tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post5211058518126569799..comments2023-08-14T04:10:27.465-05:00Comments on chicagomatic: I'm hotEddie Lakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026064693361555466noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-89270316117012879282012-07-07T19:40:46.742-05:002012-07-07T19:40:46.742-05:00I have never been here before(actually just found ...I have never been here before(actually just found out about you on your appearance on Food Network's Sandwich King, which I am currently watching) but from what I can see, and your amazing Yelp ratings, I am going to have to find a way to come to your establishment.<br /><br />I decided to check out your blog cause I am always interested in seeing what the owners are saying about their place. This post I just had to comment on.<br /><br />You can't please people like her. They feel entitled, selfish, and everyone be damned if they don't get their way. No isn't even in their vocabulary. Honestly, you did the best you could. You tried handling the situation rationally and when she wouldn't stop, you getting irritated with her was perfectly fine, ecpesially since you sounded like you didn't let it impact your business when she was at your restaurant.<br /><br />Next time, if you get a customer that doesn't follow the rules, just kick them out. I'm sure the customers who can't get a seat won't mind at all. You really don't need people like her impacting your businesses and making other customers mad.Christopher Smithhttp://www.behance.net/ChristopherSmithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-82855975838889432982012-05-24T23:28:33.100-05:002012-05-24T23:28:33.100-05:00This is highly informatics, I've joined your f...This is highly informatics, I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!Thanks for writing the pattern.price per head servicehttp://www.priceperheadcostarica.com/contact-us/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-79111587496997793932012-05-10T22:51:42.076-05:002012-05-10T22:51:42.076-05:00Eddie: I was amazed at how well your "no tabl...Eddie: I was amazed at how well your "no table grabbing" system worked. As we stood in line, I was stressed that we wouldn't find a place to sit once we ordered. But we followed the rules and were pleasantly surprised that we had several options once we'd put in our order. Maybe a sign that explains the brilliance of the rule might help e.g. No table grabbing = seated eating for all. The woman in your story played the role of "Rude Woman" in the first act, but changed to the role of "Crazy Woman" in Act 2 and 3.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-13179237910543864232012-05-07T10:49:56.242-05:002012-05-07T10:49:56.242-05:00Here's a thought...When someone persists in do...Here's a thought...When someone persists in doing what she did, just stop and ask all the people in line how they feel about her taking a table before she gets her food. Let the other customers tell her off. Then you aren't the bad guy and she will be too embarrassed to continue with her bad behavior. It could work, unless she is just totally obnoxious and clueless!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-39453708998052506782012-01-24T09:06:37.601-06:002012-01-24T09:06:37.601-06:00I don't live in Chicago although I have visite...I don't live in Chicago although I have visited there on several occasion. Next time I'm there, I will remember the name "Edzo's" and I will make a point of trying to eat there. I will also make sure to tell all my friends who do live there (in case they don't already know about your establishment). I believe that you meant to do the right thing but I agree 100 % with all the people who wrote that perhaps the outcome would have been better if you would have refused service to this particular customer. A good friend of mine whose family has owned the same business for three generations once told me: "Not every customer is worth pleasing. There are some that you just have to "fire". At the time I owned a small retail store and at first I was slightly taken aback with the concept of "firing" a (valuable) customer. Then one day I encountered a situation where I had to stand my ground against an unreasonable customer. I kept my cool and looking my own version of "Rude Woman" in the eyes I said: "Ma'am, I'm sorry but you're fired, I do not wish to have you as a customer". My "rude woman" looked shocked and got red in the face, but she walked out of my store without saying a word as the other patrons applauded. Every system can always be improved. Perhaps this can also be a learning experience. I like the suggestion about having a dedicated employee roaming the floor to help enforce the policy. Perhaps this employee could also perform other tasks such as bussing tables, expediting to-go orders and more importantly, greeting people at the door while politely reminding them of the policy as the enter?, expediting, etc... I suggest you make a new sign that says "Please be considerate of other patrons .... customers who do not agree to abide with our policy will be fired". Then, don't be a dick - just enforce the rules and refuse to serve the offenders. Obviously form the amount of people who like your food, I doubt that doing this would hurt your business. You probably have gained more business from this incident than you would lose from sticking to your guns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-86577410186655077142012-01-23T14:30:42.864-06:002012-01-23T14:30:42.864-06:00It's really hard to be pleasant to rude people...It's really hard to be pleasant to rude people sometimes and especially when you are busy busy busy, however I think if you had been apologetic to the woman about her embarrassment in the first and second conversations you wouldn't have had this problem and very unhappy customer.<br />I could be wrong but as 25 years experienced professional restaurant manager I don't think so.<br />Best Wishes for a better next time.BERNARDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13291608583917688936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-24626955808955636192012-01-12T13:25:52.029-06:002012-01-12T13:25:52.029-06:00Eddie,
