On December 26, 2007, I took my family of 5 people to Defuniak Springs to see the Christmas light show and have dinner at Hotel Defuniak's Bogies "fine dining" restaurant. My family came up to the panhandle to spend our first Christmas since my dad's recent diagnosis with cancer.
Unfortunately, the total disregard for respect or quality service at Bogie's restaurant made our evening a horrible experience and left a very bad image of the otherwise quaint town of Defuniak Springs.
We arrived at Bogies and were told it would be an hour before we could be seated so we took this opportunity to see the wonderful Christmas light show. The attendants were friendly and the light show was wonderful!
We returned to Bogies at 6:45 and were promptly seated and our order was quickly taken. We got our drinks quickly but it took 45 minutes to get our bread and butter. We finally got our salads an hour and a 15 minutes after we were seated. 3 tables that were seated after us were served and finished eating. Finally after 1 hour 45 minutes, my mom went up to the hostess and said it's been nearly 2 hours and while we were told it would be a while because of a another large table, 2 hours is just ridiculous. We were then told 3 times that our dinner was coming and after 2 hours our dinner finally arrived - COLD! We told the waitress that we were leaving and to bring our check which came to $30 and we paid it.
At this point, we had received bad service which can happen at times but what happened next was the most appalling thing that I've ever seen in an establishment of fine dining. I asked to speak to the manager and was told to talk to the bartender who had me wait about 5 minutes and then finally approached me. I calmly and softly explained what had happened with our dinner, that we had driven over an hour from south walton and how disappointed we all were. The bartender was very rude and asked "What do you want me to do?" I told her the least that should have been done was to have our 3 drinks compted for the frustration and inconvenience. She looked at me and verbatim said "Nothing that I can do would make you happy because you're PISSED!" I couldn't believe the language and rude attitude at such an establishment. I told her that I was not "pissed" because if I was I would be upset and yelling at her which I was not. That I was trying to tell her how terrible the experience was. I then said, "This is just terrible, my sister is diabetic and asked where were we supposed to get dinner at almost 9PM". She just stood there and looked at me with a blank stare. I then asked her for her name - to which she asked me why. I said because I was told that you were the manager and I intended to contact the Walton Sun. She then told me that she wasn't going to give me her name and that I should leave. I really couldn't believe that the manager used profanity, was absolutely unsympathetic and refused to give me her name.
It is so sad that people are so unkind, especially at Christmas. As we drove through the beautiful light show with it's various lighted messages about peace and the spirit of Christmas, I never dreamed that the arguably "best" restaurant in town had none of the spirit of christmas of small town neighborly love.
The best food in the world is terrible when it's served cold, after 2 hours of waiting with poor and disrespectful service from the employees. I will stay on 30A where the restaurants strive for excellence but even if delays or problems do occur, people still treat others with respect and kindness.
Replies
134
directionally challengedAuthor
OMG! :yikes: I never thought this post would take on it's own life or as John R puts it - become an Instant SoWal Classic :floor:. It certainly wasn't my intent but I think it's my first Classic. :blush:
I've been enjoying every remaining second with my family and we have moved past this bad experience and had a great holiday, of course. It wasn't until OOTB told me about it that I had to come on and check it out. Reading the boards posts brought tears to my eyes for so many reasons. The unconditional support from those that know me in Sowal is one of the things that keep me on my path - I would never want to discredit their faith in me or let them down. Thank you. :wub:
I was surprised by the support from so many sowallers that have never met me and do believe that Mr. Harding's response speaks for itself which was a mistake on his part. The postitive side of this ...... Once again we see the spirit of Sowal. Also as painful as this must be for Mr. Harding, it has given him the opportunity to learn from the experience and what he does with it is his path.
I need to let you guys know that I have been waiting for a personal email from Mr. Harding which I have never received which again demonstrates the mindset. He posted on a public forum and if I had not logged back on, I never would even have his response so it wasn't me (the ONE customer) that he cared about.
