Great
Great place
Claudia it’s best
Misleading advertising
Floor. The carpet is filthy and needs to be replaced
Retired Food Service Designer
Enjoyed buffet
Amazing Service
Happy
Delicious
Terrible experience
I made every effort to be respectful and responsible with my service dog. I kept my body between him and the food line at all times, and he remained approximately four feet away from the food. My wife held my plate, and I simply told her what I wanted while she went through the line.
Then, unexpectedly, I was approached by not one, but two individuals who never identified themselves as employees. They were dressed in street clothes with nothing indicating that they worked there.
One of them began speaking to me in a raised and confrontational manner, telling me to keep my dog away from the food. The other told me that I had to keep my service dog underneath the table.
At the time, I had no idea that the first person was actually the manager. I only found that out afterward when my wife went back to speak with management about what had happened.
When we first arrived, we had intentionally chosen a large table away from other customers so that we could be respectful of everyone around us. My dog was not wandering around, approaching people, or interfering with the food. I also made sure to keep myself between him and the food line.
The way I was approached and spoken to was completely unnecessary and, quite honestly, very upsetting. Regardless of the person's position, I believe there was a much more professional and respectful way to address any concerns.
Shortly afterward, another customer approached me. This person had witnessed the entire situation and told me that, in their opinion, I had done nothing wrong. They specifically pointed out that my service dog had not been attracting attention, had not approached the food, and had not interfered with anyone. They also suggested that I contact corporate because they felt the way I was treated was unprofessional.
My wife then went back and spoke with the manager, explaining what had happened and pointing out that another customer had witnessed the entire interaction. That's when we learned that the person who had initially confronted me was, in fact, the manager.
At that point, we were simply looking for a family dinner. Instead, what should have been an enjoyable evening became an incredibly stressful and embarrassing experience.
I understand that restaurants have rules regarding animals and food-service areas. I also understand the importance of keeping a service dog under control and being respectful of other customers. That is exactly what I was doing.
What I don't understand is why the situation was handled the way it was. If management had a concern about my service dog, I would have been happy to have a respectful conversation about it. Instead, I felt publicly confronted and humiliated despite making every effort to be responsible and considerate.
I hope management and corporate take the time to look into what happened, because people who rely on service dogs should be able to enjoy a meal with their families without being made to feel unwelcome or embarrassed when they are doing their best to follow the rules.
