| Author |
Message |
    
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 267
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 6:27 pm: |     |
I occasionally like to go to the Outback Steakhouse for a meal. We tried last night to take advantage of their "call ahead seating" which is supposed to put your name on the list and reduce your waiting time by allowing you to show up when they tell you on the phone, based upon the wait at the time of your call. WELL, the fine folks over there told us to be there around 7:45 based upon us calling in at 6:30. We drove over and decided to stop into Big Lots to kill some time. We purposely dragged ourselves around Big Lots so that our wait at Outback would be close to nothing. We showed up around 7:25, expecting to be seated in about 20 minutes.
That's where the fun begins. The wonderful staff told us that we'd now be put on the waiting list, and our wait could be upto 80 minutes. I explained that we had called ahead, and that we were told to arrive at 7:45 for seating, so we should only wait about 20 more minutes. They said that's not how it works. I asked why this wasn't explained to us on the phone when we were told that our seating would be around 7:45. They had no answer. Needless to say, we had to wait almost another hour before they sat us at 8:15. My recommendations are that if you ever go there and use call ahead, check in first before doing anything else. That, or just don't go there. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6655
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:03 am: | |
I would most definitely contact the Corp HQ at Outback. Lots of times, the local places fudge the Corporate promotions and policies. When HQ is contacted, the inconvenienced patron often gets an apology and a coupon.
I don't run around looking for free stuff, but I've had both Kings and Starbucks (among others) send me generous gift certificates for some major problems in local stores. |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 1423
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 1:44 pm: | |
Calling ahead for seating at Outback is like reserving a table at Wendy's. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12204
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 2:28 pm: | |
Why did you stay and reward them, after all that?
"This is the only thing my signature says." |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3077
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 2:39 pm: | |
Macaroni Grill does something like that also and it infuriates me. I don't see any point in a call ahead service if it doesn't actually put your name on the list at the time of your call. I do understand that it is not the same as a reservation and that they can't guarantee a seating time, but they should at least be able to get you in the queue at the time you call.
Chili's, on the other hand, does it the way you would expect. And, since they are next door to Macaroni Grill, I tend to go there if I can't get in to Macaroni Grill in a timely manner.
Re Outback, another place to try that has somewhat similar cuisine, is the Lone Star Steakhouse. There is one on Route 22. I'm not sure what town it is in, but it is on the right as you head toward the Plainfields and Watchung. We've never had trouble getting seated there with no call ahead at all. (Of course, that makes me wonder if they are doing a good enough business to stay in business, but so far they are still there, I think.) |
mrmaplewood
Citizen
Username: Mrmaplewood
Post Number: 289
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 4:38 pm: | |
The Outback in Springfield is a zoo on the weekends. You can sometimes get a seat in the bar (smoking) area, but that too can be a problem. You have to skulk around and stake a table out as it is self seating. This restaurant is a real pain, and they are far too popular for my liking. I don't go there anymore. The same with Yogi. |
Carla
Citizen
Username: Elbowroom
Post Number: 35
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:48 pm: | |
I don't know why people patronize these chains instead of supporting our great local restaurants like the Gas Light. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3299
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:27 pm: | |
Using the word "great" and "Gaslight" in the same sentence should be illegal. |
aquaman
Supporter
Username: Aquaman
Post Number: 687
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:51 pm: | |
Outback Steakhouse is a right-wing union-busting, employee-abusing corporation.
Avoid them.
Thankey. |
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 282
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:56 pm: | |
Oh, now you know why I stayed and ate there. Sh*t.
 |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 818
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:01 pm: | |
"Outback Steakhouse is a right-wing union-busting, employee-abusing corporation."
But this keeps the prices down and makes eating there more affordable. Ask Libertarian about it. He will give you the economics of it.
Personally, I like outback steaks. But, I avoid any nights that may be crowded. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5697
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 5:14 pm: | |
Whiplash Mem here. I used to go the "contact the CEO" route, but after being roundly criticized for trying to get free stuff by other MOLers, I decided to go all the way and make my desire for a free lunch work harder for me. I recommend using the "call ahead seating", then after being served cut off a finger, pop it onto your meal and tell them you were so tired from your long wait time that you accidentally chopped your own finger off while trying to cut into their shoe leather steak. That should get you millions.
Having a Signature is VERY trendy. |
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