98 BBQ (vs. Jambones)

[bchtravlr]

In all my years of living here, I have not been to 98 Barbeque until yesterday. Since they won the recent gumbo contest, and I am a big fan of gumbo, I thought I would try it out. The pork and gumbo was fantastic. Even after splitting a plate, we had to take some home due to their being too much to eat! In addition, the service and attentiveness by everyone there was great. I will be back and tell all my friends!

I have enjoyed the flavor and quality of Jambones ever since they opened too, but many friends have complained about the lack of service and poor attitude of both the owner and staff . It is at the lower end of my scale of service expectations, but I have not had to deal with the some of the quoted comments many freinds have related. So they are on my list of where to go late at night

Jambones has great food, and is open late, but if you want both great food and service with a smile, I encourage you to try 98 BBQ if you have not been there recently!

 

[sunspotbaby]

We love to order take-out from 98 BBQ. The feast is fabulous!
We've been to Jambones and liked the food, but got much more from 98 BBQ for the price.
I said this about the pizza between PBTS and Enzo's:
Two different places, two different atmospheres. Love them both!

 

[JamBone]

oh my gosh bchtavir - that is the most horrifying thing i have ever read in my 25 years of restaurant life...

to know that most of your friends consider my place to have terrible attitudes towards our guests and that even i have a bad attitude towards my guests just simply makes me want to vomit right now. i am actually trembling at this moment as i read and reply to this.

i actually spend every waking professional moment encouraging my staff to treat our guests with smiles and happiness and respect and certainly feel like at least i as the leader of my staff can accomplish this. and to think now that i am completely failing at this is freaking me the %$#& out.

there is absolutely no possible way for me to remain in business if my reputation is for poor attitudes towards my very lifeblood and that our service is also considered to be unacceptable. wow. besides 50 million versions of apologies - i really am left completely speechless. i have trained and learned and worked and studied and try so hard to be successful and for so many to finally have the chance to sample all my experience and effort - and come away disgusted makes me just want to close up the doors and change careers.

all i can now think to do is to share your comments with each member of my staff individually and than convene as a group and figure out how to change our reputation. i may even consider closing down for a couple of days and start over with a retraining process and complete a 180 degree turn.

i cant offer any monetary refund to so many people but if you would please allow us the chance to change and then please give us the opportunity to give you a warm welcome and pleasant interaction during what i hope will be a unique and value oriented experience.

that is all i can hope for.

i am so sorry

with my deepest sincereity

scott alderson
850-699-0180
scottalderson@mac.com
3906 us hwy 98 west suite 10
srb fl 32459

please feel free to contact me personally with any more comments or suggestions

 

[Carol G]

Scott,

I've been to Jambone at least once every two weeks since you opened this summer, and have witnessed the growth and changes you've made, and I have to tell you that I have never had a problem with any of your staff. I've been in early for dinner, stayed late for drinks & music, and thoroughly enjoyed every experience. The servers have always been friendly, and several times they have gone far above & beyond expectations.

The only negative experience (very minor) I've ever had was one time I had to wait at the bar for about 10 minutes to place a drink order. It was a night when y'all were slammed, and I made a comment about it to the bartender, and his response was genuine and apologetic. Otherwise, the service has always been quick and I've enjoyed every moment from the time I walk in until I leave.

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know all this so you keep some perspective & balance - I understand your concern when you hear comments like the ones at the beginning of this thread, and they definitely need to be addressed. But you have to know that you and your team are also doing something right; I know many many people who enjoy your establishment as much as I do and have always had the same positive experiences there.

The only change I would request is to bring back the Thai wings - they were my main sustenance this summer! And please don't close! Jambone has quickly become a favorite for so many of us, we are so grateful for all that you offer.

 

[Kurt]

bchtravlr - I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, although I can't see a good reason for having to bring up negatives about a business instead of stopping with your positives about the other. Kind of a broad swipe at a business that probably doesn't deserve it.

Good businesses do love feedback. Personally I think it's best to address the owner or manager privately. This will help them improve and can actually make you feel good about yourself, which is a nice bonus.

Since you now have Scott's contact info I hope that you will help him out privately with any specifics. I know for a fact that he will use any valid criticism as a chance for improvement. ;-)

 

[rdelong43065]

Scott,

I justed wanted to say that I feel you do have a good thing there. I believe that you do care deeply and go out of your way to keep people happy. I also like how you make positive comments about other food places and even encourage people to try them out as well. You look at them as neighbors not competition.

I go to both 98 BBQ and Jambones. I like them both as there are so many varieties available. I do have to admit that at times, I have not been pleased with the guys taking the orders. Sometimes it seems that they are being bothered by having to take my order. The girls have always been great.

My biggest complaint is sometimes you order one of your great burgers or hot dogs and the grilled buns are burned. Yuck.

These are just minor little things though. Easy to fix. You do a very good job and I wish you continued success!

 

[Andy A]

98 BBQ has great BBQ at a great price! My experience with Jambones has been cited earlier and I issued an apology for part of my complaint that the owner felt was unfounded. Since BBQ just as good or better as at Jambones, IMO, can be found at 98 BBQ, I have not been back to Jambones nor do I plan to return. This is strictly a personal opinion. I call them as I see them. I wish you and your team all the best.

 

[Miss Critter]

We've dined at JamBone's often, and have never had a problem with service. Just the opposite, in fact. The staff has been friendly and helpful each time. Scott went out of his way for me, preparing a Christmas ham in advance of other orders so I could bring it to Christmas dinner out of town.

Regarding the price, I would expect JamBone to be a bit higher than other bbq places. They serve organic meat, which as everyone knows, costs more. For some of us who are careful about our diets for health reasons, this is a pretty big deal. I'm not sure where else I can get deliciously prepared organic meat in sowal at this or any price. We think the value at JamBone is fantastic, and will continue to be loyal customers.

 

[Hop]

I had a jambone burger last night as a matter of fact...and it remains, to me, the best burger in SoWal. This bar/restaurant, which is already a great spot, will only get better the longer it is here. Love the darts. The service was excellent. just my 2 cents...

 

[Danny Burns]

Scott:

While I like 98 BBQ very much, I have come to appreciate your unique flavors. I think they are among the best in the area. My wife lived in Memphis for 16 years and I am originally from Kansas city, Mo...two of THE most famous BBQ capitals in the country.

Maybe some of the posters received service from the guy we spoke about the last time My wife and I were in there. I think you know who I am speaking about...not a nice guy. But he is long gone.

I have received nothing but the best of service and superb food every time I have been to your place. To get the gigantic quantity and organic quality of food we get for $11 a plate is simply amazing for this area.

Everyone has different tastes and expectations. South Walton has a good thing going in Jambone. Let's try and encourage this kind of entrepreneurship rather than insult it. Use private messages for negative comments. You can bet that local business owners will implement every suggestion that will make their customers happy. And you just might have gotten a coupon for some free goodies for doing so. What did you get for doing it in a negative SoWal post?

My wife and I will remain loyal customers for as long as you are here. And keep in mind...you just can't make some people happy no matter what you do.

See you next week,
Danny Burns
Inlet Beach (full time resident)