Four friends and myself just returned from a really nice week in Seagrove Beach...we had a blast! Weather was super for 6 of the 7 days - a little on the chilly side but will come later next year to hopefully ensure warmer weather. We left the beach cleaner than we found it and obeyed all the laws. Here's what I don't get and hope you can help us understand.....
We dumped considerable money into the BSW economy and received some rude service and it's perplexing. Now I know what you are thinking....we must have done something to deserve rude treatment/service. We didn't and just couldn't get over the attitude of many. Let me give you a few examples.....
the checker (OK she was young, maybe 20) at the Publix store on 395 never, not once in 3 trips to this store, said thank you. Other Publix stores aren't this way. The last time I looked her straight in the eye and said thank you emphatically. There was a little spark and I think for a micro-second, she thought, maybe I was suppose to say thank you. Maybe she is privileged and her parents make her work to build character.
dropped $60 at the liquor store in Blue Mountain Beach. The white haired guy (clerk/owner?) never looked up, never said what the total was, grunted a no and pointed a finger to the door displaying only the Visa and MC logo when asked if he took AMEX, and never said thank you. For sure, we won't be returning to this store. Is this standard treatment?
The Red Bar and Picolo Restaurant.....Food was good, of course, and the service was good if almost too attentive (we were early at 5 PM.) We left the waiter 20% and stood outside the restaurant for a few minutes before loading the car to depart. While standing outside, he came outside and asked us if everything was OK. His tone was less than cordial and almost argumentative. We know he got all the tip as we handed him the check, the cash for the meal and his tip personally. We talked about this for days trying to figure out what was the issue. We were going to return for a second evening, but his behavior had us a little spooked so we ate elsewhere.
The small shops just north of 30A at Old Grayton Beach on the west side of the street just south of Big Mama's Hula Girl shop. We were followed around in one shop like we were going to steal something! I was contemplating purchasing a few things but decided she wasn't getting my money.
These are just a few of the poor experiences we had while spending our cash in the Beaches of South Walton. We had a few more, but I think you get the idea.
BUT, we also had two really nice experiences at the Starbucks just east of the Old Grayton Beach intersection on 30A. The gal at the Starbucks was wonderful, chatting, laughing and made us great lattes. The owner of the Sterling Gallery was a really nice guy - no pressure, fun to talk with, etc. We bought more than several items from him.
We just couldn't get over the rude treatment to paying customers. Are our experiences isolated?
Replies
77
Beach Fanatic
Four friends and myself just returned from a really nice week in Seagrove Beach...we had a blast! Weather was super for 6 of the 7 days - a little on the chilly side but will come later next year to hopefully ensure warmer weather. We left the beach cleaner than we found it and obeyed all the laws. Here's what I don't get and hope you can help us understand.....That is very sad that you received that treatment while on vacation. I will address a few of the issues.
We dumped considerable money into the BSW economy and received some rude service and it's perplexing. Now I know what you are thinking....we must have done something to deserve rude treatment/service. We didn't and just couldn't get over the attitude of many. Let me give you a few examples.....
the checker (OK she was young, maybe 20) at the Publix store on 395 never, not once in 3 trips to this store, said thank you. Other Publix stores aren't this way. The last time I looked her straight in the eye and said thank you emphatically. There was a little spark and I think for a micro-second, she thought, maybe I was suppose to say thank you. Maybe she is privileged and her parents make her work to build character.
dropped $60 at the liquor store in Blue Mountain Beach. The white haired guy (clerk/owner?) never looked up, never said what the total was, grunted a no and pointed a finger to the door displaying only the Visa and MC logo when asked if he took AMEX, and never said thank you. For sure, we won't be returning to this store. Is this standard treatment?
The Red Bar and Picolo Restaurant.....Food was good, of course, and the service was good if almost too attentive (we were early at 5 PM.) We left the waiter 20% and stood outside the restaurant for a few minutes before loading the car to depart. While standing outside, he came outside and asked us if everything was OK. His tone was less than cordial and almost argumentative. We know he got all the tip as we handed him the check, the cash for the meal and his tip personally. We talked about this for days trying to figure out what was the issue. We were going to return for a second evening, but his behavior had us a little spooked so we ate elsewhere.
