[Ripcord13]

Originally Posted by barebones1191

The $1.00 fee was published by your own admission. The waitress waited on 2 people, provided silverware, plates, napkins and water for 2 people and the restaurant had to spend its time and water and equipment to wash 2 place settings. You owed the $1.00 fee fair and square.

I love this forum, people complain about the most petty things.

[Down Sized]

Originally Posted by PandG

Has anyone dealt with the "split fee" issue at restaurants here in The Villages?

The other day we had lunch for the first time at Athens in Spanish Springs. The host explained it's a family Greek restaurant, and seated us outside. We weren't super hungry, so decided to order one gyro with fries. I noticed the menu said there was a $1.00 fee for split orders. When we ordered, I specifically told the waitress we did not want to pay for them to cut it in half, and just requested 2 plates.

Many restaurants will bring the second plate at no charge, and let the customers do the "work" of cutting the sandwich in half. When we got the bill, sure enough they charged the $1.00 split fee. But for what, because they didn't even cut the sandwich! I asked the waitress about it, and she got argumentative with me, and said she'd have to ask the manager. The host walked by, and I asked him
about it. He was blase', said it was taken care of, and hoped we would come back. I said I doubted we would.

Sure, restaurants and businesses are hurting for extra money, and it was only a dollar. But it was the principle of the thing, and I felt it was not disclosed properly. Any thoughts?

And we thought we moved away from the Cheapskates. After he left they probably hoped he wouldn't come back.

[uujudy]

Our server at the Lighthouse told me that's why they discontinued the $5.99 fish & chips. Couples would split the dinner & order water to drink while sitting at a waterfront table.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by barebones1191

The $1.00 fee was published by your own admission. The waitress waited on 2 people, provided silverware, plates, napkins and water for 2 people and the restaurant had to spend its time and water and equipment to wash 2 place settings. You owed the $1.00 fee fair and square.

I agree with BB. Also, the split fee is more than $1.00 in most restaurants.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by uujudy

Our server at the Lighthouse told me that's why they discontinued the $5.99 fish & chips. Couples would split the dinner & order water to drink while sitting at a waterfront table.

Wow. Why don't these people just go to McDonald's and order a filet of fish sandwich and fries?

[hotrodgirl]

Typically this is a "sharing" fee and the extra cost is indeed to cover the extra plates, glasses and extra service. I found it amazing it was just $1.00! Here in the Chicago area it normally would be between 4 and 7 bucks! Truthfully I do not understand your complaint as I feel it was a fair assessment-especially since it was stated on the menu! I have personally never ordered like that as I feel I can just take a portion home or most likely eat until I have had sufficient.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by PandG

Has anyone dealt with the "split fee" issue at restaurants here in The Villages?

The other day we had lunch for the first time at Athens in Spanish Springs. The host explained it's a family Greek restaurant, and seated us outside. We weren't super hungry, so decided to order one gyro with fries. I noticed the menu said there was a $1.00 fee for split orders. When we ordered, I specifically told the waitress we did not want to pay for them to cut it in half, and just requested 2 plates.

Many restaurants will bring the second plate at no charge, and let the customers do the "work" of cutting the sandwich in half. When we got the bill, sure enough they charged the $1.00 split fee. But for what, because they didn't even cut the sandwich! I asked the waitress about it, and she got argumentative with me, and said she'd have to ask the manager. The host walked by, and I asked him about it. He was blase', said it was taken care of, and hoped we would come back. I said I doubted we would.

Sure, restaurants and businesses are hurting for extra money, and it was only a dollar. But it was the principle of the thing, and I felt it was not disclosed properly. Any thoughts?

Split fee is a common practice everywhere. The only thing unusual is the $1.00 fee. It is usually much more.

[ugotme]

Okay, is this a joke? Am I on candid camera?

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

My suggestion; go to Subway - order a five-dollar footlong with exactly the add ons you want and they will actually cut it in half for you. AND you don't have to tip anyone! By the way - the "principle of the thing" was on the side of the restaurant IMO.

[renielarson]

I am sitting here shaking my head and wondering how old are you? Shame on you!

[skyguy79]

My wife and I had dinner at Athens this afternoon! We couldn't have had a more pleasant experience.

We chose to sit at a table outside just about as far from the front door as we could get and our waitress couldn't have been anymore friendly and attentive than she was. She checked on us several time to see if we needed anything. Even the young lady who identified herself as the General Manager came by to make sure everything was OK!

My wife had the swordfish special and I had the Greek combo platter. They even substituted the rice pilaf with extra salad on the plate at my request. The food was excellent and both my wife and I enjoyed what we were served.

As usual we had no complaints and were again satisfied customers having been to both breakfasts and dinners a number of times in the past and expect to go there several more times in the future.

My only disappointment is that I've been trying to meet Christopher the owner to say hello, but have missed him every time we've gone. Either we're there before he arrives or it's his day off. Today we just missed him, but I can understand why that happened. Chris is a new daddy and was anxious to get home to spend some time with his baby!

BTW, I agree with other posters that the $1.00 fee is no big deal! Kind of reminds me of the Shakespeare Comedy title... "Much Ado About Nothing!"

I don't agree with a fee at all! I would leave a little more tip though. IV waited tables before, and know, that you need to earn your tip. If I had a cranky waitress, the too would certainly reflect that. That fee is called, being nickeled and dimed.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

My suggestion; go to Subway - order a five-dollar footlong with exactly the add ons you want and they will actually cut it in half for you. AND you don't have to tip anyone! By the way - the "principle of the thing" was on the side of the restaurant IMO.

If you want you can get different toppings on each 'side' of the foot long. Of course you need the same base. My wife and I do it all of the time. Cheaper than ordering two half subs. Same at Publix (but at a different price).

Z

[Bonny]

When you see that it says a sharing fee and you don't want to pay it, just get up & go some where else. Problem solved, nothing to complain about !

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by PandG

The other day we had lunch for the first time at Athens in Spanish Springs. I noticed the menu said there was a $1.00 fee for split orders. When we got the bill, sure enough they charged the $1.00 split fee. But it was the principle of the thing, and I felt it was not disclosed properly. Any thoughts?

According to your post, the menu said there was a $1.00 fee for split orders. Yet you feel it wasn't disclosed properly??