September 21, 2006

AZ Bloggers - 6

I stopped by Sonora Brewhouse (home of the $10 burger) today to check out the facilities.

I had hoped to give them a heads up to the potential extra workload, and ensure that they would be able to accommodate us. I was informed that any large groups are required to be on one check, and that an 18% gratuity is automatically added. I wasn't able to make her understand that this wasn't a "party" but simply a group of friends meeting at their bar. She said that, if we didn't push the tables together to accommodate everyone, that each table would have it's own check - but that they don't split checks. If none of us knew each other, and just met there and decided to have conversations, they wouldn't/couldn't do it. Why is it different if we know each other? </rant>

I figure if we show up around three, we can just carve out our own section - without being a "group". Can someone who is more familiar with the place second that opinion? Or perhaps make the case to the establishment, if you are that much of a regular?

BTW: This is one of my pet peeves when it comes to business - making it easy for the business, rather than convenient for the patrons.

Is it really that much more difficult to do 10 checks instead of keeping 10 people's orders on one check? Nope, but it is considerably more difficult for the customers.

It is also not reasonable to assign yourself a tip that is in no way based on performance, and it is completely in opposition to the expressed purpose of tipping. (I have also found that the servers end up with lower tips this way, as several people, on several checks rounding up their tips and feeling bad about being a large group, generally way over tip - at around 30%)

I believe a business should take into account their customers needs and preferences. Restaurants, and the tendency they all have to implement policies like this, drive me nuts. (guess that was a bit more ranting...sorry)

Posted by Vox at September 21, 2006 02:41 PM | TrackBack | AZ bloggers
Comments

Vox,

I was just assuming the show-up and take over the place... I was thinking the patio and into the brewery section.

My experience is that any time you say group to someone the management freaks out. My experience has been that if you say we are coming and a boat load of people will follow, then they will accomodate the people as they come.

Posted by: Anonymous Mike at September 22, 2006 03:23 PM

I just wanted to give them some warning. I have family in the restaurant business, and I know how it can be when you get unexpected crowds.

I was just trying to be helpful and proactive - that girl was a real witch. She was very snotty and got me all cranky. I am better now.

Posted by: Vox at September 22, 2006 05:10 PM