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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   Restaurant Discussions (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/)
-   -   Never again to Evans Prairie for us! (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/never-again-evans-prairie-us-155892/)

wendyquat 06-15-2015 07:21 PM
WOW, how many lashes? You guys really get defensive when someone finds fault with your favorite restaurant! Maybe this should be moved to the political forum! Bahaha!��

Jayhawk 06-15-2015 07:51 PM
I went to EP for lunch today. I saw a guy get a pitcher of beer which was $10.97 with tax. He gave the bartender a $20 and a $1 so he would get back a $10 bill and $.03 cents change. Never tipped anything. What a cheap A$$.

The people at EP have always been very courteous and concerned with making it a good experience for me. Some people expect way too much.

Bonny 06-15-2015 08:28 PM
We have friends that we will no longer go out with. They eat the salad and bread, then a few bites of the meal, then complain about the meal and want everything comped because their meal was cold !!!
We also have a couple across the street. There was 8 of us that went out out for dinner a few times. None of us will go out with them anymore. The last straw, their bill was $35.00 and change, they left the server $2.00.
Such a shame !! And they are the ones that want extra of this and that !

biker1 06-15-2015 09:54 PM
Regarding the original post, I wasn't there so I am doing a little guess work here. I suspect there was a healthy dose of attitude directed at the employees and that was the real issue. Just saying ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by wendyquat (Post 1074740)
WOW, how many lashes? You guys really get defensive when someone finds fault with your favorite restaurant! Maybe this should be moved to the political forum! Bahaha!��

lambchop285 06-16-2015 01:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wendyquat (Post 1074119)
I've waited several hours to "cool off" about our experience at EP last night but feel it is an experience to share! Last year we purchased a "Buffalo Discount Card" from The Villagers cheerleaders. We weren't sure we'd use it much but thought it was a good cause to support. It offers discounts from participating restaurants and merchants for anything from free appetizer or dessert to a percentage off your bill. We have saved many times over the $10 charge for the card and it has always been enthusiastically accepted! Last night we mad e our second trip to Evans Prairie for dinner. We were sat promptly and our waiter, John, came to the table quickly with two waters. No greeting, just abruptly said, what can I get you to drink. I ordered Pinot noir and my hubby said he'd stick with the water. When he brought the wine, he said, again very abrupt, do you know what you want to eat? We ordered right away requesting our menu choices with no substitutions. He returned to our table once to ask, is your food ok and then to refill our water. We had the Buffalo card lying on the table but I tapped it and he acknowledged with a nod of his head that he saw it. When he brought the check I noticed that it did not show the 10% discount stated on the card. When I asked him about it he turned very antagonistic and muttered that the discount would be taken at the end! WHAT END? We normally pay cash, add a 20% tip and leave. When I asked him about it he snatched the check out of my hand and said he'd have to find the manager. He walked over to the manager and said something. They both shook their heads and marched back by our table to what was apparently the place where checks are created. John actually came back, slammed the adjusted check on our table without a word and the manager went off in another direction. We were stunned to say the least, paid the check and left. I wish now that I had put the manager on notice but I could tell he was disgusted with the whole thing. We eat out many times a week and, having had restaurant and serving experience, we are the first to know that everyone can have a bad day but I have NEVER had such an unprovoked altercation at a restaurant, certainly not in The Villages. If this discount that they agreed to via the Buffalo card is going to break them, perhaps they should explain it to customer rather than handling it in the way that they did! Thankfully there are many alternatives for us here!
Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.

sunnyatlast 06-16-2015 01:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by lambchop285 (Post 1075039)
Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.
Were you there, seeing and hearing in person?

The o.p. said "John" was their waiter/server, not the manager who was another person.

Once more, people shoot the messenger when the message doesn't fit what they want to be told.

CFrance 06-16-2015 01:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by lambchop285 (Post 1075039)
Never had an issue with the service, the food or the Buffalo card....John is a wonderful manager and i thing you may have taken things out of context.
Don't think one should ever dismiss someone's bad experience and suggest that they took something out of context. You weren't there to experience what OP experienced. Everyone has different experiences in the same places. Unless you were there, you can't say.

It's why I don't pay much attention to any restaurant review. It is whatever it was for each person that was there. OP's experience was not good, as others' weren't. Other people love the place. My experience was somewhere in between. So who's to know? But I wouldn't dismiss another person's experience just because mine was different. Especially since I wasn't there.