If Mr. Harding had merely sent me an email with a sincere apology, I would have immediately come on board and posted that he had resolved the situation in a professional manner. I also would have gone on the other forums and redacted or mitigated the posts. That would have been the end of the situation.
If he had offered to have us come back and make things right, I may or may not have driven back up there but if I did and the service was better with good food, I would have come on board and posted a GLOWING review and that he's a wonderful and hardworking man that cares about his customers.
Wow! Excellent example drsvelte and I feel the same. That was WAY beyond the call of duty for Chef Folse but I'm sure feeding those 100-150 people has paid for itself over and over again and that's smart business. In fact, it just paid for itself again because me and probably many others will go to his place next time we're in NOLA
I won't respond to much of your email because so many others have but I can tell you that when my mom said her's was cold, I asked the other's. My dad replied that his was. The determining factor in my mind was OOTB's husband (my brother-in-law) who is an extremely quiet man who I've never seen send anything back even when he should have. He replied that his was cold as well. My baked potato was NOT cold. By this time, we were so tired and it had taken so long to get the dinners the first time that we were afraid that it would be another hour before we got redos so we paid our drink and my cesar salad check. NONE of that was the problem, Brad. As you said, it happens in the finest of restaurants. It was the total arrogance and inappropriate behavior by the manager/bartender that motivated my posting. That is the difference between Bogey's and the finest of restaurants. Your food looked absolutely delish but a dining experience is much more than the food. It's the atmosphere which is nice at your place and it's the SERVICE that will make or break it.
Thank you for the benefit of the doubt because I definitely would have listened and I would have also been sympathetic had she just said, "I'm sorry, how can I make it better?". But how can I be sympathetic to your problems when you have no sympathy for the fact that it cost me money for this bad experience that only got worse when I tried to communicate it to your manager? Pissed Off is not appropriate language in a fine restaurant unless you personally know the patron.
I NEVER said that I didn't like the waitress, that she was rude or that she didn't do a good job and CERTAINLY NEVER said that the waitress should be fired. I believe someone else said that the BARTENDER should be fired. I may have also said this but don't think so. That is your business and I don't know the situation She could be a fabulous bartender on a different night.
My post stated that we were seated promptly and the waitress brought our drinks and took our order promptly. Not to belabor any of this but since you haven't tried to communicate with me directly, you should know the facts. It was only after it took so long for the bread and salads that the table service got PROGRESSIVELY worse. At first the coffee refills were flowing and as time went on it appeared that we were almost being avoided and it was our thoughts that the waitress and the hostess were just plain embarrassed that they couldn't get the food out quicker and just didn't know what to do. Again, this was not the proverbial straw that broke the camels back and I felt bad for the waitress. She may have left the food sit too long. I don't know but since my potato was steaming hot, my guess would be that the problem was in the busy kitchen.
I stated above how this discussion could have been avoided and I'm sorry but at this point, I certainly wouldn't come back with the way you handled the situation. I had hoped for better from the owner
:floor:
You're so right Skunky. I'm generally the diplomat in my Italian family :lol: and when I get that upset, there's generally a reason.
I hope he understands this which is exactly what happened with me.
Yes, I did post them and copied Mr Harding on them in hopes that he would realize that in today's world, the customer has more power than they did before the internet when they are treated poorly.
We've had several restaurant owners on the board that have found themselves in the same situation as Mr Harding. I remember one thread where the owner came on and actually asked people to post their complaints so that she could address them. She said, I'm having problems with my staff and I want to know your opinions. After that I started frequenting a restaurant that had complaints from NUMEROUS people ONLY because the owner was trying so hard to resolve them. :rofl:
Yes Beach House, I did try to redact them because after I read it, I felt that it was unkind to say that anybody was low class. That was definitely not right and my bad. You however, found them in the cache. The impact of the internet is phenomenol even when you try to take it back! I apologize to the bartender for that inappropriate remark about class.