The small shops just north of 30A at Old Grayton Beach on the west side of the street just south of Big Mama's Hula Girl shop. We were followed around in one shop like we were going to steal something! I was contemplating purchasing a few things but decided she wasn't getting my money.
These are just a few of the poor experiences we had while spending our cash in the Beaches of South Walton. We had a few more, but I think you get the idea.
BUT, we also had two really nice experiences at the Starbucks just east of the Old Grayton Beach intersection on 30A. The gal at the Starbucks was wonderful, chatting, laughing and made us great lattes. The owner of the Sterling Gallery was a really nice guy - no pressure, fun to talk with, etc. We bought more than several items from him.
We just couldn't get over the rude treatment to paying customers. Are our experiences isolated?
1. publix...that was isolted! I always get the nicest treatment in there. On every isle people are asking if they can help me find something. Must of been the young girl who wanted to be somewhere else!
2. Red Bar.....that is just weird. I've never experienced anything like that although it is certainly not your average dining experience. They must of been some confused about the bill.
3. shops of grayton...haven't been in there in years.
In general, I find people are friendly and helpful. Oh yea, the liquor store, the owner is very nice and friendly...don't know the guy working there. He must not love his job!
Beach Lover
These are just a few of the poor experiences we had while spending our cash in the Beaches of South Walton. We had a few more, but I think you get the idea.
Did you get flipped the bird in heavy traffic? Because that might have been me
...but I hate you recieved that kind of treatment elsewhere!Also, I think this has been one of the coolest Aprils on record - I haven't checked the almanac or anything but it sure seems that way...
Hope you have a better experience next time!
Beach Lover
temps have been cold I'm sure. It felt that way to me. Rude service? well some will always be so. Did you talk to the people you met? People here are generally pretty friendly and engaging! Ignore the ignorant. Don't let them ruin it for you. Next time talk to the people. See you soon.
SoWal Expert
Publix -- they are friendly enough to me, but I shop there two or three times a week, though I don't think anyone at that particular Publix has ever said thank you. (although I never felt that most clerks thank-you's were genuine, just obligatory, and I would rather have a smile any day). Those kids working at that Publix are good kids, and they mean well, and try to do a good job. They are young and some are a little shy, so maybe their social skills are not in line with more mature clerks at other Publix.
RedBar - no idea, but seeing as that is a very unusual thing for a server to follow you outside with that kind of question, either you miscalculated the money vs the check, or the server did.
Blue Mtn Liquor store -- I've been in there only twice, but I don't buy much liquour. Joe, the white haired, dark-skinned as burned toast, was not overwelcoming with warmth, but he wasn't rude at all -- just not that southern hospitality one expects to receive by people living at the beach. I won't go into detail, but Joe is a charm compared the female owner with who I got into with one day.
Shops of Grayton --
Maybe they were just glad to have a customer 
after the cool down from spring break.
Unfortunately, here at the beach, good help is sometimes difficult to find. There are plenty of places with good help, but good luck if you happen to hit the wrong places. One problem is that owners sometimes fear firing an bad employee because even bad employees are warm bodies, and warm bodies are hard to come by in a place where the unemployment is the lowest in the state.
Better luck on your next visit. If you want service with a smile, I'll give you two places to visit. 1) Borago, 2) I cannot tell you from fear of having to wait in line for breakfast. ;-)
RedBar - no idea, but seeing as that is a very unusual thing for a server to follow you outside with that kind of question, either you miscalculated the money vs the check, or the server did.
Blue Mtn Liquor store -- I've been in there only twice, but I don't buy much liquour. Joe, the white haired, dark-skinned as burned toast, was not overwelcoming with warmth, but he wasn't rude at all -- just not that southern hospitality one expects to receive by people living at the beach. I won't go into detail, but Joe is a charm compared the female owner with who I got into with one day.
Shops of Grayton --
Maybe they were just glad to have a customer after the cool down from spring break. Unfortunately, here at the beach, good help is sometimes difficult to find. There are plenty of places with good help, but good luck if you happen to hit the wrong places. One problem is that owners sometimes fear firing an bad employee because even bad employees are warm bodies, and warm bodies are hard to come by in a place where the unemployment is the lowest in the state.
