quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
Hostility toward law enforcement from certain subcultural elements is always there, often thinly veiled. It reveals itself from time to time in incidents like this. This was not a "mistake " by the manager-it was a passive aggressive attack on law enforcement. I don't believe a word of the story about the complaining customer. Outback needs to crush that employee and show her to the door to send a clear message.

Correct and spot-on.
There was no 'mistake' here, the manager had made-up her mind, aligned herself with an extremist, trendy point-of-view and arbitrarily decided to be an ass to the officer. I would venture to guess there was no customer who was 'in fear for her life', it was made up by the manager.

quote:

The manager misunderstood the restaurant’s policy on guns, according to a statement from Bloomin’ Brands, Outback’s parent company, to WLOS.

“We’ve always allowed uniformed law enforcement officers to carry their side arms inside our restaurants,” reads the statement.

“A manager made a mistake and we have discussed this with her.
We have contacted the guest personally and apologized.

I'm guessing the manager was a Millennial who knows nothing about firearms or current/local gun laws.

Still I wouldn't hold this transgression against the whole chain unless it is a corporate policy ~ which it isn't.
I don't dislike the Outback's food ~ is pretty good for what it is - mostly like the Ribs.

Gun Free Zones still makes me snicker.

I won't eat at Outback. There are two reasons:

The food is shit.

The managers are morons.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
I won't eat at Outback. There are two reasons:

The food is shit.

The managers are morons.

Sounds rational.

I think I've eaten at an Outback twice, both times many years ago. Since then, a chain called Saltgrass has opened and I prefer to eat at them (when I decide to treat myself to a good steak, which isn't often). Saltgrass also used to offer a "steak soup" which was excellent, and I really liked it. Unfortunately, the last time I ate there that item was no longer available.

flashguy

Don't eat there often, but cant think of a time when I did eat there when I wasn't armed

I've said it in similar threads in the past. Most of these managers do not have discretion when it comes to what corporate tells them to do. When corporate is unclear you can't blame the manager for following policy.

I have a policy book from a large restaurant chain that has a section that covers firearms and weapons. Common sense may say it's OK for an officer to have his sidearm on. Corporate may say after the fact that it was a mistake. But I can assure you that the written policy in my book doesn't say anything about officers, using discretion, or applying common sense. It says "no weapons".

These managers are not hired to make decisions. They are what I call "key monkeys". They unlock the doors, do paperwork, count money, and lock the doors at the end of the night. If somebody complains to the corporate overlords they're damned regardless. They either didn't read enough corporate minds that day, or didn't follow policy as written. Either way they catch the blame.

Outback served the 9/11 first responders with a mess tent at ground zero. That goes a long way with me. I hate the dumbass manager for bringing a shitstorm on OB but I'm not going to write them off due to that.

I must say that I am disappointed at the reviews on the food at Outback. We were living in the Tampa Bay Area in the 80's when the first one opened there and the food and service were great. It was the place to go for special occasions. Law Enforcement was always welcome and they always supported first responders. I have only been in one twice in the past 18 years mostly because there are none nearby. It is sad to see they have gone downhill like so many other franchise chains. Nothing will ruin your business faster than stupid managers. Good food, good service, and reasonable prices are the key to successful restaurants. If they can't get that right, Screw 'em.

It would have been amusing if dingbat and her escort got mugged in parking lot and they had to call the po-leece.

I can give you a general description of both the manager and the person who complained. Without ever laying eyes on either of them, I can give you a general description, and so could a substantial portion of the membership of this forum.

Dipshits?

quote:

Originally posted by enidpd804:
Dipshits?

Well, yeah, but that's pretty general. How about a little more specificity?

How about: Unaccountable millenials steeped in thug culture?

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by Floyd D. Barber:

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by Longbow_06:
I guess I'll never eat at the overpriced Outback again

Last couple times I was there, it was fifteen bucks for a six-ounce sirloin accompanied by an endless supply of grilled shrimp. Just ask for more when you want it.

I can't remember the last time I was in an Outback without a gun. Gun-free zone, my kosher ass!

Are shrimp kosher?

Only when they are wrapped in bacon and grilled.

You need to try it with pepper Jack cheese and BBQ sauce. Only downside is you have to bake due to cheese (and extremely unkohser). The cheese and BBQ that runs out on the pan is delicious chef's treat.

Meh. Our Outback here is extremely pro-LE to the tune that they offer 50 percent off for officers in uniform. They invite officers to sit in their lot and do paperwork.

They are also very staunch in their support of local charities.

I'm not an Outback customer but my wife and I do eat out a fair amount. I am always happy to see law enforcement folks there. Who is going to rob the place with them there and their car parked outside? I usually try to speak to them and thank them for what they do.

I drove up to the offending restaurant tonight while on a Home Depot run (they are pretty much next door)...walked in (met by a very nice young lady)...ZERO signs posted on not bringing guns into the restaurant...LEO or not...to me, much ado about nothing...especially since the idiot manager and their apology in the Banner...my LEO pards don't think it much of a big deal since the manager might be looking for other job (several pretty much were like "she screwed up...let's not make more of this than it is"...same for the TWRA officer from what I understand...being the good solid folks they are.

quote:

Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
I'm not an Outback customer but my wife and I do eat out a fair amount. I am always happy to see law enforcement folks there. Who is going to rob the place with them there and their car parked outside? I usually try to speak to them and thank them for what they do.

Actually, there are a number of cases on record of robbers mistakenly attempting to rob "cop bars", even with many cop cars outside. There is no fixing stupidity, it seems.

flashguy

Just dumb... And the customer who was scared for her life give me a break... It's not like eating your meal and Hillary Clinton shows up (then I'd be scared for my life) jk

Why would somebody not want a uniformed officer around? Maybe a criminal... I would feel a sense of relief, like when I drop my daughter off at school there are two state troopers whos kids also attend the school... I like knowing there is a police precense at some point during the school day... SMH

Why is okay for outback to refuse service to leo or anyone for that matter when a baker is forced to make a cake for a gay couple? Can’t have it both ways.

I agree, the frightened women was probably a member of a group that hates any law enforcement and just wanted a free meal. She should have been to she could leave and get an escort after she paid her bill. Or if she refused to pay then she could get an escort by the police.