I can only tell you that Tim Creehan is a fabulous man. I don't even know him and called him about a Make-a-Wish family that I was assisting with their wish to see if he could help out. He treated them like gold and compted EVERYTHING for the ENTIRE family!!! I hope that Mr Harding gets that sometimes, a free drink or a dessert can be well worth the investment. I will praise Tim Creehan to everyone I know from his kind gesture to that unfortunate family.
We see this a lot on the board. People get upset and start slamming someone. Another sowaller comes on and makes them all feel bad and everyone starts backtracking and apologizing. You have expressed your feelings honestly BH and you do get it. None of us want to hurt Mr Harding but he did attract this lesson by his response and hopefully it has been a good learning experience for him. Sowallers don't hold grudges and at any time he can make it right.
Yep, that's the difference.
We always have FUNN at FIRED UP! And...
We LOVE the owners of FIRED UP who do EVERYTHING they can to make sure of it!
Have never heard from him JR
Grayton Kid is wise beyond his years and it's a pleasure to know him :wub: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?
OK guys, I feel like I've given birth! I'm planning on meeting some other sowallers at the Redbar about 6-7PM tonight and I NEED it after this :floor:
I've been enjoying every remaining second with my family and we have moved past this bad experience and had a great holiday, of course. It wasn't until OOTB told me about it that I had to come on and check it out. Reading the boards posts brought tears to my eyes for so many reasons. The unconditional support from those that know me in Sowal is one of the things that keep me on my path - I would never want to discredit their faith in me or let them down. Thank you. :wub:
I was surprised by the support from so many sowallers that have never met me and do believe that Mr. Harding's response speaks for itself which was a mistake on his part. The postitive side of this ...... Once again we see the spirit of Sowal. Also as painful as this must be for Mr. Harding, it has given him the opportunity to learn from the experience and what he does with it is his path.
I need to let you guys know that I have been waiting for a personal email from Mr. Harding which I have never received which again demonstrates the mindset. He posted on a public forum and if I had not logged back on, I never would even have his response so it wasn't me (the ONE customer) that he cared about.
If Mr. Harding had merely sent me an email with a sincere apology, I would have immediately come on board and posted that he had resolved the situation in a professional manner. I also would have gone on the other forums and redacted or mitigated the posts. That would have been the end of the situation.
If he had offered to have us come back and make things right, I may or may not have driven back up there but if I did and the service was better with good food, I would have come on board and posted a GLOWING review and that he's a wonderful and hardworking man that cares about his customers.
The next day she called back again and said she had spoken to Chef Folse and he was equally unhappy at the turn of events. It turns out the folks that boiled the crawfish were not Folse’s people but a subcontractor. She said the Chef wanted to make things right. She asked if I could round up about 100-150 of my people, pick a night, and be the guests of Chef Folse at the Plantation for dinner. We picked an evening and lined up the guests. When we arrived at the plantation we found that Chef Folse had put on a spectacular Cajun Louisiana buffet. Jambalaya, etoufees, gumbo, sausages, duck, dirty rice, etc. It was a night to remember and my respect for Chef Folse really went up to the top of the scale. This went far beyond anything I had any right to expect, but it has made me a lifelong customer of his services and products.
Wow! Excellent example drsvelte and I feel the same. That was WAY beyond the call of duty for Chef Folse but I'm sure feeding those 100-150 people has paid for itself over and over again and that's smart business. In fact, it just paid for itself again because me and probably many others will go to his place next time we're in NOLA
No one at your table had touched anything on their plates, so the determination that the entire party’s meals were cold is false in my estimation since no one actually tried thier food.
I won't respond to much of your email because so many others have but I can tell you that when my mom said her's was cold, I asked the other's. My dad replied that his was. The determining factor in my mind was OOTB's husband (my brother-in-law) who is an extremely quiet man who I've never seen send anything back even when he should have. He replied that his was cold as well. My baked potato was NOT cold. By this time, we were so tired and it had taken so long to get the dinners the first time that we were afraid that it would be another hour before we got redos so we paid our drink and my cesar salad check. NONE of that was the problem, Brad. As you said, it happens in the finest of restaurants. It was the total arrogance and inappropriate behavior by the manager/bartender that motivated my posting. That is the difference between Bogey's and the finest of restaurants. Your food looked absolutely delish but a dining experience is much more than the food. It's the atmosphere which is nice at your place and it's the SERVICE that will make or break it.