Better luck on your next visit. If you want service with a smile, I'll give you two places to visit. 1) Borago, 2) I cannot tell you from fear of having to wait in line for breakfast. ;-)
percy
Better luck on your next visit. If you want service with a smile, I'll give you two places to visit. 1) Borago, 2) I cannot tell you from fear of having to wait in line for breakfast. ;-)Well, maybe she doesn't have three hours to spend on breakfast anyway.
SoWal Expert
Well, maybe she doesn't have three hours to spend on breakfast anyway.
^5 to that!
But what a nice way to start the day!:clap_1:
percy
^5 to that!Ain't it, though? I miss Andy and all my breakfast buddies.
But what a nice way to start the day!:clap_1:
Beach Fanatic
Andy makes a mean granola crunch oatmeal. mmmmm oatmeal.
Beach Fanatic
Publix -- they are friendly enough to me, but I shop there two or three times a week, though I don't think anyone at that particular Publix has ever said thank you. (although I never felt that most clerks thank-you's were genuine, just obligatory, and I would rather have a smile any day). Those kids working at that Publix are good kids, and they mean well, and try to do a good job. They are young and some are a little shy, so maybe their social skills are not in line with more mature clerks at other Publix.
RedBar - no idea, but seeing as that is a very unusual thing for a server to follow you outside with that kind of question, either you miscalculated the money vs the check, or the server did.
Blue Mtn Liquor store -- I've been in there only twice, but I don't buy much liquour. Joe, the white haired, dark-skinned as burned toast, was not overwelcoming with warmth, but he wasn't rude at all -- just not that southern hospitality one expects to receive by people living at the beach. I won't go into detail, but Joe is a charm compared the female owner with who I got into with one day.
Shops of Grayton --
Unfortunately, here at the beach, good help is sometimes difficult to find. There are plenty of places with good help, but good luck if you happen to hit the wrong places. One problem is that owners sometimes fear firing an bad employee because even bad employees are warm bodies, and warm bodies are hard to come by in a place where the unemployment is the lowest in the state.
Better luck on your next visit. If you want service with a smile, I'll give you two places to visit. 1) Borago, 2) I cannot tell you from fear of having to wait in line for breakfast. ;-)
what he said...Joe @ BM liquor is a super nice guy...but he is very deadpan...i cannot go in there without him inquiring about my family...but locals get preferred treatment most places here. Everyone knows everyone. It's very hometowny if you live here.
beats on hood
I have always received friendly and helpful service at Publix. Never had rude treatment at Red Bar ... and the fish sandwich there yesterday was awesome.
fartblossom
we have been to the publix in watercolor and the one in sandestin so far this week, and the watercolor one is much much nicer in our opinion. the people working there have been super nice all week long.
Beach Crab
Long time lurker here, but I wanted to respond to this post as this is something that I have noticed as well. I've been coming to the area for approx. 15 years. My fiancee's family has multiple properties in both Seagrove & Santa Rosa, and while they know lots of people in SoWal and I visit quite often, I suppose I would still be considered a "tourist." Although I think most of the people on this board are very appreciative of the booming tourism industry, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed.
I understand exactly where tumules is coming from. I love SoWal, and always thorougly enjoy my time down there, from beginning to end. However, there sometimes seems to be a certain attitude from some of the locals on certain occasions. I suppose you could find this anywhere, but it feels like there is somewhat of a "disdain" for the families in SUV's that descend on the beach every spring and summer. Are they irritating at times? Of course, I'm sure they can drive you crazy! But, as all of you already know, it is because of them that many of the great SoWal businesses continue to thrive.
Not to badmouth any certain businesses, but I can think of a few places that are guilty of this. We love to go to the Tarpon Club at Bud & Alley's. However, unless you are a local or on a first name basis with the bartenders, don't expect overly-friendly service. Same with Smiling Fish Cafe. My point is, many of us who don't live there in SoWal but enjoy visiting would appreciate a bit more hospitality. After all, you are all lucky enough to live there year-round, so share the joy with us.
I understand exactly where tumules is coming from. I love SoWal, and always thorougly enjoy my time down there, from beginning to end. However, there sometimes seems to be a certain attitude from some of the locals on certain occasions. I suppose you could find this anywhere, but it feels like there is somewhat of a "disdain" for the families in SUV's that descend on the beach every spring and summer. Are they irritating at times? Of course, I'm sure they can drive you crazy! But, as all of you already know, it is because of them that many of the great SoWal businesses continue to thrive.
