YOU !...Yes, YOU !...Get Under the Bus

This weekend we had the unfortunate experience of being extremely disappointed in our meal at one of Louisville's up and coming independents. Beyond being simply bad, the preparation was fundamentally flawed. When I got home I decided to post a very brief "review" of the meal on my Facebook page in which I pretty much "told it like it was". In response to this post (and to my surprise) I received 4 or 5 (private) Facebook messages from Hotbytes members (who also happen to be Facebook "friends") encouraging me to post a more extensive review on Hotbytes.

Personally, I'm kind of torn. On one hand (at least in this instance) I hate the thought of throwing the place "under the bus" as a result of a bad meal...but by the same token the preparation was so flawed that it cries out for something to be said. I thought about saying something to the management on the way out but decided my critique would have been met with nothing more than the wave of a hand...

So what say you ? How would you have handled the situation ?

[Robin Garr]

So what say you ? How would you have handled the situation ?

I told you in public (on Facebook) that I thought you should post it here, Steve. It's fair.

What's unfair is the kind of "drive-by shooting" that we occasionally see from a new poster who puts up an extremely negative review in sarcastic, insulting terms, without getting to know us first, raising the possibility that they come in carrying a hidden agenda.

But I thought the post you put up on Facebook, as you worded it, was both blunt and fair. Post on, and be prepared to discuss your thoughts from those who agree and those who don't. Chances are that you'll get a response from management, and that can be a good thing, particularly if your comments help them recognize deficiencies that can be addressed.

In all honesty, I think the place you're talking about is starting off strong, and I don't believe your negative review in this space is going to kill 'em.

[Robin Garr]

PS: I also think it's worth expressing yourself to management at the time of the offense, frankly but cordially. If they're open to constructive criticism, it's to their benefit. If they don't want to hear it, at least you did the right thing.

Steve, as I told you on Facebook I definitely think you should post it here. Your opinion is well respected here especially for the type of food we're talking about. Yes I'm sure you will get some negative feedback from people who love the restaurant but many of us have had that occur. It's your opinion of the restaurant and it should be put forward. If someone went to the same restaurant and had a bad experience but didn't have the benefit of your review prior to going how would you feel?

Writing it may also help the restaurant improve but staying silent certainly won't.

Steve, I'm in total agreement with Robin and Mark. As one of you Facebook friens I, too, have read your Facebook review was as Robin said, "blunt and fair." Please post it for the Hoybytes community.

Steve, I'm in total agreement with Robin and Mark. As one of you Facebook friens I, too, have read your Facebook review was as Robin said, "blunt and fair." Please post it for the Hoybytes community.

Ditto. I thought your review was fair and balanced.

fair and balanced.

Fair and balanced...Fair and balanced ....Now where have I heard THAT before

Oh...I know http://www.foxnews.com/

I think you were wrong to assume how the management would respond, but I don't blame you for doing so. Having to talk to management after a really horrible experience is the last thing I want to do. I know it sounds selfish, but I almost feel like they should compensate me for what they screwed up and then hook me up the next time I visit as a thanks for the feedback I offer, considering talking to them is the last thing I want to do after a bad night in their establishment.

I'd post the review here so hopefully the management can read and make necessary changes.

fair and balanced.

Fair and balanced...Fair and balanced ....Now where have I heard THAT before

Oh...I know http://www.foxnews.com/

Just for you Mr. P. i know how tight you and o'really and beak are.

So what say you ? How would you have handled the situation ?

We handled it the same way you did, left the restaurant disappointed and shocked. Our hopes were very high knowing the quality they put out at their other joint.

The only thing we could figure is that this place is going to be about quantity, not quality. Feed the masses going to and from the game and move on.

So what say you ? How would you have handled the situation ?

I told you in public (on Facebook) that I thought you should post it here, Steve. It's fair.

What's unfair is the kind of "drive-by shooting" that we occasionally see from a new poster who puts up an extremely negative review in sarcastic, insulting terms, without getting to know us first, raising the possibility that they come in carrying a hidden agenda.

But I thought the post you put up on Facebook, as you worded it, was both blunt and fair. Post on, and be prepared to discuss your thoughts from those who agree and those who don't. Chances are that you'll get a response from management, and that can be a good thing, particularly if your comments help them recognize deficiencies that can be addressed.

In all honesty, I think the place you're talking about is starting off strong, and I don't believe your negative review in this space is going to kill 'em.

Agree on all counts. In fact, in my minds eye, I believe Steve to be a "journeyman" on this and his honest critique can only be helpfull to a business and cuisine that requires a great deal of finesse....go for it!! (and maybe consult on the side...??)-D

Steve,

That is one of the primary functions of this forum. I think you should definitely post your review here. I know if were my place, I'd want to know about every single customer that had an issue, no matter how severe the review.

So what say you ? How would you have handled the situation ?

I told you in public (on Facebook) that I thought you should post it here, Steve. It's fair.

What's unfair is the kind of "drive-by shooting" that we occasionally see from a new poster who puts up an extremely negative review in sarcastic, insulting terms, without getting to know us first, raising the possibility that they come in carrying a hidden agenda.

But I thought the post you put up on Facebook, as you worded it, was both blunt and fair. Post on, and be prepared to discuss your thoughts from those who agree and those who don't. Chances are that you'll get a response from management, and that can be a good thing, particularly if your comments help them recognize deficiencies that can be addressed.

In all honesty, I think the place you're talking about is starting off strong, and I don't believe your negative review in this space is going to kill 'em.

Agree on all counts. In fact, in my minds eye, I believe Steve to be a "journeyman" on this and his honest critique can only be helpfull to a business and cuisine that requires a great deal of finesse....go for it!! (and maybe consult on the side...??)-D

Well now I have a guess on the place.

Steve, I absolutely agree with what everyone is saying. I was impressed by your candor on FB but didn't feel like you were defaming them at all- just stating your opinion.
IMO anyone who cares so much about a product should be heard.

So, Steve, what are you waiting for?????