[Ruthtomnorma3]

Originally Posted by athens123

I just wanted to write a reply from Ricks post and apologize to him
As we have a policy that animals are not allowed at the bar and on any tables and or chairs. I will certainly make sure that the staff that was working Saturday is fully explained
Our policy again and I do apologize again to everyone Our guest are important to us
And I appreciate the concern Rick had about what happened and have reassured him it will be fixed immediately

Christopher Kitrinos
Owner
Athens NY Restaurant

Christopher is hanging out another sign for previous offended patrons....that it has been called to his attention....WILL CORRECT

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by athens123

I just wanted to write a reply from Ricks post and apologize to him
As we have a policy that animals are not allowed at the bar and on any tables and or chairs. I will certainly make sure that the staff that was working Saturday is fully explained
Our policy again and I do apologize again to everyone Our guest are important to us
And I appreciate the concern Rick had about what happened and have reassured him it will be fixed immediately

Christopher Kitrinos
Owner
Athens NY Restaurant

I liked Athens before and I like it even more now. Thanks for being a stand-up guy and taking ownership of an unfortunate issue. And, no, I don't think anyone should be fired. All the employees need to know is that you, the owner, will have their back when they address problems like this.

[Ruthtomnorma3]

Originally Posted by rosemaryly

The management of these establishments need to take control quickly and I think you should tell them in writing why you will not be back, with a cc to the Department of Health. I like animals, but....they are not people and their owners should be asked to leave the premises if that is how they chose to allow these animals to behave.

We will be more cautious too....
This could be a new business for someone ...walk your dog while you eat...
Each Restraunt could provide the service...sounds like it would pay for itself.....

[karostay]

Originally Posted by Riccckkk

Saturday afternoon, I stopped at Athens New York. I sat the bar, ordered a beer and food. Shortly after, a couple with a Chihuahua, sat one seat down from me and sat the dog on the bar stool next to me. When my food came, I told the bartender I was moving down the bar. He acted as if I were out of place and then set a container of water on the bar for the dog. The couple ordered appetizers and proceeded to feed the dog while he was sitting on the bar stool.
I am a dog lover but do not let even my dog feed from the table much less feed while some on is eating.
Athens has been one of my favorite restaurants but this has turned me off to a point, I doubt that I will return. Am I too harsh?

I'm not alone on this issue
Thank You if you wish to dine with your pet get takeout cross the bridge that goes to the doggy park.
Real service dogs not an Issue and I mean real not the ones with online credentials

[Gunner46]

I totally agree with you RICCCCCk. I was outside eating at a restaurant in Hilton Head last year, and a dog lifted his leg and urinated on the leg of a chair. Not a small dog either. Not very appetizing. I think these restaurant owners who allow pets are hurting themselves. If they are doing it to get more business, I think they are losing more. I have nothing against dogs, but there is a place for them and not on a bar stool next to me, or licking ketchup off a bottle on a table.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by RedChariot

Well done! Really? Where was management when this occurred? Pretty hard to miss a dog seated at the bar slopping up water and being fed. He is trying to put out a for that is spreading. If the OP had not made this public, the same old, same old would just keep going. The employee should be let go. He obviously has no common sense.

Actually, if the OP would have gone to management right then, this thread might not even be here.

[sunnyatlast]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Actually, if the OP would have gone to management right then, this thread might not even be here.

The o.p. stated that when his food came and he moved away from the dog, the bartender acted like the o.p. was the one that was being a jerk.

I wouldn't go to management at that point in time, either, because I go to a restaurant to have a drink and eat in peace and relaxation, not have a confrontation with another customer and bartender who don't have any consideration for others.
.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

I think the thread does belong here. People need to know what results when courtesy and health rules that have been in place for decades for good reason are abandoned.

An incident occurred. Everyone has agreed that it should not have taken place. The owner has apologized and will discuss it with his employee. Why keep lambasting the restaurant? ......let it go.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by gerryann

An incident occurred. Everyone has agreed that it should not have taken place. The owner has apologized and will discuss it with his employee. Why keep lambasting the restaurant? ......let it go.

You are a breath of fresh air.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

You are a breath of fresh air.

The basic issue is that animals should not be admitted to restaurants. As long as they are , there will be many more threads like this.

I love dogs and have had them all my life- would not consider taking one into an eating establishment. Just common courtesy.

[karostay]

Originally Posted by Challenger

The basic issue is that animals should not be admitted to restaurants. As long as they are , there will be many more threads like this.

I love dogs and have had them all my life- would not consider taking one into an eating establishment. Just common courtesy.

Bravo !!!!!

[jimbo2012]

I thought there was a FL law where some restaurants had permit to allow dogs on tables located out doors.

The problem with the incident is the dog owner had a problem, he/she got a Chihuahua, they're so darn cute you need to take them everywhere.

seriously, I know the owner said he'll fix it making sure his staff knows in future the policy's.
But if his staff didn't know or forgot......guess what it's his fault and lack of management.

Turn on the the TV watch Gordon Ramsey or Restaurant impossible, they teach the owners to have regular meetings weekly.

Ps: that bartender needs to be fired for allowing it to happen.

[obxgal]

If the establishment doesn't have a license then dogs shouldn't be there period.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Challenger

The basic issue is that animals should not be admitted to restaurants. As long as they are , there will be many more threads like this. I love dogs and have had them all my life- would not consider taking one into an eating establishment. Just common courtesy.

I think every post supported the fact that dogs shouldn't be sitting on bar stools, eating off tables, and making a nuisance of themselves.
Who can disagree with that? It's a simple matter of hygiene.
As Gerry Ann said, the owner has apologized and will discuss it with his employees.

There are some pet-friendly patios, like Square One, and that restaurant has been discussed in great detail!
Pets should be well trained, socialized, and kept on the floors, not on chairs.
I think we can all agree on that.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I think every post supported the fact that dogs shouldn't be sitting on bar stools, eating off tables, and making a nuisance of themselves.
Who can disagree with that? It's a simple matter of hygiene.
As Gerry Ann said, the owner has apologized and will discuss it with his employees.

There are some pet-friendly patios, like Square One, and that restaurant has been discussed in great detail!
Pets should be well trained, socialized, and kept on the floors, not on chairs.
I think we can all agree on that.

As usual, the voice of reason. If anybody has a problem with the law allowing some restaurants to allow pets on the patio, contact your state rep and tell them you want this law repealed. The Florida legislature passed it a few years ago, and they are the only ones that can make it go away.