Not to badmouth any certain businesses, but I can think of a few places that are guilty of this. We love to go to the Tarpon Club at Bud & Alley's. However, unless you are a local or on a first name basis with the bartenders, don't expect overly-friendly service. Same with Smiling Fish Cafe. My point is, many of us who don't live there in SoWal but enjoy visiting would appreciate a bit more hospitality. After all, you are all lucky enough to live there year-round, so share the joy with us.
Beach Fanatic
Long time lurker here, but I wanted to respond to this post as this is something that I have noticed as well. I've been coming to the area for approx. 15 years. My fiancee's family has multiple properties in both Seagrove & Santa Rosa, and while they know lots of people in SoWal and I visit quite often, I suppose I would still be considered a "tourist." Although I think most of the people on this board are very appreciative of the booming tourism industry, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed.
I understand exactly where tumules is coming from. I love SoWal, and always thorougly enjoy my time down there, from beginning to end. However, there sometimes seems to be a certain attitude from some of the locals on certain occasions. I suppose you could find this anywhere, but it feels like there is somewhat of a "disdain" for the families in SUV's that descend on the beach every spring and summer. Are they irritating at times? Of course, I'm sure they can drive you crazy! But, as all of you already know, it is because of them that many of the great SoWal businesses continue to thrive.
Not to badmouth any certain businesses, but I can think of a few places that are guilty of this. We love to go to the Tarpon Club at Bud & Alley's. However, unless you are a local or on a first name basis with the bartenders, don't expect overly-friendly service. Same with Smiling Fish Cafe. My point is, many of us who don't live there in SoWal but enjoy visiting would appreciate a bit more hospitality. After all, you are all lucky enough to live there year-round, so share the joy with us.
Lt. Dangle (we won't even talk about your user id!)I think you are right about the attitude regarding "tourists". Back in the 60-70's we called them DDTs. Dumb Damn Tourists and back then there was noone to wait on anyone anywhere. There was no where to be waited on except Zeals grocery store or the Butler Store. We just like to make fun of people with hawaiin shirts and cameras! I guess anywhere you go you take the good with the bad. There are many friendly, nice people in sowal and surroundings area.
SoWal Insider
That's the first rule in any business or organization is to be at least welcoming if nothing else. It's critical to hire the right people. But I'm sure it is hard because of the turnover in the area.
Beach Fanatic
SoWal has always been a hodgepodge of different people trying to live in the same area. I don't know if they have ever agreed on anything! I guess it all depends on what has gone on previously, to make their day! Keep in mind too that the labor force is scarce, most of the jobs available are low paying, and that gets real old after a while. Especially for the bread winner who is trying to support their family on one income. Also, many of the tourists are rather grumpy to say the least! Some act like they just came into money and are going to work it for all it's worth!
Beach Fanatic
Lt Dangle! Love your 'tar!!
Love your 'tar!!
Beach Fanatic
Sorry about the treatment, Tumules. Regardless of the reasons, there's a lesson for business owners anywhere. Great service and treating customers as though they matter (even simply looking the customers in eye with a smile, asking how they are, saying thank you) is a competitive advantage because it's not as common as one would think. And if you go the extra mile and do something small -- nothing that takes too long or seems over the top -- they'll remember you and your business forever and tell their friends. If you don't, they'll tell their friends, too.
Anyway, come back to 30A Tumules. You're likely to find some people who treat you special (that could have been just an odd week) and the sunset always treats people special!
Anyway, come back to 30A Tumules. You're likely to find some people who treat you special (that could have been just an odd week) and the sunset always treats people special!
Beach Fanatic
As a business owner here I love talking and meeting all the different folks who visit these shores every year. It's the best of both worlds to me. Meet and greet 8 months of the year and then chill by the seaside during the beloved offseason.
The only thing I see ruffle the feathers of locals are the "big city" stresses and 'tudes that some vacationers haul down here with them. Unfortunately for them, by the time those issues have subsided it's late Friday and time to pack that dang ole SUV. Y'all come back now, ya hear! :clap_1:
The only thing I see ruffle the feathers of locals are the "big city" stresses and 'tudes that some vacationers haul down here with them. Unfortunately for them, by the time those issues have subsided it's late Friday and time to pack that dang ole SUV. Y'all come back now, ya hear! :clap_1:
Beach Comber
I would agree about the bartenders at B&A's -- one in particular who carries himself as somewhat of a celebrity for some odd reason. He'll yuck it up one minute with people he obviously knows then, if you can get his attention, not even make eye contact with you. And with the price of drinks @ B&A's, one might justifiably expect eye contact and some politeness. I'm in the area every two weeks (a semi-local) and he's certainly seen me enough times and received a healthy tip or two from me but he still strikes me as being cocky and arrogant. So much for healthy tips ...