There is nothing more to say to a guest who is “Pissed off” (is “Pissed” really profanity?) because they won’t listen. I don’t know if this was the case with you,
Thank you for the benefit of the doubt because I definitely would have listened and I would have also been sympathetic had she just said, "I'm sorry, how can I make it better?". But how can I be sympathetic to your problems when you have no sympathy for the fact that it cost me money for this bad experience that only got worse when I tried to communicate it to your manager? Pissed Off is not appropriate language in a fine restaurant unless you personally know the patron.
Another irony: Corky’s waitress that evening that she obviously did not care for, she even stated that she should be fired, has been with us since we opened, and was the one who waited on Tim Creehan.
I NEVER said that I didn't like the waitress, that she was rude or that she didn't do a good job and CERTAINLY NEVER said that the waitress should be fired. I believe someone else said that the BARTENDER should be fired. I may have also said this but don't think so. That is your business and I don't know the situation She could be a fabulous bartender on a different night.
My post stated that we were seated promptly and the waitress brought our drinks and took our order promptly. Not to belabor any of this but since you haven't tried to communicate with me directly, you should know the facts. It was only after it took so long for the bread and salads that the table service got PROGRESSIVELY worse. At first the coffee refills were flowing and as time went on it appeared that we were almost being avoided and it was our thoughts that the waitress and the hostess were just plain embarrassed that they couldn't get the food out quicker and just didn't know what to do. Again, this was not the proverbial straw that broke the camels back and I felt bad for the waitress. She may have left the food sit too long. I don't know but since my potato was steaming hot, my guess would be that the problem was in the busy kitchen.
I invite all of you to come give us a try for yourselves, that includes you Corky, for had you stayed that night and actually ate your meals, my guess is is that we wouldn’t be having this discussion right now.
I stated above how this discussion could have been avoided and I'm sorry but at this point, I certainly wouldn't come back with the way you handled the situation. I had hoped for better from the owner
Maybe Chef Brad might add to that, "Attitude will be extra should you have any problems"
:floor:
I want to go try the food, but Brad's response to Cork can be condensed down to 'We were too busy dealing with customers to deal with YOU'. If the gal at the bar would have displayed an ounce of customer service skill Cork probably would have left the place feeling better about it and not feeling the need to blast the establishment with both barrels. Ugly situation.
You're so right Skunky. I'm generally the diplomat in my Italian family :lol: and when I get that upset, there's generally a reason.
Dear Mr. Harding,
I work hard for my money and I choose where to spend it and I assure you it will never been in your establishment.
My decision was made entirely by your response to the complaint.
Good luck.
I hope he understands this which is exactly what happened with me.
COTO, these must be your reviews that you've posted, on the Internet. Good for you!:clap:Note to Mr. Harding, when anyone Googles your restaurant, this is what they'll find! http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=HOTEL+DEFUNIAK+BOGIES&btnG=Google+Search I would also consider, The Better Business Bureau. Maybe they should keep these posts, on file!
Yes, I did post them and copied Mr Harding on them in hopes that he would realize that in today's world, the customer has more power than they did before the internet when they are treated poorly.
Harding's response was completely inappropriate. Remember how Johnny Earle responded to some complaints about Criolla that were made on this message board ? Johnny responded with class and was very gentlemanly and I might add, very generous. Arrogance is a luxury no one can afford, especially if you are in the hospitality industry !!
