for the manager and was told the manager would be out shortly. Again, this did not happen, either. So, there was poor service and even poorer managerial skills shown here. I'd be ticked, too.

Now, all of that being said, I'm one of those disgusting people who rarely gets cold. When everyone else is shivering, I'm comfortable; when they're comfortable, I have a small sheen of sweat (not perspiration nor a glow) on my forehead; if they're hot, I'm miserable. So, I bet I would love the temperature at Mallory (may have to break down and try it -- haven't yet because I've heard some serious complaints from folks I trust).

[ilovetv]

TV, aren't you exaggerating a little??? Freezing??parker and gloves?? ....please....we have been in every restaurant in TV and no two are alike, my wife has a sweater in a bag in the trunk of our car and another in the golf cart.

As one of the other posters said the manager should have come out and addressed the complaint whether or not he or she could change the temperature in the restaurant...

Yes, I did exaggerate to make the point that most stores and restaurants here have their A/C exaggeratedly low. It's not just "a bit chilly". It's cold to an extreme.

The other question I hear often and wonder myself is, "Don't they know that we're all supposed to save energy?.....or that it costs a lot of money?"

[DougB]

Gets a little cold right here on TOTV often enough.

[Lbmb24101]

Never been to Mallory but it is a good idea to take a light jacket to any restaurant in TV or the surrounding area.

I have no idea why they want to keep the restaurants so cold!!!

Z

Don't know if this is a bunch of bologni, but, once in Beef o Bradys by Colony we complained about how cold it was and the manager said:
Ma'am we keep it low so there is no condensation so that folks don't fall on the tile'

What do you all think?
Does that explanation sound plausible ?

[CFrance]

[QUOTE=exmayor95;782549]It's Florida, hot outside, cold inside. Everywhere you go.[/QUOTE

That's true. I have to take a sweater into grocery stores. It's hard to keep temperature properly controlled in large spaces, and people would be b****ing like crazy if it were too hot.

You can always add more clothes; you can only take so many off.

[ilovetv]

Don't know if this is a bunch of bologni, but, once in Beef o Bradys by Colony we complained about how cold it was and the manager said:
Ma'am we keep it low so there is no condensation so that folks don't fall on the tile'

What do you all think?
Does that explanation sound plausible ?

That sounds like baloney and like an excuse for not saying "I want it this way".

And to keep people from slipping, commercial carpet runners and doorway mats are a heck of a lot cheaper than running the A/C that low.

[Happinow]

I think the OP has a right to be miffed about the manager not coming to speak to her, however if a restaurant was too cold for me I would make sure I brought a sweater and dressed warmer next time. The temperature would not prevent me from eating there. It's up to me to come dressed appropriately for the restaurant temp. I've been in some pretty cold restaurants and I usually say something to the server and the response is usually " I don't know why they keep it so cold in here". I leave it at that and dress warmer next time. With that being said, I would think that the manager would pay attention to the comments of guests because it could result in the loss of business. I would think the manager would want to keep the temperature at a comfortable setting and if enough people complained that it was too cold they would make an adjustment. A lot of people can't all be wrong. I cannot understand why the restaurants are kept so cold either.

[Bill32]

Maybe it isn't a lot of people, if it was why wouldn't they raise the temp???

[ilovetv]

Maybe it isn't a lot of people, if it was why wouldn't they raise the temp???

Probably because the workers want it colder. They are on the move and going in and out of the hot kitchen or are near the brick oven pizza ovens at Mallory. And most workers are are wearing long pants, socks and shoes, and they're not wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and sandals as we customers are.

[fraurauch]

CHARLIE, how was the food?

[BarryRX]

It's Florida, hot outside, cold inside. Everywhere you go.

Spot on.....restaurants, movie theaters, shops, etc. I have learned to take a light jacket with me everywhere I will be spending more than 15 minutes inside. But I think that anyone who has worked with the public has learned that if you just listen to people and acknowledge their complaint then you've gone a long way towards keeping a customer. It sounds like that didn't happen at Mallory, and that's a customer service failure.

