Like An Abbott & Costello Comedy Clip

May 25, 2009

in Server Stories

Our recent experience at this Jamaican themed restaurant in North Pinellas County Florida right off the Pinellas Trail was like a scene out of Abbott and Costello’s classic clip – “who’s on first” …but with waitstaff instead. We had visited a new beer bar next door, and decided to catch a bite to eat at this place. It was over a year since we ate there last because at that time we had also received somewhat bad service. But we decided to give it another try. Well, bad choice on our part.

Yes, the place was busy outside, but inside there were plenty of tables and that is where we decided to sit. After three different waitstaff said they would “be right with you” finally a fourth actually stopped and took our drink and appetizer order. We specifically said we would order dinner right after our appetizers came out (this is something we always do to avoid our main meal coming on top of the appy’s). Note: another couple sat down at table next to us about this time, more on that in a minute. Another server brought our appetizers. We finished these up, and sat there for about 40 minutes watching servers go by us, no one stopping to take our dinner order or clean our plates. Remember the other couple? They sat there ignored and visibly annoyed, and got up and left.

At about the 45 minute mark, we contemplated getting up and just leaving, as we would be sure no one would notice at all. But being good citizens, we didn’t. I got up and went to the bar, stood there for a while until I caught someone’s attention and demanded our bill. I was asked who our server was… and that gave me the opportunity to tell them not only did I not know… but that we were pretty much ignored. One server had the nerve to go over to our table and tell my husband “oh if I would have known I would have waited on you.”

We paid our bill, left no tip of course. No one was very apologetic for ignoring us. Basically this was a case of complete discombobulation in the dining room, and no one knowing who was covering what…”who’s on first.” LOL. Another note, we went to another place after, and when telling our story, heard that this is a common complaint at the first place. Maybe they thought we were tourists and didn’t care… but we are locals, and of course will tell everyone who asks how horrible the service is here. Lesson learned.

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Brittani June 5, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Pleas let me know where this resturaunt is, I'm from Florida and would like to avoid it at all costs.

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Nanette June 20, 2009 at 9:11 am

it in Dunedin, we arent supposed to name the places, but it backs up to the pinellas trail, is off of Broadway, and is next door to a hotel. And Jamaican themed.

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MW July 13, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Please choke and die. Maybe you should have tried harder to get someone's attention.

"With no tip of course" let me know where you live, so I can be sure to never be your waiter

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Monica R. May 2, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Yeah, that rubbed me the wrong way too.

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Amy May 19, 2017 at 11:22 pm

SERIOUSLY???? Feeling entitled much?? The waitstaff DID NOT do their job. Why the hell would they deserve a tip???

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UPS+USA February 18, 2018 at 3:01 pm

It's the waiter's responsibility to make sure the customer is waited on and happy. They do not deserve a tip if they are not doing their job.

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Anonymous July 30, 2009 at 12:21 am

I understand the service sucked but don't think you're a "good citizen" because you didn't steal from the place (or as you say, not pay for your bill).

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the author August 13, 2009 at 6:01 am

Dear Mr or Mrs MW: You're choke and die comment is getting old – it seems you are flaming all the stories on this site with this comment. Obviously you are a disgruntled waitperson – maybe if you didnt have such an immature and antagonistic attitude you would earn more tips and maybe find a happy purpose in your sad little existence of a life. So as you said, PLEASE tell me where you work so that we all here can make sure we dont visit your place because I am pretty certain you are the type of scumbag who would spit on someone's food before bringing it out just because you get your rocks off that way.

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Suse August 14, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Well said!

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