We've had several restaurant owners on the board that have found themselves in the same situation as Mr Harding. I remember one thread where the owner came on and actually asked people to post their complaints so that she could address them. She said, I'm having problems with my staff and I want to know your opinions. After that I started frequenting a restaurant that had complaints from NUMEROUS people ONLY because the owner was trying so hard to resolve them. :rofl:
Just wanted to archive this. It was removed from the chowhound site but it was still in Cache..
Hotel Defuniak Gone Down the Tubes
If this restaurant wants to keep the wonderful reputation that it's had, they better start appreciating the people who give their hard earned money to them. Defuniak now has several other choices in restaurants and the many people who visit this charming town won't put up with being treated like common trash when they don't accept cold food, ridiculous wait times for the food and low class bartenders with an attitude.
Permalink | Reply
goeurope Dec 27, 2007 01:31AM
Yes Beach House, I did try to redact them because after I read it, I felt that it was unkind to say that anybody was low class. That was definitely not right and my bad. You however, found them in the cache. The impact of the internet is phenomenol even when you try to take it back! I apologize to the bartender for that inappropriate remark about class.
Just a guess but the bleeding would probably stop if he would just come on here and say he was sorry. I think he has had more than enough time to respond;his essay was posted withing half a day of Cork's post. It speaks volumes that so much effort was put into composing a short story defending his establishment and burning bridges while none is being given to modest contrition.
And another thought...I wonder if Creehan would tolerate such hostile behavior from one of his managers? My guess is that they would be canned on the spot.
I can only tell you that Tim Creehan is a fabulous man. I don't even know him and called him about a Make-a-Wish family that I was assisting with their wish to see if he could help out. He treated them like gold and compted EVERYTHING for the ENTIRE family!!! I hope that Mr Harding gets that sometimes, a free drink or a dessert can be well worth the investment. I will praise Tim Creehan to everyone I know from his kind gesture to that unfortunate family.
Kinda reminds me of watching an old cop with hostages movie, The Hostages eventually feel sorry for their capture and begin to help him with his crime..LOL...So because he was wrong and "Everyone" jumped on him he becomes the underdog, Even though it is he who could have prevented this thread! .....Its how I honestly feel, and whats so wrong with that on a thread on the INTERNET? PaaaLezzzz.
We see this a lot on the board. People get upset and start slamming someone. Another sowaller comes on and makes them all feel bad and everyone starts backtracking and apologizing. You have expressed your feelings honestly BH and you do get it. None of us want to hurt Mr Harding but he did attract this lesson by his response and hopefully it has been a good learning experience for him. Sowallers don't hold grudges and at any time he can make it right.
Finally, we pray that if any of you has ever had a less-than-funn experience at Fired Up, that you'll simply let us know. We'll do whatever it takes to make it right for you.
We love ya'll!
:wub:
Sincerely,
Jim & Stacy Radford, owners
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
27 Quincy Circle * Downtown Seaside
850-231-3211
Yep, that's the difference.
We always have FUNN at FIRED UP! And...
We LOVE the owners of FIRED UP who do EVERYTHING they can to make sure of it!
He may feel much differently today. It is now between him and the opening poster - - not us.
Have never heard from him JR
How old are you GK? Wow, pretty profound thoughts from a kid your age! :clap: You're on your way to becoming a thoughtful and giving person.
This should be the lesson for the day for all of us! 😀
Grayton Kid is wise beyond his years and it's a pleasure to know him :wub: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?
OK guys, I feel like I've given birth! I'm planning on meeting some other sowallers at the Redbar about 6-7PM tonight and I NEED it after this :floor:
Edited
Banned
Where is Redbar?
Beach Fanatic
i like google more than i like redbar 😀
Beach Fanatic
All I know is I'll never get the 20 minutes of my life back I just spent reading this most pathetic thread.
Get a job, people.
Get a job, people.
Beach Fanatic
All I know is I'll never get the 20 minutes of my life back I just spent reading this most pathetic thread.
Get a job, people.
