Expectation: Reasonable or Unreasonable

Over the last year or two, NJ and I have had lunch at one of the places "highly touted" on this forum maybe 10 or 12 times. The food and service has always been very good ===> superior every time.

But, here's what bugs me and perhaps it shouldn't. Not once has the owner stopped by our table to ask how things were going, did we enjoy the meal, etc.. Most times the place is not slammed and the owner has been on the premises each time. Sometimes he is preoccupied with "paperwork" in a corner booth or tapping away on his phone, but most often just lurking in the background with never so much as a simple acknowledgement that we existed. I'm sure this is not the case, but it almost seems he could give a sh!t if we were there. I'm in good company as I've never seen him chat up any other customers in the dining area either.

This has annoyed me to the point I haven't gone there in a couple of months and am reluctant to return despite all the positives about the place.

I wouldn't want to say whether your expectation is reasonable or unreasonable. Personally, though, it's something that would never occur to me to expect it. Pleasant surprise if it does happen, but as long as the food and service are good, I don't feel slighted if I'm not recognized.

So go up to the owner and introduce yourself!

So go up to the owner and introduce yourself!

just to be clear, to the best of my knowledge, the owner does not actively participate here.

Bill, the owner doesn't need to participate in LHB. Go up to him; introduce yourself. Not all restaurant owners are extroverts.

Bill, the owner doesn't need to participate in LHB. Go up to him; introduce yourself. Not all restaurant owners are extroverts.

Gayle-
I hear what you are saying and I could certainly do that, but not all customers are extroverts and (no snark intended), I'm not in the hospitality business. That said, I do appreciate your reply.
A little story for everyone. We were heading back from Florida over XMAS and were in dire need of food during the 14 hour drive, so we stopped a a Logan's Roadhouse (Chain!!)...they were slammed, the food was below average and the service barely adequate, but what I really recall from our one time visit to this chain (besides the peanuts) is that a person, who appeared to be a manager, visited each and every table. Sure, that is apparently their schtick and a bit forced, but it did register with me.

Depending on the owner's personality and the styling he wants to project for the restaurant... this might not be his thing to do. Are other people at the restaurant gracious? Thank you for your visit? The whole drop by your table by the owner is considered an interruption of a meal to glad hand in some restauranteur's eyes. Obviously, you like it, and it makes you feel appreciated. Just keep in mind that it is a minus to some. I wouldn't take it as a slight to you, especially if it is not done with others. Where I think some owners can get into trouble is to go over to tables of people they know well, excluding other guests in the room. This can be a really tricky thing. It can make people feel very left out.

I would go back since you seem to like it so much.

I have been to a certain place in town 5 or 6 times and the manager has come to the table each time- I introduced myself and chat and the next time I am in must do the entire process again. This particular person seems to reside in Stepfordville, never remembering me or our previous conversations. Now I don't expect my name to be remembered, but after a while remember my face for heaven's sake!
I think this is much more annoying than an owner/manager letting me enjoy my meal in peace.

Styles are different. I try and "touch" every table each evening. Sometimes I forget the name of customers ( meet 100 new folks a week) but I fess up it. My memory is shot. I, personally, think it is important to visit the tables and check on my customers experience. Plus I like talking to folks. Some people do not.

Styles are different. I try and "touch" every table each evening. Sometimes I forget the name of customers ( meet 100 new folks a week) but I fess up it. My memory is shot. I, personally, think it is important to visit the tables and check on my customers experience. Plus I like talking to folks. Some people do not.

I don't care if an owner stops by my table or not, but if they do, it better be to have an actual conversation and not just a breeze-by.

Too often I'm left with the feeling that the manager or owner is being a little too hands-on, or, if you want to be cynical, spying on the staff. I think a restaurant works best through delegation. And that's why I prefer interacting with the server if something goes wrong not moving directly to the manager or owner.

That said, if a manager or owner really wants to chat, come on over. Just don't breeze-by.

.they were slammed, the food was below average and the service barely adequate, but what I really recall from our one time visit to this chain (besides the peanuts) is that a person, who appeared to be a manager, visited each and every table. Sure, that is apparently their schtick and a bit forced, but it did register with me.

Bill, most if not all "chain" full service restaurants are bonused on table visits via shopper reports, usually in the 10% range of bonus.

Bill, most if not all "chain" full service restaurants are bonused on table visits via shopper reports, usually in the 10% range of bonus.

Did not know that. Thanks.

I'm with Bill P on this one. I've been going to one of the local recommended places for years. I mean like 10 years with groups of friends. We have had special birthday dinners here, tons of drop ins for drinks, and many many many dinners with lots of cocktails/wines at each visit. We had gotten to know the staff on a first name basis and they all knew us. I never wanted special treatment from the owner and I sure didn't want the mechanized table visit with fake hospitality like a manager at an IHOP. However, would it kill the guy to at least throw me a man nod every once in awhile? Neither he nor I need to be extroverts but with the money I and my friends have poured in this place you think just an occasional hello would be in line. He sure kow tows to the social elites who are in there so its not like he avoids the dining room holed up in the kitched or the office. It has been a complaint in our circle for years and it is another reason we have diminished our trips in to this establishment. In fact, this came up again the last time we had gotten together (foodies all of us) and we concluded that none of had much of a desire to be back soon because of this issue as well as other pet peeves about the operation of late.

Before someone says I should go and explain to him and work it out, let me just say that there are too damn many good places in town who offer great food, great drinks, and great service with the occasional smile and thank you from the owner for me to waste my time with him.

Majid should have a graduate level course for restaurant owners. That man can work a room.

Majid should have a graduate level course for restaurant owners. That man can work a room.

Dude. So true. He makes you feel like you live there, and have just returned from a long trip.