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Some people have suggested that because I have a career where I'm visible and I'm doing "Pam's Picks," I never got bad service and I'll never get bad service again. Not true. I'm not going to call anybody out, but the point is I have gotten bad service because not everyone is going to have a banner day. I recently had an unfortunate encounter at a restaurant during a take-out order. First, it took forever to get it, and much to my disappointment, by the time I got back to work and opened the bag to eat the meal, there were no dressings whatsoever in the container with the sandwich (it was dry) - no utensils and no napkins and when I drove back to the location to ask for condiments - that took another 5-10 minutes - so my food was cold by the time it was done - that after having left a nice tip. So, yes, I too get lackluster service from time to time. (Question for you - how many of you feel you should leave some sort of tip on take-out.... or if your service is less than desirable? Let me from you.)
And it really shouldn't be because of your professional affiliation that you would only get a professional service. I believe those who are committed to their product and their reputation are guided by this mantra, "if you're in the business of customers, then customer satisfaction is your business." I also believe if your experience doesn't meet your expectations, in a professional and courteous manner, you should inform the manager - give him or her the chance to "make it right." I read in an article related to customer service that even if a patron had an unfortunate experience, it was all in the way the manager handled it, that determined whether or not the customer would give the business another shot.
Ok, enough of that. I really want to remind you to get your "Experience Little Rock" card. There are some perks associated with it -and one in particular that I can't tell you about right now, but believe you me, some lucky participants are going to be quite excited about it. So stay tuned for that. Also, please remember the 5pm "Pam's Picks" feature, Wednesday's on KATV. And if you miss the broadcast, you can check out the restaurant story online. On the KATV website, look under "Marketplace," then find "Experience Little Rock" and underneath that you'll see the list of restaurants we've visited. Send me a note about places you've been or want to recommend. I've been trying to respond to most of the posts and occasionally, I'll pick one to read Wednesday's on air. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Until Wednesday,
Bon Appetit!
Pamela
Hey, Chuck. Thanks for sharing your comments. I'm one of those who is a sucker for tipping and I guess I've never known what the correct protocol was for take-out. But I'm sure there are a number of folks who feel the way you do - however, I do concur, it should be based on the level of service. Appreciate your taking time to write.
Pamela
Doug, you're right! Should have checked my order before leaving - usually do, but the server had tied the bag up nice and tight. Still no excuse. I was just frustrated because I left the tip at take-out before I got my order and I thought, perhaps, that might be incentive to make sure what I needed, ie... condiments, utensils were in the bag. I will check from now on, though. That will alleviate my frustration. Thanks for your honest comments.
Pamela
I have been very impressed by your reporting on different restaurants in the Little Rock area, do you get out of this area and see what else is out there? If you do I have a restaurant for you.
Thank, Judy
Judy, I appreciate your comments. Right now, I'm limited to coverage in the Little Rock area, but that doesn't mean I can't venture out and try a restaurant, then blog about it. So if you have one you want to recommend, please let me know.
Thanks, Pamela
Thanks Jeff
Jeff: Thanks for your note... I don't think you can go wrong at Fantastic China - all of the entrees I tried on the menu have been exceptional. And the fact that you can customize your order is the bonus! BTW, I agree with you, there's nothing like personalized service! Appreciate your taking time to comment. Pamela
Rufus, Thanks for your comments. I'm sure the folks at Fantastic China appreciate your "thumbs-up." Remember to get your free "Experience Little Rock" card. Find out more about it on the KATV website under the "Marketplace" tab.
Pamela
Lena: Thanks for your posting. We take it on good authority (from you) that we can now decide whether or not we "choose" to tip on take-out. In my opinion, there's nothing like the added pleasure of a great experience, by way of service, to top off a great meal. Thanks for your dining "tips."
Pamela
Sandy, I guess you and I are probably on the same page when it comes to thinking about the trouble of packaging the food for take-out. I just wasn't sure what protocol was. Thanks for weighing in.
Pamela
Thanks for your input Roberta. I guess I'm a sucker for tipping. I've often felt guilty not leaving anything, even with take-out. But I guess you do have a point when it comes to having a server actually waiting on you as opposed to your taking it home and serving yourself. Be interesting to see what others think. Thanks again for weighing in.
Best, Pamela
Please consider visiting Kopan in Cabot. It is our favorite restaurant with wonderful specialty roll, sushi and more with a Korean and Japanese flair. Plus, it is one of a very few restaurant's in Cabot with a wine & beer permit. I am not related to the owners of the restaurant but they treat us like "family".
Please try it out!
Hey Rhonda - Thanks for the suggestion. Haven't ever been to Kopan - I've only been to the barbecue restaurant in Cabot. But when we get to venture out of the Little Rock area for coverage, I will be certain to make Kopan one of my stops. If I'm in the Cabot area in the near future, I'll just have to stop in and try it. And there's certainly something to be said for owners having great customer service. Appreciate your comments.
Pamela
October
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