Maxim's restaurant, 20 N. Clark, Chicago - rude service by owner

December 7, 2001:

From:

RE: Maxim's Restaurant/Service

Restaurant:

Maxim's

20 North Clark

Chicago, IL.

To whom it may concern:

At around 12:45pm, My co-workers and I were walking looking around for a different, but nice place to eat lunch. We noticed this place called Maxim's across the way. In the meantime, one of my co-workers decided to walk over to one of the department stores to grab a quick item, and she was going to meet us back at Maxim's in about 10 mins or so. So, the two of us decided to go in and get a table for 3. First, we walk in and

advised the Host that we would be needing a table for three, and we explained that our other party would be joining us shortly.

First, we thought he didn't hear us so my co-worker said to him," We need a table for three". He rudely stated we can seat you when your party arrives. Then, we both looked at each other, and that's when my co-worker said to him "Well we will take a table for two". His response to her was "DON'T LIE TO ME!". Again, we looked at each other and both agree to just leave, because he was so rude and loud, we were so embarrassed. So we began to walk out when he said to us rudely "Bye Bye Then".

After being out side for a few minutes I said my co-worker let's go back in there and be seated for two, and if our co-worker arrives we will then ask to be seated for three. I told her let's not let him steal our joy.

He is just a Host not the one cooking our food. So, we go back in. I began to speak this time. I asked him for a table for two until my other party arrives. He told me he didn't have any tables.

So, I asked him what about the smoking area we can sit over there. He never responded he just took us to a table and slamed the menu's down. Of course it was the smallest little booth that he could find in the corner of the room. We sat down, and the waitress came over, we asked her who was he the Manager or Owner. Then we went on to explain to her what had happened. She was so shocked she told us that he was the owner not just a manger or a host.

In the meantime, the gentlemen at the table next to us over heard us and said, that he was leaving, and we could have his table if our friend arrived. I told him no thanks, but that's ok we will wait for her and

decide if we are staying or leaving. He began to pull his table close to ours so I said to him," Don't do that, because I didn't want any problems from the owner after what we had already been thru." He moved it anyway

and told me not to worry about him."

After a few minutes the owner comes over seat some people. He came over to me pulled the table away and said. "DON'T YOU EVER MOVE A TABLE IN MY RESTAURANT. I MAY WANT TO SEAT SOMEONE ELSE HERE!" I tried to explain to him that I didn't move the table, but the other gentleman who was sitting

there did, but he wouldn't listen. He just continued to SHOUT very loudly at me he he walked away. I grabbed my coat and left.

My co-worker joined me out side. I have never felt so bad and embarrassed before. This was the OWNER and I couldn't believe his unprofessionalism. One of the main reasons for going into his restaurant was not only to eat lunch, but we were thinking of telling our company to have their Christmas Party there.

I would like to see something done about this, because after all that has happen since Sept 11 in America we should all be sticking together and staying on one accord with God. We need to be more friendly and loving with each other for tomorrow is not promised to any of us, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. With economy being the way that it is today businesses should be welcoming consumers in with open arms, because we are the reason they are still in business.

I will tell all of my friends and family to never eat there for as longs as they are in business and I pray that is not for long.

Thanks for your time!

Sincerely,

Jo Lynn Cotledge

Email User