I asked her to repeat her question, since I didn't understand it, and when I heard it again my assumption was that she meant "expressWAY", but it could've also been express train or bus...depending on where she was coming from and how she was intending on traveling here. But I didn't know that since she didn't actually even tell me where she was coming FROM.
But as soon as it became clear that she was asking me for directions, I began to beg off.
"Oh, you're asking me for directions? I see. No, sorry, I'm not good with directions and don't want to tell you the wrong thing and have you get lost." This is my standard (true) answer.
"But I'm calling from South Holland," the woman on the phone says.
I resisted the urge to make a crack about how it'd take a long time to get to Evanston from The Netherlands and told her that I truly have no idea where that even is, so I don't want to try to give her directions on how to get here.
The caller yesterday seemed to understand and accept my rationale for not wanting to give her directions, but other callers have not been able to let go quite as easily. One woman calling from Skokie was so incredulous that I wouldn't walk her through the entire trip, turn-by-turn, that she just kept asking me the same question over and over again until I finally said a polite goodbye and hung up, and then she called back, insisting that I must give her directions or she wouldn't be able to come.
I didn't give her directions. She came anyway. And scolded me for not being more helpful.
Don't get me wrong. I'm fine with answering a few simple questions. Address, cross streets, "just a bit north of Pete Miller's", Davis St. Purple line stop, etc, etc.... But I'm not going to tell you stuff like "turn right" here or there. I deal with north, south, east, west, not right and left. My wife used to (before the era of smart phones) ask for directions using the right/left format, and I always refused to accommodate what I view as a stubborn refusal to utilize the basic language of speaking about location and directions.
Bottom line, if you can't be bothered to learn the basics about navigation, I'm not going to serve as your personal GPS.
Oh, and while it occurs to me that a blog post might not be the best medium from which to send out this message to its intended audience, it seemed like a mildly interesting subject for a blog post. Happy Travels!
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I think this was fine, and totally understandable until you got to this part:
Bottom line, if you can't be bothered to learn the basics about navigation, I'm not going to serve as your personal GPS.
That almost seems a bit hostile to me. Unnecessarily so. I came to your site to get the exact address because a co-worker of mine highly recommended your food, but I might have to think twice now about coming.
Tanya, Save the gas and grab "Mickey D's". Edzo's foods stands on it's own, and there are PLENTY of people who don't mind the blog.
tanya...get a life, edzo's is awesome
Gosh, if your place is that hostile to giving out directions, then it is not worth the time looking up your place. Chances are your restaurant will go the way of many others in Evanston disappearing especially with an attitude that is not at all helpful.
I have to agree with not serving as a personal GPS. I am a bartender at a large bar/restaurant, and it is my responsibility to handle all the phone calls. When I am on the phone I am unable to assist my customers or prepare drinks for the servers. It amazes me how many people expect me to remain on the phone with them or will call back 5-6 times. I have been asked, "Are you on my side of the river?" by people that never told me where they were to begin with, and I'm routinely asked "How do I know what direction I'm walking?" by people on foot. An address, intersection, and a basic idea of how to find us should be more than adequate. Any more and then it is time to buy a good, old-fashioned map.
Edzo, you just can win with some folks.
P.S. I really did laugh out loud at your comment about insisting on standard direction format rather than the "left/right format".
That's what Google Maps/Mapquest is for, people. Edzo, i'm a big fan!
I totally agree with Tanya. Very "COCKY" comment from Ed. What not a simple "best to check with GOOGLE Maps or MAPQUEST"!! Better yet, why not link to a "MAP" site like most reputable establishments do these days? .......Shame on your attitude. Great food or not, you need some manners. Ever hear of "QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE"
I really like the food at Edzos and I thought I really liked Eddie as well. But this post amazes me. It demonstrates a remarkable arrogance that's only possible because the restaurant is always busy. For now. Eddie clearly has a split personality: exceedingly friendly in-store and full of himself online. I would expect a smart restaurant owner to nicely explain to potential customers why he doesn't give directions to his place rather than to very publically berate them. He has clearly demonstrated that he's not nearly as nice as he appears to be.
I realize that we live in an age where people take pride in basically telling customers to "f- off." Especially people who work in/own "trendy" places that foodies like.
But no matter what your real attitude is towards your customers, you don't publicly berate them on a blog that is directly linked to your company's website.
I happen to agree with you that people should be able to figure out directions for themselves, especially with the plethora of GPS and online maps available. But that doesn't mean that as a business owner you should then publicly flog said customer for daring to call and ask you for directions.
You, sir, are an ass.
I was just at a restaurant on Main Street for the first time in about 6 or 7 years. Used to have to wait about 45 minutes to get a seat. Now it's dead. They haven't bothered to change the menu in 15 years..... just sayin'..
Wow...I'm a bit floored at the hostility of some of the comments against this post... I am all for great customer service but there is a line when it comes to dealing with difficult people who feel entitled to your time and attention... as he said it just wasn't about this one caller....but the fact that he gets these calls often enough to where he felt he wanted to vent a little...
And another thing, this is Chicago, where you can get booed out of a hot dog stand for ordering catsup! seriously people, get a life!
I think what folks don't seem to realize is that if I take the time to give directions, that's time I'm NOT helping customers in the shop.
my time isn't unlimited. I choose to focus my attention on making the food and service the best in can be for those in the restaurant.
if those folks are taken care of, THEN we give time and attention to folks who call on the phone. but they are the second priority.
for all those who are making negative comments, I wonder how you would react if you stood in line for a half hour, only to get up to the front and, as you're about to order, I take a phone call and keep you waiting another 5-10 minutes.
I've chosen not to be all things to all people. we close at 4pm, which makes some people angry. we rarely do delivery orders, which makes some people angry. and we don't usually have time to give people specific turn-by-turn directions and that, apparently, makes some people angry.
i'm ok with that. you can't please everyone. i do my best to please as many people as i can, but the bottom line is that not every restaurant is well-suited to every person.