Fabian's on High... Bait and switch? « Columbus Underground Messageboard

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Fabian's on High... Bait and switch?

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Started 2 years ago by cory
Latest reply from Blake

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Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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Tenzo wrote >>
Hand the waiter her tip in cash. Then refuse to pay more than the amount on the menu.
I have a feeling if a few people did this, they would rush to corect the menu.

I once waitressed at a bar (not in Ohio) where at the start of the night, each floor server was given $200 out of the till, then all drinks and food orders had to be paid for out of that money (to the bar), with the customer paying the server. At the end of the night, that $200 went back into the till.

I didn't have many people short me or stiff me outright, but man, it totally sucked when it happened.

Not that this joint has anything like that policy, but it's something to be aware of, I guess.

Posted 2 years ago #
cc

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Twixlen wrote >>

Tenzo wrote >>
Hand the waiter her tip in cash. Then refuse to pay more than the amount on the menu.
I have a feeling if a few people did this, they would rush to corect the menu.

I once waitressed at a bar (not in Ohio) where at the start of the night, each floor server was given $200 out of the till, then all drinks and food orders had to be paid for out of that money (to the bar), with the customer paying the server. At the end of the night, that $200 went back into the till.
I didn't have many people short me or stiff me outright, but man, it totally sucked when it happened.
Not that this joint has anything like that policy, but it's something to be aware of, I guess.

Well if I was a server at Fabian's I think I would be explaining the phantom special as soon as I greeted the table. If it has been going on this long I think they have a responsibility also.

Posted 2 years ago #
shmoopatties

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shmack wrote >>
spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs probably isn't the best way to handle the situation.

Wait...posting a comment on this little chat board expressing your opinion is 'spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs' [sic]? Wow...do you smell an inflated sense of importance in here? 'Cause I can barely breathe due to the stench.

Posted 2 years ago #
blammo
in the shadow of the wonder of bread
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shmoopatties wrote >>

shmack wrote >>
spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs probably isn't the best way to handle the situation.

Wait...posting a comment on this little chat board expressing your opinion is 'spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs' [sic]? Wow...do you smell an inflated sense of importance in here? 'Cause I can barely breathe due to the stench.

you might want to open a window or light a match or something, not smelling it over here.

Posted 2 years ago #
michaelcoyote
!seabus
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blammo wrote >>

shmoopatties wrote >>

shmack wrote >>
spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs probably isn't the best way to handle the situation.

Wait...posting a comment on this little chat board expressing your opinion is 'spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs' [sic]? Wow...do you smell an inflated sense of importance in here? 'Cause I can barely breathe due to the stench.

you might want to open a window or light a match or something, not smelling it over here.

Posted 2 years ago #
blammo
in the shadow of the wonder of bread
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besides, google "fabians columbus" and this very discussion is the 13th result to come up, on page 2. so you can act like this little chat board has no effect on the intarwebs, but I beg to differ. POOOP

Posted 2 years ago #
shmack

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shmoopatties wrote >>

shmack wrote >>
spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs probably isn't the best way to handle the situation.

Wait...posting a comment on this little chat board expressing your opinion is 'spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs' [sic]? Wow...do you smell an inflated sense of importance in here? 'Cause I can barely breathe due to the stench.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fabians-columbus#hrid:3PR5rU_eUmOSwjYseB_hug

While Fabians probably could have been a little more clear on the specials, I think the onus is shared by the customer to verify the specials prior to ordering, whether for takeout or for eat in. If you don't ask, they you really can't complain about being "ripped off."

Posted 2 years ago #
JD3
Columbus
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So is there no onus on the restaurant to make sure their ads are correct? If I go to a restaurant that advertises a special and they don't honor it, it will be a long time before I go back unless they tell me up front that there has been an advertising mistake.
I remember a thread like this on Tyfoon downtown. Same sort of situation, incorrectly advertised specials.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeliberty
Here
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You can talk to the Ohio attorney general's office or city attorney.

http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ConsumerComplaint

Posted 2 years ago #
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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shmack wrote >>

shmoopatties wrote >>

shmack wrote >>
spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs probably isn't the best way to handle the situation.

Wait...posting a comment on this little chat board expressing your opinion is 'spreading your story far and wide on the intarwebs' [sic]? Wow...do you smell an inflated sense of importance in here? 'Cause I can barely breathe due to the stench.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fabians-columbus#hrid:3PR5rU_eUmOSwjYseB_hug
While Fabians probably could have been a little more clear on the specials, I think the onus is shared by the customer to verify the specials prior to ordering, whether for takeout or for eat in. If you don't ask, they you really can't complain about being "ripped off."

I love you and I couldn't disagree with you more. If my server employed by the restaurant at which I am dining hands me a menu with specials printed directly on that menu, there is no wiggle room in my mind that they must honor them. I don't care if you forgot to switch the specials or you gave me an old menu or what the case is, the servers and management of the establishment are employed to take care of those issues. It's not my issue to worry about. If an error is made, it's appropriate for them to inform the customer that this was an error and that they won't come back to find that same special in the future, but they certainly should assure that the special is honored at that time. It's such basic customer service and good PR 101.