As a business owner myself I know your str...Eddie,<br /><br />As a business owner myself I know your struggle but I have learned the hard way that some customers are bad business. Hindsight is always 20/20 but I probably would have been very tempted to have not accepted her party of six after her blatant disregard for human decency.<br /><br />You have a loyal base and you don't need a rotten apple in your business potentially<br />spoiling the atmosphere for everyone else.<br /> <br />So in fact you really owed it to your loyal customers to handle it the way you did. Keep up the great work!!!<br /><br />Dan MillerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-39111368014841073352012-01-12T10:38:44.403-06:002012-01-12T10:38:44.403-06:00Some people just suck. Way to let her know she was...Some people just suck. Way to let her know she was doing the wrong thing without making it into something that could hurt you or your business. In those situations people always try to drag you down to their level. Way to be the bigger person.<br /><br /> - Cole S.coletrainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16831924248650746114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-49079457162097216042012-01-12T10:15:31.274-06:002012-01-12T10:15:31.274-06:00Oops, we took a table before we ordered. Maybe you...Oops, we took a table before we ordered. Maybe you allowed us to because we had to 1-year-olds with us? However, I would have been mortified had I been confronted, because I always want to be considerate and follow the rules. This lady sounds crazy and a little scary. What in the world did she want once she knew you were the owner/manager?RcCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03130995857564124848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-61276594828354929862012-01-12T09:14:14.955-06:002012-01-12T09:14:14.955-06:00Awesome....too many people on the north shore have...Awesome....too many people on the north shore have the "I'm entitled" attitude! Good for you. I would have clapped had I been there.Jaimiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10475656498180906020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-66132680497041622492012-01-12T08:43:34.241-06:002012-01-12T08:43:34.241-06:00Ed,
Awesome story. As a guy who has not only grow...Ed,<br /><br />Awesome story. As a guy who has not only grown up in Evanston but worked at the Andy's for a year, I'm sure I ran into this same lady. <br /><br />I'm proud of your response, thank you for standing up for your restaurant, and I'm looking forward to stopping by the next time I'm in Evanston and shaking your hand. <br /><br />Keep up the great grub.Christian Sorensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10191908179098579770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-47863789476560985812012-01-11T22:27:04.893-06:002012-01-11T22:27:04.893-06:00Absolutely the right thing. That woman should have...Absolutely the right thing. That woman should have been tossed out on her ear with a polite "Sorry...you are an idiot and I never want to see you again"Chef Donnellynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-47800803217805895522012-01-11T17:36:20.180-06:002012-01-11T17:36:20.180-06:00That woman acted like a spoiled bitch. You ABSOLUT...That woman acted like a spoiled bitch. You ABSOLUTELY did the right thing!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-14145644485221324122012-01-11T13:00:26.796-06:002012-01-11T13:00:26.796-06:00I'm in Southern California and I too own a res...I'm in Southern California and I too own a restaurant and we have the same high standards that you do. you absolutely made the right call. people who spend their first day in public acting the way rude woman did need to learn about respect, politeness, courtesy, values, etc., etc so they don't continue acting in that manner. i back you up a 1,000% and if you worked for me and she complained about you to me, I would 86 her and give you a raise. your store is an important part of the quality of life in your community. keep the high standards!!<br /><br />Michael Hmichaelhttp://www.greenstreetrestaurant.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-13050261539092737322012-01-11T12:29:52.211-06:002012-01-11T12:29:52.211-06:00Love so much about this post! Not enough small bus...Love so much about this post! Not enough small businesses take a stand against the arrogance of consumers such as Rude Woman. Pride in ownership extends so much further then just saying you are the owner. Knowing you are not for everyone and taking a stand says a lot about you! From one small business owner to another - keep fighting the good fight! Cheers!Mirandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-62046948771837395132012-01-11T12:28:32.499-06:002012-01-11T12:28:32.499-06:00Like the Seinfeld Soup Nazi! "No soup for yo...Like the Seinfeld Soup Nazi! "No soup for you!" You don't follow the rules, you don't eat. <br /><br />Man, I wouldn't have let her party order or stay in my restaurant for anything. One of the "Anonymous" posters up there said you had been a dick to others...well, they probably had it coming, too. Great job on standing up to the pig-headed wench.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-7614996815052496072012-01-10T23:46:08.553-06:002012-01-10T23:46:08.553-06:00Oh goodness, imagine the poor group/family that wa...Oh goodness, imagine the poor group/family that was still with her while she was calling back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-38865442122621457952012-01-10T20:17:16.822-06:002012-01-10T20:17:16.822-06:00Hey,
