yasvanths@net1ueps.co.za
14th July 2009, 17:12
On Saturday, 11 July 2009, I was the victim of what I can only describe as disrespectful and barbaric behaviour while attempting to treat guests to a pleasant evening.
I reserved a table for 7 adults at the Ghazal Indian restaurant in Bryanston.
When we arrived, I informed the Manager, Mr D Monero, that in addition to the 7 people I reserved for, my 2 year old daughter would be joining us. The response from Mr Monero was nothing less that callous and blatantly rude. He raised his voice to me and stated that "If you want to bring extra people, you need to let me know in advance and not just arrive and ask for more space, I am fully booked out!". This rude behaviour was embarrassing for my wife and I who were trying to "treat" our guests. It must be noted that the same message could be communicated in a much more civilised manner - something we later learned was deficient in his character. We still sat around the table, with my daughter on my wife's lap and thereafter squeezing into a tiny corner, even small for a toddler.
More so, the table which apparently sat 7 adults was exceptionally small. The "table" constituted of 2 tables pushed together (that would each accommodate 2 people) with 3 chairs on one side, a booth on the other and a chair at the end. I quickly realised the booth cannot accommodate 3 adults, and when the food arrived, I used a chair from a nearby vacant table(after checking with our waiter) to accommodate one of my guests, with the consent of the pleasant waiter, Corlett. The restaurant was still rather empty, with tables adjacent to us and opposite us having additional chairs. During the meal, we were abruptly interrupted when Mr Monero demanded the extra chair. I kindly advised him that we are almost done with the meal, and that there are many vacant chairs. The important point to note is that next to us, there was a table with only 2 people dining, but 3 chairs. Even one of my guests pointed this out to him. However, Mr Monero shouted at my guest, and me and stated that "you people do this all the time - I can't just move chairs for you"After the verbal abuse, he stared at me, and mumbled something under his breath and stormed off like a spoilt child.
For paying approximately R700 for a meal, I would expect better service - maybe my expectations are too high based on the excellent service I receive at the KFC.
I do not expected to be shouted at for bringing my 2 year old to dinner. I do not expect to be given the amount of space that suggests I need to be a 5 year old to comfortably enjoy a meal. Most importantly, I would expect that after 15 years of democracy, we would not be referred to as "you people". I believe the racist attack was a breach of my constitutional right. Not only will I never frequent the establishment again, I will never recommend any person to that restaurant, which is actually quite a pity as the food was good and so was our waiter. One person, Mr Monero, single handedly tarnished the image of the establishment for me and did not provide an explanation or a decent apology for the atrocious behaviour.
My details were taken down by TJ , and I was informed that I will receive a call from management by Monday for me to lodge an official complaint.
I have still not received any feedback, even after phoning today and leaving a message on the voicemail service.
When my wife phoned the owner Jimmy today, he shouted and verbally abused her over the telephone.
I reserved a table for 7 adults at the Ghazal Indian restaurant in Bryanston.
When we arrived, I informed the Manager, Mr D Monero, that in addition to the 7 people I reserved for, my 2 year old daughter would be joining us. The response from Mr Monero was nothing less that callous and blatantly rude. He raised his voice to me and stated that "If you want to bring extra people, you need to let me know in advance and not just arrive and ask for more space, I am fully booked out!". This rude behaviour was embarrassing for my wife and I who were trying to "treat" our guests. It must be noted that the same message could be communicated in a much more civilised manner - something we later learned was deficient in his character. We still sat around the table, with my daughter on my wife's lap and thereafter squeezing into a tiny corner, even small for a toddler.
More so, the table which apparently sat 7 adults was exceptionally small. The "table" constituted of 2 tables pushed together (that would each accommodate 2 people) with 3 chairs on one side, a booth on the other and a chair at the end. I quickly realised the booth cannot accommodate 3 adults, and when the food arrived, I used a chair from a nearby vacant table(after checking with our waiter) to accommodate one of my guests, with the consent of the pleasant waiter, Corlett. The restaurant was still rather empty, with tables adjacent to us and opposite us having additional chairs. During the meal, we were abruptly interrupted when Mr Monero demanded the extra chair. I kindly advised him that we are almost done with the meal, and that there are many vacant chairs. The important point to note is that next to us, there was a table with only 2 people dining, but 3 chairs. Even one of my guests pointed this out to him. However, Mr Monero shouted at my guest, and me and stated that "you people do this all the time - I can't just move chairs for you"After the verbal abuse, he stared at me, and mumbled something under his breath and stormed off like a spoilt child.
For paying approximately R700 for a meal, I would expect better service - maybe my expectations are too high based on the excellent service I receive at the KFC.
I do not expected to be shouted at for bringing my 2 year old to dinner. I do not expect to be given the amount of space that suggests I need to be a 5 year old to comfortably enjoy a meal. Most importantly, I would expect that after 15 years of democracy, we would not be referred to as "you people". I believe the racist attack was a breach of my constitutional right. Not only will I never frequent the establishment again, I will never recommend any person to that restaurant, which is actually quite a pity as the food was good and so was our waiter. One person, Mr Monero, single handedly tarnished the image of the establishment for me and did not provide an explanation or a decent apology for the atrocious behaviour.
My details were taken down by TJ , and I was informed that I will receive a call from management by Monday for me to lodge an official complaint.
I have still not received any feedback, even after phoning today and leaving a message on the voicemail service.
When my wife phoned the owner Jimmy today, he shouted and verbally abused her over the telephone.