JB,
That wasn't necessary. No one forced you to spend 20 minutes of your life reading this.....Most of these folks are highly educated, professionals who have done well in life. They work hard and expect quality service for their hard earned dollars. You could have just moved on to another thread without the insult.....but you didn't. Perhaps Bogey's could use your services with the witt that you have provided......:cool:
Enjoy your weekend;-)
SoWal Insider
Hi Everyone,
I live in DFS and check out the boards here. I enjoy reading about what's going on in the south part of our lovely county as well as here around home.
I'm really alarmed at the owners response over this meal. I live about 5 blocks off the lake yard and my boyfriend and I made plans with another couple to attend Bogie's New Years Eve dinner, since we could walk there and back, if we had a little too much fun, and not drive. We made our reservations before this thread hit the board.
I also want to comment on the this remark made by the owner.
"The new busy bee is a barbeque restaurant now.":idontno:
The Bee is much more than a BBQ place,(only have three BBQ dishes on menu)although their BBQ is great, they have a full menu, daily specials and will start serving breakfast and dinner in the first week of the New Year. Their food is awesome and very,very reasonable and their service is great.
I say this because I write for the Herald here and most days one of us slips out the back door, walks about 20 feet across the street and picks up the orders we placed with the Bee for lunch. I personally think the BEE may give Bogie's a run for their money now as they have only been open for lunch in the past.
I have only eaten at Bogie's during lunch once and it was fine but no better than Bee or H&M or Ed's, where their service is as good as their prices.
I'm really sorry you had this experience. I will give you guys the run down of what our experience was like. Take care and have a safe and Happy New Year.:wave:
AL
I live in DFS and check out the boards here. I enjoy reading about what's going on in the south part of our lovely county as well as here around home.
I'm really alarmed at the owners response over this meal. I live about 5 blocks off the lake yard and my boyfriend and I made plans with another couple to attend Bogie's New Years Eve dinner, since we could walk there and back, if we had a little too much fun, and not drive. We made our reservations before this thread hit the board.
I also want to comment on the this remark made by the owner.
"The new busy bee is a barbeque restaurant now.":idontno:
The Bee is much more than a BBQ place,(only have three BBQ dishes on menu)although their BBQ is great, they have a full menu, daily specials and will start serving breakfast and dinner in the first week of the New Year. Their food is awesome and very,very reasonable and their service is great.
I say this because I write for the Herald here and most days one of us slips out the back door, walks about 20 feet across the street and picks up the orders we placed with the Bee for lunch. I personally think the BEE may give Bogie's a run for their money now as they have only been open for lunch in the past.
I have only eaten at Bogie's during lunch once and it was fine but no better than Bee or H&M or Ed's, where their service is as good as their prices.
I'm really sorry you had this experience. I will give you guys the run down of what our experience was like. Take care and have a safe and Happy New Year.:wave:
AL
Beach Comber
Eh, I was actually just talking about Beach House 25. Those posts hurt my brain to read.
Beach Fanatic
And counting!:clap:
684 views on this thread.
Beach Fanatic
Did you mean, inept?;-) Me thinks, it should be!:wave:
in?ept
Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-ept, i-nept]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
?adjective 1.without skill or aptitude for a particular task or assignment; maladroit: He is inept at mechanical tasks. She is inept at dealing with people. 2.generally awkward or clumsy; haplessly incompetent. 3.inappropriate; unsuitable; out of place. 4.absurd or foolish: an inept remark.
in?ept
Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-ept, i-nept]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation?adjective 1.without skill or aptitude for a particular task or assignment; maladroit: He is inept at mechanical tasks. She is inept at dealing with people. 2.generally awkward or clumsy; haplessly incompetent. 3.inappropriate; unsuitable; out of place. 4.absurd or foolish: an inept remark.
Mr Harding and his staff apparently have become adept at identifying and confronting "Pissed" customers...:scratch: could it be practice makes perfect?
After reading Mr. Harding's response, I'm assuming--nay, I'm absolutely sure--he is totally content with his current level of patronage and profit margin and has no desire to grow his business...fair enuf. :idontno:
.