Just wanted to say that I was working/living...Hey,<br /><br />Just wanted to say that I was working/living in Evanston when you first opened and have ALWAYS been very happy with the food and service at Edzo's. I also know exactly how crazy it can get there around lunch time, especially on Saturdays around when the kids are getting back to Northwestern.<br /><br />You were absolutely in the right to handle the situation as you did. I can't think of any better way to have handled it--it's just a shame that Rude Woman could trudge through her life with such a rotten attitude. You wonder where people get this feeling of entitlement...<br /><br />Anyway, don't let this one bad apple spoil your day. The bottom line is: you run the best burger joint that I've been to in the Chicago area, you've been wildly successful from the moment you opened, and you're the kind of hard working entrepreneur that makes America great.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-35782335109382418122012-01-10T14:31:59.084-06:002012-01-10T14:31:59.084-06:00"On one hand, the system of "don't t..."On one hand, the system of "don't take a table until you have your food in hand" is non-standard, so it's asking for confrontations."<br /><br />It's don't take your table until your food is ordered. And I think that is fairly standard practice at places with lines and limited seating.<br /><br />This story just makes me want to come in more! I can't stand entitled people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-39314449403048373242012-01-10T13:44:28.543-06:002012-01-10T13:44:28.543-06:00Hot Dougs has the same seating policy, and it work...Hot Dougs has the same seating policy, and it works perfectly fine. Maybe it's because hot dogs take less time to prepare and eat? I don't know. Never had a problem, and never once seen anyone try to flout it. I think it makes perfect sense.<br /><br />I agree with the previous poster you shouldn't have taken the order in the first place. The sign needs to be big and clear, and enforced to everyone. Otherwise, it won't work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-40118315305024986172012-01-10T13:18:11.675-06:002012-01-10T13:18:11.675-06:00I own one company and work on the side for another...I own one company and work on the side for another and can say this type of behavior is pervasive in our culture. Just stand in line at Whole Foods any day and you can witness it.James Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12937014296994342805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-76102758975451719272012-01-10T13:11:27.453-06:002012-01-10T13:11:27.453-06:00On one hand, the system of "don't take a ...On one hand, the system of "don't take a table until you have your food in hand" is non-standard, so it's asking for confrontations.<br /><br />On the other hand, this is your joint so I support your prerogative to be idiosyncratic both in your "policies" and how you deal with customers. Too few businesses have any character, and if the owner of a particular establishment is "a dick" to some customers, so be it. That's what gives a place some distinct "flavor". Maybe you'll be a dick to me and I won't come back. Big whup. Better to have more businesses with the owner behind the counter empowered to be him/her self running the place than people stuck with no authority trying to work from a policy manual.<br /><br />I love how putz-from-Indiana in his one-star Yelp review suggests that folks go to the chain burger place around the corner. For folks like them, yes, they will probably be more comfortable in a chain or corporate restaurant. They were probably already uncomfortable being in the scary, urban environment of downtown Evanston. (coughcough) <br /><br />Plus, complaining that "blood and grease" came off the burger makes me think that these folks think that burgers come from factories, rather than being ground up animal muscle tissue that's been held over a fire. The problem exists when there ISN'T blood and grease coming off a burger. ("OMG! I've been served actual food! This is terrifying!")<br /><br />Next time I'm in downtown Evanston around lunch time, I'll be in for a burger. Fell free to act as you see fit - if I'm being an idiot, call me out. Maybe I'll see it your way, maybe I'll be offended. So what?<br /><br />(Sorry about the annon comment - I'm to lazy to dig up a login for one of the commenting systems I don't use regularly.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-43420848215130734352012-01-10T13:01:35.145-06:002012-01-10T13:01:35.145-06:00You were kinder than I would have been - if it had...You were kinder than I would have been - if it had been me, I would have asked her party to leave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-68978308711384044652012-01-10T12:59:44.811-06:002012-01-10T12:59:44.811-06:00Get outta Evanston. Too damn close to the north sh...Get outta Evanston. Too damn close to the north shore...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-438864431927265875.post-81601737353516618362012-01-10T12:19:17.741-06:002012-01-10T12:19:17.741-06:00I'm frustrated for you, but may I just mention...I'm frustrated for you, but may I just mention that on the busy Sunday I (a single woman) came in for a burger, and waited my turn in line, I watched as mothers with kids and strollers, with nary a burger in hand, sat down and "reserved" any and all of the 2-tops I was hoping to sit at to eat? I took my burger into my car and ate. Not what I was planning, and not comfortable. <br /><br />So, I feel for you, but would that *all* table grabbers were stopped.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com