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
77Beach Fanatic
From a tourist standpoint I can certainly understand needing a little respect when you are paying many thousands of dollars for a week on the beach. Please remember we are transitioning from the red neck riviera to big buck land and there is some resentment from service workers who drive from Defuniak to earn minimum wage. There is also the the 100 day to make a living in retail aspect that does not allow business owners to keep well trained competent staff much less educated professionals. I always like to say to future business owners that the best way to end up with a million dollars after your first year of business in the panhandle is to start with $2 million. It will be an interesting next few years along 30-A. I hope more tourist will post here and let us know just how we are doing.
Beach Comber
I second (third? fourth?) the motion to name the award after Mr. Modica. What a delightful family. It's always a pleasure to shop there and I don't even mind paying too much for a loaf of bread (kidding!!!);-)
SoWal Expert
I second (third? fourth?) the motion to name the award after Mr. Modica. What a delightful family. It's always a pleasure to shop there and I don't even mind paying too much for a loaf of bread (kidding!!!);-)You aren't buying just a loaf of bread when you shop there. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
The last couple of years, I've noticed that every time I end up in some other touristy area like New Orleans, Orlando, or Tampa that I end up feeling very self conscious around service and retial workers because I'm worried about coming across as That Jerk or the 2%'er invading their territory.
SoWal Insider
:clap_1: ...and if that doesn't work, you can always put some extra items in their grocery cart as they block the isle. :funn:Drop some of this into the cart.
SoWal Expert
Bob, though I like your idea, I use to prefer to stop by the personal lubrication section when I see the store filled with many vacationers. I thought it would get the most excitement when the shopper got home with it, or pulled it out of the buggy if they actually pay attention. However, after forgetting to replace the personal lubrication on the shelves after not needing the secret shopper gift, I got to the check out line with it. 
Wait, that's not mine! Now, I just grab whatever is handy and can make it really smooth if I get caught. "Sorry, thought that was my buggy." 
Wait, that's not mine! Now, I just grab whatever is handy and can make it really smooth if I get caught. "Sorry, thought that was my buggy." 
Beach Fanatic
don't temp me!!I'll just let Little Beach toss it in, she loves to toss groceries!!
Beach Fanatic
Paula, I also stopped in here and was impressed with their service. One of the guys working there is from Ohio. He just moved down the week before my visit. Does anyone have their name and phone number? I lost their business card I picked up. I had my eye on something and I may request if for Mum's Day.;-)
OL: I don't remember the name of the jewelry store but it looked like it had lovely jewelry (hand-made I believe) and the people there went out of their way to be helpful when I clearly wasn't going to buy anything and I looked like I had just finished cleaning the cottage and had on just a bathing suit top and capris that I had been working in (not sure my hair was combed) -- I did a lot of work on the cottages to get them ready for summer visitors so my trip to the store to ask directions for something was a very quick diversion. So, if they took such nice care of me without making any judgment, I imagine they'd take very good care of everyone!
I'm in for the Mr. Modica service award. Should it be Mr. and Mrs. Modica? the award should definitely have a SoWal look to it. And I'd nominate Yianni's in addition to the ones mentioned.
Beach Lover
Tumules...so sorry you have a bad experience at my Liquor Store. Joe, the white-haired guy with whom "serviced" you has been with me many years and I can't say why he was unpleasant. Perhaps he was having a bad day or had a "tourist" trip him while he was running the beach. 
I must agree he is more pleasant with the "locals" and I apologize for that. I really appreciate your stopping by my store and wish next time you come in you introduce yourself to me so I can apologize in person. All in all, I believe I, along with my other employees, are very friendly and helpful to visitors and locals alike. Just wanted to send you a "sorry."
I must agree he is more pleasant with the "locals" and I apologize for that. I really appreciate your stopping by my store and wish next time you come in you introduce yourself to me so I can apologize in person. All in all, I believe I, along with my other employees, are very friendly and helpful to visitors and locals alike. Just wanted to send you a "sorry."
Beach Fanatic
Tumules...so sorry you have a bad experience at my Liquor Store. Joe, the white-haired guy with whom "serviced" you has been with me many years and I can't say why he was unpleasant. Perhaps he was having a bad day or had a "tourist" trip him while he was running the beach.
y'all are part of the fabric of sowal and joe is part of what makes your store a great little blue mountain spot...
Meow
I went to Publix today and once again I had the nicest employees ask me if I needed help 
biggrin: ). My checkout boy was especially precious and bagged my groceries with flair. Of course, I usually greet everyone with a smile and a good word.
biggrin: ). My checkout boy was especially precious and bagged my groceries with flair. Of course, I usually greet everyone with a smile and a good word.SoWal Expert
I went to Publix today and once again I had the nicest employees ask me if I needed helpI saw several other people I know at Publix today, but how did I miss the Kitty? They had a bunch of new people in there today. I found it very challenging to get a smile or a greeting or any reaction out of my clerk and bagger, today.