SoWal Expert
Without naming names, I bet you that I know exactly who you are talking about, seabreeze. He's nice to me on the times I frequent the place, but that is only because I am friends with someone for whom he has the hots.
Tumules, I guess you have to move here.
During the season, I usually don't even bother with going to most local establishments for dining. I don't want to compete with the tourists, for the service that does exists and is often stretched thin. Even locals easily get overlooked in many places during the season. Service at the beach is a rare commodity these days, so just embrace it when you get it, and be sure to thank the person who does deliver the service.
Tumules, I guess you have to move here.
During the season, I usually don't even bother with going to most local establishments for dining. I don't want to compete with the tourists, for the service that does exists and is often stretched thin. Even locals easily get overlooked in many places during the season. Service at the beach is a rare commodity these days, so just embrace it when you get it, and be sure to thank the person who does deliver the service.
Admin
There are many people here who have attitudes that aren't welcoming, are unfriendly, or maybe even downright rude. But I don't think just because you visit here and "dump" money on them, that suddenly they're going to be friendly. That idea is unrealistic and could be interpreted as spoiled, or even a bit paranoid. Maybe the folks serving you get the same vibe. Why get upset if the checkout girl doesn't smile?
People who work in the businesses I go to here don't know if I live here or if I'm visiting, and I don't think about it, so maybe my awareness and expectations are different.
As has been stated on this forum before in different ways, SoWal is "different" in a way that is foreign and unsatisfying to some visitors. And may never have the type of high-priced resort service that some people who "drop" money on places are accustomed to.
SoWal may not be right for everyone.
People who work in the businesses I go to here don't know if I live here or if I'm visiting, and I don't think about it, so maybe my awareness and expectations are different.
As has been stated on this forum before in different ways, SoWal is "different" in a way that is foreign and unsatisfying to some visitors. And may never have the type of high-priced resort service that some people who "drop" money on places are accustomed to.
SoWal may not be right for everyone.
Beach Fanatic
98% of the tourists that come down here are wonderful people, and I enjoy watching them getting to have fun while they're here.
But the other 2% make me want to utter just about every word kurt's banned on these boards. I've had a tourist go off on me and start speaking loudly at me (almost but not quite a shout) in the middle of Publix for some utterly made up perceived slight. And yeah, the employees there took my side. I'm in there every week, and they know me well enough to know I'm not a jerk who starts things.
It's those 2% that tend to make everyone a bit wary about tourists until they do enough to show they aren't jerks. You can only try to explain the beach flag system to a harried mom with three kids under eight so many times before you get sick of having mom snap back at you that she paid for her week, and her kids are going to swim in the Gulf, darn it, red flag or not.
But the other 2% make me want to utter just about every word kurt's banned on these boards. I've had a tourist go off on me and start speaking loudly at me (almost but not quite a shout) in the middle of Publix for some utterly made up perceived slight. And yeah, the employees there took my side. I'm in there every week, and they know me well enough to know I'm not a jerk who starts things.
It's those 2% that tend to make everyone a bit wary about tourists until they do enough to show they aren't jerks. You can only try to explain the beach flag system to a harried mom with three kids under eight so many times before you get sick of having mom snap back at you that she paid for her week, and her kids are going to swim in the Gulf, darn it, red flag or not.
Beach Lover
I was in Atlanta/B'Ham last week...let me break out my list....ohhhh, nevvvvvermind...~smile~
Beach Fanatic
I agree with kurt..there seems to be a common theme of money and expectation. Any GOOD business is friendly and welcoming and makes people want to come back...
Beach Fanatic
I'm not sure the lack of customer service is a Sowal problem...it seems to be everywhere. I do think we see more than our share of the "tourist with an entitlement attitude" around here though.
Let's all smile more often--it'd probably improve things!
Let's all smile more often--it'd probably improve things!
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