EnglishJW 06-16-2015 02:21 PM
We often eat at Evans Prairie and have never had a bad experience (food or service). We have never used a discount card anywhere in TV if that is relevant.

DougB 06-16-2015 02:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayhawk (Post 1074751)
I went to EP for lunch today. I saw a guy get a pitcher of beer which was $10.97 with tax. He gave the bartender a $20 and a $1 so he would get back a $10 bill and $.03 cents change. Never tipped anything. What a cheap A$$.

The people at EP have always been very courteous and concerned with making it a good experience for me. Some people expect way too much.
I never had a bad experience at EP, but if pitchers are 10 dollars, I'll stay with Tierra Del Sol's $6.50 pitchers.

Fredwms 06-16-2015 04:33 PM
$1.50 Beers
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Villager Joyce (Post 1074224)
Yesterday we both had $9 appetizers. My husband had 3 beers at $1.50 each. He paid $23 plus the tip. When she returned the LoyalTee card, the change was there. He left the tip and we left. It took a couple if times to realize someone was getting the tip plus the difference between the $1.50 discounted amount and the amount charged. He made sure the waitress was tipped.
$1.50 Beers? Now I know TV is my kind of place when I get there.
:crap2:

Villager Joyce 06-16-2015 04:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fredwms (Post 1075132)
$1.50 Beers? Now I know TV is my kind of place when I get there.
:crap2:
And $3 martinis. Those prices are for LoyalTee members -- $20 annual cost. Only need one membership as long as my husband pays for my drinks.

Matzy 06-16-2015 05:22 PM
Never say NEVER - often it comes faster the other way than you think.
But, we were several times in EP and did not experienced any problems and the food was always good.

JohnCliff 06-17-2015 09:07 PM
All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice

Jayhawk 06-17-2015 09:24 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnCliff (Post 1075655)
All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice
Excellent. I think you have earned a second chance.

Good luck to all.

:coolsmiley:

Happinow 06-17-2015 09:32 PM
Bravo to the server
 
After reading these posts, it appears that the server has come on here to apologize for the difficulties the OP had at Evans Prarie. I, for one, think it takes courage to come onto a public forum and apologize. Now, if the OP would give the restaurant and the server another chance. Thank you To the server for showing that you care about the customers and to publically apologize. You, in my opinion, are a stand up guy/gal! Evans Prarie is lucky to have you.

Barefoot 06-17-2015 10:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnCliff (Post 1075655)
All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice
You certainly deserve credit for making a public apology. :coolsmiley:

wendyquat 06-17-2015 10:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnCliff (Post 1075655)
All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice
Although I'm not sure you have the correct person, I do appreciate your apology. Please look back several posts and see that when I had time to "cool off" I said that I was sure you may have been having a bad day. We had absolutely NO complaints about your service or the food (btw I had pork shank and not steak but I did have a glass of wine). I took OFFENSE to the way the check was handled. Unlike some posters on this forum we find it necessary to take advantage of some discounts in The Villages. Buying the Buffalo Card supports the Villages High School while at the same time giving small discounts from those merchants who choose to participate. We have used it in a number of places for almost a year with no hassle. When you said the discount is taken at the "end" I couldn't see how that could possibly work when paying cash. I guess we did have an "obvious misunderstanding" and, again, I apologize for airing it before I "cooled off"! We will come to Evans Prairie again and give John Cliff another try! Thank you for explaining!

sunnyatlast 06-17-2015 10:41 PM
Seeing here how long it took for various posters to explain how the discount is applied "at the end", and then even more misunderstood explanations about how that would work with cash, no wonder there was a "miscommunication". We've seen pages of "miscommunication" here with some articulate posters.

It seems to me the restaurant should write and print a statement of how that works, and either print it in the menu, or tape a slip with that procedure inside the folder that the bill comes in.

Put it in writing so it's clear, and let the servers be servers!

DougB 06-17-2015 11:35 PM
Seems simple enough to show the server whatever card or coupon you are using when you order, and then when the bill comes the discount would already be taken off.

Walt. 06-18-2015 02:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnCliff (Post 1075655)
... Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it.
This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."

CFrance 06-18-2015 02:49 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt. (Post 1075702)
This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."
I think it makes perfect sense for the manager to want to verify the different discounts at payment. There is probably some expediency reason it is done that way.

