[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by John41

I think the word “Special” and $43 grouper is an oxymoron. “Special” is a term associated with ham & eggs $3 at a diner so your surprise is understandable.
However Chops is a classy place so $43 is not unreasonable just the way they framed it. Lesson learned.

The problem is that a lot of customers think of "Specials" of some kind of deal. Stores define "Specials" as things they've bought a lot of and want to sell. They are usually also very high profit margin items.

[retiredguy123]

I've had grouper and there is nothing special about it. I didn't know it was supposed to be expensive. I think I would choose a cheaper fish.

Also, why is lump crab meat is more expensive than claw crab meat? It all comes from the same crab.

[Curtisbwp]

This is unfair to the customers. I like haddock being from Boston and Maine.

[Bogie Shooter]

You only go around once........
So what is the difference of what you planned to spend and the $43.

[Doro22]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

.
.
...this is one of my (many) pet peeves.

1. Stating the price of 'specials' should really be standard practice.
2. I always felt that it sounded "cheap" to ask the price of a Special.
2a "Market Price" is one thing, but a standard 'special' is another.
2b. One can feel 'cheap' asking, especially in a Group lunch/dinner.
3. But I'd rather be looked upon as "cheap" than feel 'gouged', as the OP.

re #2, perhaps it's a psycholgical matter employed for profit $$$.



Buyer beware, and don't be shy.
.
.

Definitely sound advice! I really question that when they don’t state the amount up front...devious, I say.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Also, why is lump crab meat is more expensive than claw crab meat? It all comes from the same crab.

Processed vs. non-processed.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Quiltedviews

My husband and I went to the Chop House in LSL tonight to celebrate our anniversary. All was well until the bill came. Their grouper special: a piece of grouper, plus either 3 shrimp or 3 scallops, and 2 sides: $43!! I asked the waitress why she didn’t tell us the price when she described the special (I would never have ordered it if I had known it was $43), she said they only tell you prices if you ask. So I am posting this to advise you that if you order a special at the Chop House, ask the price before ordering!! We will never go there again after this experience.

It is standard practice at fine restaurants to not tell you the price of specials unless you ask. You can always ask. The idea is that these aren’t usually special prices (discounts) but special meals not usually available. I don’t know much about the price of fish. Are groupers generally expensive? I do know enough to not order a “fish special” on Sunday night, as they are just trying to get rid of fish they will have to throw away the next day because it is several days old. If you want fresh fish, don’t buy it on Sunday.

[OhioBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Quiltedviews

My husband and I went to the Chop House in LSL tonight to celebrate our anniversary. All was well until the bill came. Their grouper special: a piece of grouper, plus either 3 shrimp or 3 scallops, and 2 sides: $43!! I asked the waitress why she didn’t tell us the price when she described the special (I would never have ordered it if I had known it was $43), she said they only tell you prices if you ask. So I am posting this to advise you that if you order a special at the Chop House, ask the price before ordering!! We will never go there again after this experience.

This was for 2 Grouper meals, right? I really like TV restaurants but I always did think most restaurants in the downtown areas were a little expensive. Actually some of the Country Clubs aren’t bad. Just my opinion but some people are more well off than others!

[Marshaw]

I always ask. Was it good?

[JSR22]

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye

This was for 2 Grouper meals, right? I really like TV restaurants but I always did think most restaurants in the downtown areas were a little expensive. Actually some of the Country Clubs aren’t bad. Just my opinion but some people are more well off than others!

An entree' was $43. I have never heard of a grouper dinner with shellfish and 2 sides for $21.50

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Quiltedviews

My husband and I went to the Chop House in LSL tonight to celebrate our anniversary. All was well until the bill came. Their grouper special: a piece of grouper, plus either 3 shrimp or 3 scallops, and 2 sides: $43!! I asked the waitress why she didn’t tell us the price when she described the special (I would never have ordered it if I had known it was $43), she said they only tell you prices if you ask. So I am posting this to advise you that if you order a special at the Chop House, ask the price before ordering!! We will never go there again after this experience.

This is an example of the larger economic and social forces coming together to affect local restaurants and their customers. To me a top-rated steak house or a Taco Bell are all the same - they are to be avoided like the Plague - which is more than an expression today. We are literally in a Plague and all personal actions like going out to eat need to be individually evaluated with the risks involved considered. The restaurants have less customers so they are forced to jack up their prices. And a waitress is not going to brag about a "special" when it is not really "specially" a good deal. Their manager probably tells them to NOT mention the cost unless ASKED.

I personally am prepared to wait 1 or 2 YEARS to go out to a restaurant. I will wait for medical science to lower the risks of ANY indoor activity with groups of people. We are far from that. Some individuals will be willing to take those risks, which are increasing and not yet quantifiable. I also would NOT be buying any stock in restaurant chains. Good luck to you. And when you go to your restaurant, may you go with God.

[Smilingfeelsgood]

As I infrequently dine out, what do you think the reasonable price should have been? Thank you and Happy Anniversary!

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by CFrance

She's just giving everyone a heads-up. No need to shoot the messenger.

Reads like a complaint to me. And, as many of the others have said, it is not a valid complaint. They could have asked. This is just another "I hope I can do a little damage to them" post.

[jswirs]

In the grand scheme of life, that $43.00 is practically meaningless. You are lucky to have each other to celebrate an anniversary together.

[Bogie Shooter]

A wise man once told me, "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it anyway."