Edited
Beach Lover
Thanks Hop for your reply!! Several of your replys on this thread have made me laugh!
SoWal Expert
Thanks Hop for your reply!! Several of your replys on this thread have made me laugh!
Yeah, starting with his signature line.
SoWal Expert
Earlier in this thread, I mentioned my disappointment with the owner of Blue Mtn Liquors from an incident with her. LiquorQueen (said owner) read it and questioned me on the incident and offered a sincere apology, so she is off my red list now. We all have our moments of rage, LiquorQueen. Thanks for kind note.
Beach Fanatic
Earlier in this thread, I mentioned my disappointment with the owner of Blue Mtn Liquors from an incident with her. LiquorQueen (said owner) read it and questioned me on the incident and offered a sincere apology, so she is off my red list now. We all have our moments of rage, LiquorQueen. Thanks for kind note.Awwwww, I love it when people make up! And it all happened here!
Admin
Frowning Joe works at BML. Poor guy probably needs a drink. 
Beach Lover
I have been coming to the SOWAL area for 20 years. The people here have always made us feel welcomed. When going out for dinner or going into a shop, we try to get the persons name who is helping us out. I do this for two reasons, one, it is nice to address people by their names, number two, if we have great service we try to let the managment know what a great job the person helping us did. Kindness goes a long way on both ends. My folks were just down at our condo for a week with their friends, their friends had never been to the area and they all commented on how nice everyone they had contact with were. Please don't let a few situations keep you from returning, the people here are great.
Beach Comber
I will say that white-haired-Joe at Blue Mountain Liquors is a quirky kinda guy and I could see where one might feel he is aloof. But as a regular patron of BML, I've found that if you call Joe by name and greet him first, he comes out of his shell.
Personally, I think he's just a shy sort of guy though a very interesting character -- former accountant, committed jogger, and perhaps the darkest-skinned Caucasian to ever walk the Earth. His powder-blue eyes vs. his dark skin along with that shock of white hair make him a very visually memorable person. Give him grief about Tennessee football and you'll probably find yourself in a good conversation. He denies he's a Vol fan but I don't believe him.
By the way, does anyone remember Angelo Argea who caddied for Jack Nicklaus for many, many years then later became a maitre d' at Jack's North Palm Beach restuarant? He was tall, think, tanned and had a distinctive mop of white, wiry hair and also often wore a visor like Joe does. Well, Joe could be Angie's long-lost twin. Once when dealing with Jack when he was exiting the course and preparing to talk to the greenside media at the Atlanta Country Club, Jack looked at me, shook his head and said, "Sometimes I think Angie has to sign more autographs than I do!" Jack was right. There was indeed a crowd of people with pens and paper surrounding Angie.
Perhaps Joe had a secret life once with the Golden Bear? Hmmmm... We may have more of a local character on our hands than we realized!
Personally, I think he's just a shy sort of guy though a very interesting character -- former accountant, committed jogger, and perhaps the darkest-skinned Caucasian to ever walk the Earth. His powder-blue eyes vs. his dark skin along with that shock of white hair make him a very visually memorable person. Give him grief about Tennessee football and you'll probably find yourself in a good conversation. He denies he's a Vol fan but I don't believe him.
By the way, does anyone remember Angelo Argea who caddied for Jack Nicklaus for many, many years then later became a maitre d' at Jack's North Palm Beach restuarant? He was tall, think, tanned and had a distinctive mop of white, wiry hair and also often wore a visor like Joe does. Well, Joe could be Angie's long-lost twin. Once when dealing with Jack when he was exiting the course and preparing to talk to the greenside media at the Atlanta Country Club, Jack looked at me, shook his head and said, "Sometimes I think Angie has to sign more autographs than I do!" Jack was right. There was indeed a crowd of people with pens and paper surrounding Angie.
Perhaps Joe had a secret life once with the Golden Bear? Hmmmm... We may have more of a local character on our hands than we realized!
Beach Fanatic
Lt. Dangle 
Grayt thread tumules. Just don't go back to the grumpy places unless you feel like y
u have to. It happens everywhere. There are respectful folks everywhere and then there are always goin' to be someone who's had a bad day or sumpin' or simply just doesn't get customer service or even how lucky they are to be alive. Just thank God for people who do smile and try to be friendly. Your sweet little smile could light up someone's day. Why not spread the 
? Life's too short. :roll: It definitely takes a special personality to deal with vacationers all day I'm sure, especially the ones who ain't as nice as you all, tumules and Lt. Dangle.
