We used to love to go to this TGI Friday's but about a year ago the service & quality of food was degraded. Yesterday we decided to give them another try using take out because I was having a meeting for lunch.
When I walked in there was no one waiting for a table and 3 staff members standing around chatting. I said, I wanted to place a take out order. The young man pointed me in the direction of the bar and said at the end is where they take the orders from the bartender.
Ok 1st of all its a SUNDAY in a CASINO in LAS VEGAS. the bar was packed. no seats at the bar or any of the tables. I hipped my way though the crowd and stood at the end of the bar.
25 minutes.
1 bartender.
Who puts 1 bartender in a bar on a Sunday in football season in Vegas?
I waited.
and waited.
and waited.
She talked to the service station people. she chatted up the people at the bar. she flirted with the guy who was sitting 3 seats down from where I was standing. she chatted with 2 girls who were standing next to me having a convo but NEVER once said.. CAN I HELP YOU.
for 25 minutes.
I had all my order prewritten on a green post it (so if anyone from this Friday's is reading you'll know who i was)
Finally a woman in street clothing came behind the bar and have a few minutes of chit chat -- she (the bartender) pointed in my direction. she came over - not that she could hear me, so i gave her my list and asked if she could understand it.. THEN the bartender decided to come peek over her shoulder. I said.. Do you know how long it will take (thinking i'd sit in the lobby) she said at least 30 minutes.. I said well i've been standing here 25. The bartender rolled her eyes and said.. we're really busy.
Really? I didn't notice.
at which point i snatched my list back and left. but not before making a sweep though the dining room to count 12 tables.
and the 3 staff members were back in the lobby chatting.
Now my biggest issue is that who in the TGI Friday's corporate HQ thought it would be a GREAT idea for 2go orders being placed in a bar?
to go - unless you are in NYC or SFO - usually means you are going to get into your car and drive.
I actually ended up at a stand alone TGI Fridays about 3 miles away. again sent to the bar to order and this time very prompt service but the bartender kept coming over and saying are you sure you dont' want a drink? finally i said. drinking and driving don't mix.
WTG Fridays. You win the day. (that's sarcasm, btw)