Posted 2 years ago #
shmack

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yes, you certainly are right. i forgot it was printed on the menus.

what i STILL cannot understand is that this is that we called not more than two weeks ago to make sure the sunday deal was still available and it was. this wasn't some "let me show you my face because I am a regular" deal, but just a random caller. quite frankly, i don't think this was a "bait and switch" issue, and i still don't think the whole story is being told. but yes, the restaurant should have applied the special.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeliberty
Here
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Actually, that pretty much is the whole story. last time I was there I noticed this going on too. I haven't been back, it's been over a year now. their specials, if they have them anymore, were/are extremely confusing.

i used to like Fabian's deep dish, but last time the dough to filling ratio was like 60/40. I wanted a deep dish pizza, not thick crust.
Fabians was the brainchild of Jason Fabian, head chef at Barley's.(at one time, I don't know about now) he used to be on the line at Engine House #5. last I heard there was some partnership with Mac's for helping them get started. i don't know the specifics. Fabians was always good when we'd eat there in the early years, but I'm not sure if Jason is too busy with Barleys to get over to Fabian's much, I hardly ever saw him there when I was there. If that is the case then management needs to pick up the slack and make him aware of some issues and reviews.

Posted 2 years ago #
cory
Columbus / Upper Arlington
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lifeliberty wrote >>
Actually, that pretty much is the whole story. last time I was there I noticed this going on too. I haven't been back, it's been over a year now. their specials, if they have them anymore, were/are extremely confusing.
i used to like Fabian's deep dish, but last time the dough to filling ratio was like 60/40. I wanted a deep dish pizza, not thick crust.
Fabians was the brainchild of Jason Fabian, head chef at Barley's.(at one time, I don't know about now) he used to be on the line at Engine House #5. last I heard there was some partnership with Mac's for helping them get started. i don't know the specifics. Fabians was always good when we'd eat there in the early years, but I'm not sure if Jason is too busy with Barleys to get over to Fabian's much, I hardly ever saw him there when I was there. If that is the case then management needs to pick up the slack and make him aware of some issues and reviews.

I'm sure if Jason was aware of the situation it would have been changed a long time ago. However, I don't think it's his responsibility...

Posted 2 years ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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Twixlen wrote >>

Tenzo wrote >>
Hand the waiter her tip in cash. Then refuse to pay more than the amount on the menu.
I have a feeling if a few people did this, they would rush to corect the menu.

I once waitressed at a bar (not in Ohio) where at the start of the night, each floor server was given $200 out of the till, then all drinks and food orders had to be paid for out of that money (to the bar), with the customer paying the server. At the end of the night, that $200 went back into the till.
I didn't have many people short me or stiff me outright, but man, it totally sucked when it happened.
Not that this joint has anything like that policy, but it's something to be aware of, I guess.

considering my personality. I would have made it clear with the owner / manager what I was doing before I did it.

I worked tables in college also. If a table stiffed you, you had to pay. I was working at a private club and chased a someone into the woman's locker room to get the check paid.

Posted 2 years ago #
maverickchef

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First of all, thanks for everyone's informative posts. As a part of the start up for the Fabians idea, I would hate to see any negative experiences posted on this informative site.

I do know the owner of Mac's/Fabians has a variety of specials going on to help promote Happy Hour and Nightly Business. While these specials have changed over time, there may some old menus in place that have added to the confusion.

I will look into this issue.

Thanks

Posted 2 years ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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maverickchef wrote >>
I would hate to see any negative experiences posted on this informative site.

I can think of only one way to accomplish this.

Posted 2 years ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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maverickchef wrote >>
First of all, thanks for everyone's informative posts. As a part of the start up for the Fabians idea, I would hate to see any negative experiences posted on this informative site.

It got someone's attention at least.

Posted 2 years ago #
Core_Models
Columbus
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I don't get all the debate on this. Menu says something, it should be honored, and if it isn't the business is actually breaking the law. Giant Eagle leaves up a price break sign on a display, you own it for that price...period. Fabian's not willing to honor their advertised specials because their own printed material isn't "up to date" is an illegal copout and should be dealt with accordingly, first by simply not buying food there.

Posted 2 years ago #
blammo
in the shadow of the wonder of bread
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Core_Models wrote >>
I don't get all the debate on this. Menu says something, it should be honored, and if it isn't the business is actually breaking the law. Giant Eagle leaves up a price break sign on a display, you own it for that price...period. Fabian's not willing to honor their advertised specials because their own printed material isn't "up to date" is an illegal copout and should be dealt with accordingly, first by simply not buying food there.

yeah, just stick a piece of masking tape over the offending "special" and move on, until you can get new menus printed up. a tacky-looking menu is hardly gonna be a substantial issue with customers.

Posted 2 years ago #
Rastapasta
Olde North
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They let me know these deal wasn't good anymore when I went last Spring I believe. If I recall correctly, we went somewhere else. Fabians isn't anything special to eat

Posted 2 years ago #