Really some vacationers are just flat out rude, like they never left home or somethin'. Like the girl in the large group with adults, sitting next to us while we're eating our grits one morning by the beach, blew her nose than in her loud Michigan accent(sorry Michiganiites, but it was an outdoor place and that's what their tag said), described the color of her snot and whether she needed friggin' antibx or not. 
I was just glad they weren't renting my house. Disrespectful yukyheads.They think its funny to ruin other peoples breakfast with snot talk 
I bet they leave canyons in the beach for people and turtles to break thier neck in too Tumules, You really don't sound uncaring. I think I woulda had to ask the waiter if everything was ok with our bill if he followed me out to the dang parking lot.
Why didn't any of ya'll say anything to him? Didn't you say his service was fine?Edited
Beach Fanatic
go to BML and know Joe well. I think he is one of the many different faces of BMB and I find him to be hilarious, just hard to get to know.:shock: Maybe venter isn"t trying hard enough to find that vibe he gets in his world, and looks to the beach to make life better. Life at the beach is pretty darn good huh? Joe spoke to me today and, as usual, was very friendly. Hey likkergirl, give him a raise!:!:
Beach Lover
I am a single woman who travels to SoWal by myself. I am probably the least common type of tourist since SoWal caters to vacationing families.
Not always, but sometimes I am treated with either suspicion or sub-standard service because I am a single woman.
Before the days of Expedia.com, I walked into a mom and pop hotel looking for a room. The front desk woman was caught off guard at the idea of me wanting a room because I was alone. First, she interrogated me:
Her: "What do you do for a living?"
Me: "I am a music teacher."
Her: "What are you here for?"
Me: "It's Spring Break and I need some R&R."
Her: "Are you sure you will be the only one in the room?"
Me: "Uh, Yes. '?' "
I think she thought I was a prostitute or a drug dealer. With her lips pursed, she hesitantly gave me a room. It didn't cross my mind that it might be unusual for a single woman to ask for a hotel room.
I have received poor service in a few restaurants even though I was friendly, smiled, and said please and thank you. It is assumed that I know nothing about tipping because I am a woman and *tipping is a man's job.* (In some sub-cultures it is.)
The waitstaff attitude is: "I have you figured out, lady: I will work my butt off for you, but you'll just leave a scrawny tip -- maybe 15%, but probably not even that because women know nothing about tipping. I would rather spend my energy on big families with the man and wife wearing Tommy Bahama clothes because he has money and knows what to do with it."
Sure enough, I watch as their glasses stay full but not mine, bread is on their table but not mine, they get eye contact, and their food is served first, although I was seated first.
If I am treated decently, my tips base at 20% including the tax.
If I am treated with hospitality, I tip at 25% + including tax.
If there is a bar, I will sit there so as not to take up a whole table.
I noticed that Modica Market cashiers are always friendly, and some college student waitpersons at B&A have treated me very well!
Not always, but sometimes I am treated with either suspicion or sub-standard service because I am a single woman.
Before the days of Expedia.com, I walked into a mom and pop hotel looking for a room. The front desk woman was caught off guard at the idea of me wanting a room because I was alone. First, she interrogated me:
Her: "What do you do for a living?"
Me: "I am a music teacher."
Her: "What are you here for?"
Me: "It's Spring Break and I need some R&R."
Her: "Are you sure you will be the only one in the room?"
Me: "Uh, Yes. '?' "
I think she thought I was a prostitute or a drug dealer. With her lips pursed, she hesitantly gave me a room. It didn't cross my mind that it might be unusual for a single woman to ask for a hotel room.
I have received poor service in a few restaurants even though I was friendly, smiled, and said please and thank you. It is assumed that I know nothing about tipping because I am a woman and *tipping is a man's job.* (In some sub-cultures it is.)
The waitstaff attitude is: "I have you figured out, lady: I will work my butt off for you, but you'll just leave a scrawny tip -- maybe 15%, but probably not even that because women know nothing about tipping. I would rather spend my energy on big families with the man and wife wearing Tommy Bahama clothes because he has money and knows what to do with it."
Sure enough, I watch as their glasses stay full but not mine, bread is on their table but not mine, they get eye contact, and their food is served first, although I was seated first.
If I am treated decently, my tips base at 20% including the tax.
If I am treated with hospitality, I tip at 25% + including tax.
If there is a bar, I will sit there so as not to take up a whole table.
I noticed that Modica Market cashiers are always friendly, and some college student waitpersons at B&A have treated me very well!
Beach Fanatic
I always
:funn: get a smile, great service from friendly ladies at Blue Orleans:clap_1:
:funn: get a smile, great service from friendly ladies at Blue Orleans:clap_1: Beach Lover
lets not bring the vols into this discussion
Beach Lover
I always
Awesome! I'll check it out!
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