New Orleans Eats Forums at NOLAEats.com

Duke wrote:Good points. In my imaginary Perfect World where I could "train" my customers, I would train them to not park in front of my place (where parking is already bad enough), then walk a block down to Juan's. But it behooves me to point them in the right direction, then offer them a personal invitation to visit my place next time. Class trumps rudeness every time.

I would train them that the name of the place is "J'anita's" and not Juanita's. Is there a "u" in the name? No.

I would train them that breakfast ends at 11am on the weekend and 10:30 during the week. This is clearly posted on the door AND on the separate sign we place by the door. This does not mean 11:15am. I cannot serve "just one more table."

I would train them to keep their children at the table and not let them go tearing around front and back. The FOH staff is there to serve, not babysit.

I would train them that we are not allowed to serve them alcohol when they are obviously intoxicated when they arrive. Go over to the Half-Moon or The Saint, where no one cares. Similarly, picture ID is required if there is any question of the customer's age.

The bottom line is that the customer is going to do what the customer is going to do -- and (as Chris says) they will go where they can do it. I remember, years ago, being barred entry to a needlessly snooty place in Columbia SC because my pants had "patch pockets." Never mind I was in a tie and jacket and was there to interview a member of Congress. It was silly, and all their policy did was "train" me (and said congressman, who was later governor of the state) to go elsewhere.

Mrs. Fury wrote:Oh goodie I guess I'm a good customer.