Banned
I am disappointed by how uneducated many of the inhabitats of my own county sound.
So noted😱 Whats "inhabitats?" My education must have skipped that part? :rofl:
Imagine that ... We even live in the same state..... Oh WoW Weeee Gosh geebers even the same Country! Disappointment must be HUGE! :rofl:
Eh, I was actually just talking about Beach House 25. Those posts hurt my brain to read.
So Noted😱
And what do they say about wasting a Brain? :bang:
Edited
SoWal Expert
I think everything that really needs to be said about Cork's experience and Bogey's response has been said. Now we are in dead horse territory, and that is not productive. I think many good suggestions and advice were given to the Bogey's owner, but now the thread has become ridiculous due to excess ranting. Enough.
Meow
Where's the lock? :idontno:
directionally challengedAuthor
Where is Redbar?
Well my plans have changed so won't be going by Redbar tonight but I still think there will be some other sowallers there. Redbar is at the end of Dufuniak Street in Grayton Beach. Just turn south from 30A and follow around to the left. Can't miss it. Bring cash or check. No charges.
I understand that I will get to meet you tomorrow though so that's cool and I'll look forward to it.
And counting!:clap:
They grow arms and legs, don't they? :floor:
directionally challengedAuthor
I think everything that really needs to be said about Cork's experience and Bogey's response has been said. Now we are in dead horse territory, and that is not productive. I think many good suggestions and advice were given to the Bogey's owner, but now the thread has become ridiculous due to excess ranting. Enough.
Where's the lock? :idontno:
Amen! Might see you guys tonight :wub:
SoWal Expert
Wow! :popcorn:
I think they have certainly gotten their share of criticism and then some!
Yes, that was not the most diplomatic reply, as it just sounded like a harried person's quick attempt at damage control before they headed back to the kitchen, not a prepared response for public consumption. IMO it was not handled well on either end. I know I couldn't work in food service as my response would probably be the too truthful "nothing I do will make you happy as you're pissed off" as well.
Has anyone besides the original poster actually eaten there and had a similar or dissimilar dining experience? :idontno:
I think they have certainly gotten their share of criticism and then some!
Yes, that was not the most diplomatic reply, as it just sounded like a harried person's quick attempt at damage control before they headed back to the kitchen, not a prepared response for public consumption. IMO it was not handled well on either end. I know I couldn't work in food service as my response would probably be the too truthful "nothing I do will make you happy as you're pissed off" as well.
Has anyone besides the original poster actually eaten there and had a similar or dissimilar dining experience? :idontno:
Meow
Amen! Might see you guys tonight :wub:
:clap:...that would be the bestest thing ever! :wave:
Beach Fanatic
Did you mean, inept?;-) Me thinks, it should be!:wave:Is this a sarcastic remark about a sarcastic remark? My head hurts along with Luftwaffe's.
in?ept
?adjective 1.without skill or aptitude for a particular task or assignment; maladroit: He is inept at mechanical tasks. She is inept at dealing with people. 2.generally awkward or clumsy; haplessly incompetent. 3.inappropriate; unsuitable; out of place. 4.absurd or foolish: an inept remark.
needs to get out more
Where is Redbar?? You must be kidding.
SoWal Guide
Re: Bogie's in Defuniak Springs appalling
I like your proposal johnr. I am sure this is a very good place to eat on most days, and has its problems on some (not unlike most restaurants). the chef/owner's response is unfortunate and all I can imagine is that he isn't Mr. Customer-Relations Dude to start with (but probably an excellent chef), and doesn't know how Sowal.com works (inexperienced with this board). He is in North Walton, with little experience with our wonderful yet painfully truthful group.
personally, I prefer Borago whenever I get the chance to dine out. But, would love to try Bogie's someday.
Most of us seem to agree that having many chef-owned restaurants in Walton County is a good thing.
So maybe Mr. Harding's response was not as gracious as it could have been.
I propose that we give this guy a "do-over", in the spirit of appreciating how locally owned and operated eateries, as opposed to typical chain restaurants, can enhance our community.