It is always good to hear both sides of the story, and if it were my situation, I would certainly give a second chance if only for the mature way in which the explanation was offered here.

Bravo.

Bonny 06-18-2015 06:34 AM
Also remember that the Buffalo Card has an expiration date. That is probably why the manager wants to see it. Some people told the server one time they had the Card but forgot it at home and were mad because they couldn't get the discount. Just cuz you say you have one, doesn't mean you do.

Walt. 06-18-2015 09:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonny (Post 1075733)
Also remember that the Buffalo Card has an expiration date. That is probably why the manager wants to see it. Some people told the server one time they had the Card but forgot it at home and were mad because they couldn't get the discount. Just cuz you say you have one, doesn't mean you do.
Yes it has an expiration date. But wouldn't it make sense for the manager to see the card before the bill is prepared? Why would you give the waiter payment for the incorrect (non-discounted) amount and then have them go find the manager and work out the discount?

Oh, by-the-way. Folks on this thread aren't following TOTV SOP. The waiter is posting for the first time. Doesn't this automatically makes him a fake, a stooge for the company, a disgruntled employee...

Bonny 06-18-2015 09:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt. (Post 1075831)
Yes it has an expiration date. But wouldn't it make sense for the manager to see the card before the bill is prepared? Why would you give the waiter payment for the incorrect (non-discounted) amount and then have them go find the manager and work out the discount?

Oh, by-the-way. Folks on this thread aren't following TOTV SOP. The waiter is posting for the first time. Doesn't this automatically makes him a fake, a stooge for the company, a disgruntled employee...
I would doubt he's a disgruntled employee if he is on here apologizing.

billybye 06-18-2015 11:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt. (Post 1075702)
This SOP doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If you presented me with the full (non-discounted) check I'd ask you to correct it before I would hand over "whatever form of payment I would want to pay with."
I agree - I would not offer any form of payment without a corrected bil.

Villager Joyce 06-18-2015 02:47 PM
And here we go, right down the toilet.

redwitch 06-18-2015 03:21 PM
Think the discourse between John, the server, and Wendy was handled beautifully" thank you both for showing class, maturity and style.

As to the policy that two bills are brought out, one of which has the amount sans discount and one showing the final version, I think this is ridiculous. I know our tips should be based on the true cost of the meal and I'm guessing this is the reason for the two-step policy but it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. As to requiring the server to take the card or coupon to the manager, that's just ridiculous IMO. If a coupon, let the server attach it to the portion put in the register. If some sort of a discount card, let the server check for expiration, etc., and ring it up accordingly. If EP wants to show full purchase amount, I'm sure the computer can find a way to show full amount and discounted amount on one ticket.

And some of the comments on this thread deserve to be ignored. They're downright mean-spirited.

graciegirl 06-18-2015 03:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnCliff (Post 1075655)
All I can say is that I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with me. I've read and re-read your post and only vaguely recall a very little bit of serving you. The only reason I remember is because of what I call a green card that you call a buffalo card, and that when I presented you the check there was an obvious misunderstanding. Our SOP is to present the check as is, collect whatever form of payment you want to pay with, and then take it all to find a manager to get the discount to you, thus saving an extra step, which I failed miserably in trying to communicate to you. I can't get you the discount without a manager physically seeing the green card, that's how they work it. And I absolutely guarantee you that whatever conversation I was having with the manager at the time had nothing to do with you. I don't know what else to say. I'm pretty sure most guests are fairly happy with the service I give, but I'm far from perfect. I try. But I don't always get it right. Its so hard sometimes to read people, some folks come in sit down and say they are ready to order. As best as I can recall you had closed menu's and I got to you as quickly as I could, Think we discussed the Steak special with the $2 glasses of wine. I certainly do wish you would have brought this to somebody's/anybody's attention prior to your leaving. Evans Prairie does not frown upon green cards in any way whatsoever, and I, due to limited budget and funds, use coupons on the few occasions that I go out to eat. I'd love for you to give Evans Prairie, and me, a second chance. I'm guessing that is your dog in the pic with your post? Nice

This appears to be settled nicely. I will ask for this young man next time I go there.


Good for you, sir.

AND WALT.... this first post rings genuine, that is the reason it isn't suspect to the skeptical folks like me.

Wendyquat I know to be sincere good person too. All's well that ends well.


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