[memason]

The manager seems to be getting a bad rap here... How are you so sure the people that were talked to even told the manager of the issue???

I think this happens more than we know.... Think about it..you don't like the service, temperature, whatever... You ask your server to speak to the manager. The server already knows you are not happy and want to complain. What is their incentive to get the manager for you, so you can "maybe" complain about them...

Just my thoughts...Maybe your requests for the manager never reach them.

[Barefoot]

[QUOTE=exmayor95;782549]It's Florida, hot outside, cold inside. Everywhere you go.[/QUOTE

That's true. I have to take a sweater into grocery stores. It's hard to keep temperature properly controlled in large spaces, and people would be b****ing like crazy if it were too hot.

You can always add more clothes; you can only take so many off.

Last week we were at Bonefish. It was cool and most of us were wearing jackets. One of our group (in shorts and a sleeveless top) was perfectly comfortable. It must be hard to be a restaurant manager and defend the air conditioning system. CFrance is right .. you can always add more clothes. But you can only remove so many before the Vice Squad is called.

[redwitch]

Just my thoughts...Maybe your requests for the manager never reach them.

If the server never told the manager, it goes back to bad service and poor management -- staff should always tell a manager they are requested to talk to a customer. If a server is afraid to tell the manager, then the manager is not being a good manager and probably blaming staff for any and all complaints. True at restaurants, true at stores. No excuse.

[Bill32]

Just came from Tire Choice on 466, so cold inside I waited outside for the oil change...

[Bill32]

Asking a Sweetbay manager why he keeps the store so cold was told the food stays fresher longer

[Bill32]

By far the coldest establishment I've been in is Mid Florida Eye on 441-27. You could use a blanket in their office. I asked why and was told since they do eye operations there keeping it cold reduces germs??? I guess that makes sense ....

[graciegirl]

By far the coldest establishment I've been in is Mid Florida Eye on 441-27. You could use a blanket in their office. I asked why and was told since they do eye operations there keeping it cold reduces germs??? I guess that makes sense ....

Funny thing, I just went to Ocala Eye today and was SO cold and uncomfortable. Daughter Helene was with me and I kept offering for her to sit in the car with the windows down to wait for me.

It was CHILLY~:cold:

[Topspinmo]

Could it be the older we get the less circulation to our outer limbs:cold:. I know my feet feel cold more than the use to and I'm still young whippersnapper:D!

[Chazz]

Never been to Mallory but it is a good idea to take a light jacket to any restaurant in TV or the surrounding area.

I have no idea why they want to keep the restaurants so cold!!!

Z

Perhaps to speed up the diners and turn over the tables quicker.

[MoeVonB61]

Mallory is an Outstanding CC with great food and excellent service. Losing 12 people will not even put a "dent" in their business....Management has to consider the entire dining room...."THE BENEFIT OF THE MANY FAR OUTWEIGH THE BENEFIT OF THE FEW" ...

[graciegirl]

Mallory is an Outstanding CC with great food and excellent service. Losing 12 people will not even put a "dent" in their business....Management has to consider the entire dining room...."THE BENEFIT OF THE MANY FAR OUTWEIGH THE BENEFIT OF THE FEW" ...

I think you have stated the reason quite clearly.

Our daughter Helene always takes a sweater or jacket wherever we go, and I always think (and sometimes say) It's so hot outside Honey. BUT when we arrive, I often envy her her wrap.

Even St. Timothy's is cold.

I have been VERY chilly at Oakwood, and particularly if you are under a vent.

So everyone is right and businesses must cater to the majority. And sometimes we even need more than a light wrap.

I have always had excellent service at Mallory and never had the opportunity to ask for anything from the manager. We go there as a group after golf on Wednesday a lot and they have a seven dollar lunch special that is always excellent and they seat our group, usually eight and we have no problems.

That does not mean that the OP and his group didn't have difficulty.