I like your proposal johnr. I am sure this is a very good place to eat on most days, and has its problems on some (not unlike most restaurants). the chef/owner's response is unfortunate and all I can imagine is that he isn't Mr. Customer-Relations Dude to start with (but probably an excellent chef), and doesn't know how Sowal.com works (inexperienced with this board). He is in North Walton, with little experience with our wonderful yet painfully truthful group.
personally, I prefer Borago whenever I get the chance to dine out. But, would love to try Bogie's someday.
Beach Fanatic
Well said!:clap:
JB,
That wasn't necessary. No one forced you to spend 20 minutes of your life reading this.....Most of these folks are highly educated, professionals who have done well in life. They work hard and expect quality service for their hard earned dollars. You could have just moved on to another thread without the insult.....but you didn't. Perhaps Bogey's could use your services with the witt that you have provided......:cool:
Enjoy your weekend;-)
Beach Fanatic
I certainly agree, jdarg. I feel that the reason that people are still struggling with this, is because Mr. Harding has YET to personally email or PM, CorkOnTheOcean! Not only that, but the lack of sincerity among other things, was simply too much! Like they say, "you can bring a horse to water, but, you can't make them drink!:idontno:
I think everything that really needs to be said about Cork's experience and Bogey's response has been said.
margarita brocolia
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Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
This whole thread makes me very sad. I hate that Corky and her family had such a bad experience. I hate that the owner did not respond in a more professional manner. I hate that it brought out so much bitterness in some.
I think that we could all take some lessons from a 12 year old GRAYT KID!
I think that we could all take some lessons from a 12 year old GRAYT KID!
SoWal Insider
This whole thread makes me very sad. I hate that Corky and her family had such a bad experience. I hate that the owner did not respond in a more professional manner. I hate that it brought out so much bitterness in some.:clap:
I think that we could all take some lessons from a 12 year old GRAYT KID!
Beach Comber
I have eaten at Bogey's on a few occasions. I used to frequent The Busy Bee Cafe quite often when they owned that as well.
Here is my personal opinion on the whole ordeal. I always enjoyed the Busy Bee for lunch. The people were friendly and chatty, the prices were low, and the food was good.
Since the change to 'fine dining' over at Bogey's, the service just doesn't seem to be on par with a fine dining experience. It seems to me as though the people that run the place are sort of...laid back, quaint, small town folks. They just seem to operate BETTER with that casual lunch cafe atmosphere of Busy Bee. I don't think they're cut out for fine dining. The waiters and waitresses seem very young. The typical sort of people that work quite well with the casual food setting, but aren't refined enough for fine dining.
I'm not going to sit here and bash the hell out of Bogey's, because in general, they are nice people. But I will say that I think trying to do the fine dining thing was a mistake on their part. They don't have the right attitude to really make it work, I think. People expect a whole different experience between normal, casual dinner places and fine dining restaurants. The owner's response was a poor one. It's not something you'd expect to get back from a "high class" sort of business.
Here is my personal opinion on the whole ordeal. I always enjoyed the Busy Bee for lunch. The people were friendly and chatty, the prices were low, and the food was good.
Since the change to 'fine dining' over at Bogey's, the service just doesn't seem to be on par with a fine dining experience. It seems to me as though the people that run the place are sort of...laid back, quaint, small town folks. They just seem to operate BETTER with that casual lunch cafe atmosphere of Busy Bee. I don't think they're cut out for fine dining. The waiters and waitresses seem very young. The typical sort of people that work quite well with the casual food setting, but aren't refined enough for fine dining.
I'm not going to sit here and bash the hell out of Bogey's, because in general, they are nice people. But I will say that I think trying to do the fine dining thing was a mistake on their part. They don't have the right attitude to really make it work, I think. People expect a whole different experience between normal, casual dinner places and fine dining restaurants. The owner's response was a poor one. It's not something you'd expect to get back from a "high class" sort of business.
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