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Kids are not welcomePosted Friday, February 22, 2008, at 9:36 AM
Let's talk about customer service.
Today is my husband's birthday. We made plans and reservations to go out to eat and celebrate. Darrell chose to eat at the new Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace because we had heard such good things about their food and atmosphere. Yesterday, I called and made reservations for five and assumed that we were all set. Fast forward to this morning and I recieve a phone call to confirm our reservation. I tell the lady that we will be attending then she procedes to tell me that she hopes that we don't have any babies or small children in the party because that makes an unplesant experience for other diners...etc...I informed her that we do have a 3 year old in the party and I cancel the reservation. First, I should have been informed when I made the reservation that children are not welcome at the hotel on the weekends. That would have saved a lot of trouble. In addition, the delivery of the information was a bit rude. So, if you have heard all of the nice things about the restaurant as I did, please go and enjoy it. Drop the kids off at McDonalds. They are not welcome at the Walking Horse Hotel. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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It is amazing to me that they would make that policy. If we were in a LARGE Metro area, they might have enough clientèle to support that, but this NOT. It is a community of families that want to enjoy their loved ones as well as the food and ambiance.
We no longer have young children in the house, but that type of policy gives me a cold feeling, certainly not the warm fuzzy I would expect from a local business. If we have friends come in from out of town, I guess they will have to miss that 'attraction'?.
Small children don't bother me at a restaurant unless they are screaming bloody murder but I don't get people who bring babies to a movie theater. It is rude and inconsiderate of all those who spent money (and believe me, going to the theater isn't as cheap as it use to be) who have to listen to a baby cry while trying to watch a film.
But yeah, many eating establishes that are considered fine dining usually frown on babies and small children because it ruins the atmosphere and ambience of the place. I guess that is what the hotel in Wartrace is trying to create.
I'll probably get blasted about this...
I HATE to go out to eat and have to listen to someone else's crying, whining kid who won't stay in their seat. I don't expect this kind of behavior at McDonald's or a buffet type restaurant. I do expect it at any restaurant where I sit down and someone comes to take my order. Is this the type of restaurant at the Walking Horse Hotel?
They may have been rude/untimely about informing you. They did not prohibit the children. Perhaps something happened at the restaurant between the reservation time and confirmation and the caller was still feeling the repercussions.
BTW . . . I live right down the road from the hotel and pass it every day and they are doing some great business because they are always packed at night, even around 9 PM so they must be doing something right there. My friends and I are thinking about checking it out and the more adult-oriented atmosphere might be more of an incentive.
If they would have informed us ahead of time I would be alright with it. I understand that kids in a fine establishment sometimes can be a bad mix, but come on, this is Wartrace. In my opinion, it was rude to not let us know beforehand. They really put a bad taste in my mouth as well as the other people that were coming with us. I usually don't fly off the handle like that, but this time it really rubbed me the wrong way.
Why can't Wartrace have a fine dining establishment? It's not like they don't have electricity and running water. I think it's great to have a place like that close by without having to fight traffic in a bigger city.
I think I'll call and make reservations for my anniversary.
I can't seem to get this out of my mind. We have run some businesses catering to the public, and during my travels I eat in some ritzy places. I can not recall anyone restricting families.
How often will families bring their three year old in to pay the prices of an upscale restaurant? How many will want their three year old to be in the music hall until late at night? Once a year? So how big a problem is this?
If we had parents who did not control their kids, we asked them to calm them down or leave. We did not ban them from coming in. The empty, insulted feeling that you got, is the same I get, without having children!
Interesting business philosophy.
Just curious, but when YOU made the reservation for 5, did you tell them that a child was in the mix? It's just as much your responsibility and it is theres.
I have kids of my own and to be honest if I was making a reservation to go out and have an "adult" meal, and I have taken the time to get a sitter for my child, I certainly do not want to be surrounded by other children.
JMO
Having two small children puts me on the fence. I, too, have a three year old and believe me when I say "sit down" he sits down so his misbehaving in public is not a problem. However, I realize (as I have seen with my own eyes) that some parents aren't much of parents at all. Which in turn makes for unruly children and in an atmosphere where rules must be obeyed in order not to inconvience others this becomes a problem. Those are the kinds of children I'm sure they are trying to prevent, BUT you can't just say "no bad kids, only good ones". Most parents think their children are in the good kids category. It makes sense, but they should have told you ahead of time.
Normally, I don't have to worry about if a child would be acceptable or not. Typically around here, they are. Also, I didn't mean that Wartrace can't have a nice establishment. I like Wartrace. Let me change my words by saying Bedford County in general. This is a town of families. I also assumed since our reservation was at 5:30 that it wouldn't be a big deal. If it was at 7:00 or 8:00 I wouldn't even consider it. That's when most adults are out ALONE anyway. Hey, I'm not going to worry about it. I said my piece. We will be going to a nice restarunt where children are welcome.
I believe there is no such thing as "customer service" anymore. Whatever happened to the old belief that the customer is always right? We live in a right now, care less society. If you don't like the service of a particular business, they don't care, there are 10 more lined up behind you that do.
I am more than a little surprised at how understanding everyone is about this.
I vividly recall the comments when we said we did not allow smoking and can not imagine what would have been said if we chose to not allow small children because of the breakable items in our store.
I also have kids that are now teenagers, and this information is greatly appreciated. I am also one of those that enjoys a quite meal without having to listen to someone elses screaming kids.
Many parents these days could care less how much of an annoyance their child is to others. Parenting skills these days are awful for the most part. Back when my kids acted up, a short trip outside for some attitude adjustment usually took care of the problem. Just because a kid is three or four years old doesn't mean they are not capable of behaving in public.
I also agree that the movie theater is no place for an unruly child. I would never tell a parent not to bring their child to church, but I certainly wish the young couple who often sits behind me that it is extremely hard to hear what is being said when they totally ignore the fact that their children are having loud conversations between each other during the service. Good manners should be started as soon as the child is old enough to comprehend what is being said. A good pop on the rearend never hurt anyone!
I can see both sides.
I am in the service and support business and I have to cater to many types of people. Is the customer always right? Only if you want to get paid. hehe. Basically I make my service as user-friendly as possible for people, from the Elite-tech savvy to the "I have never even touched a computer" person. I have had people with no background absolutely love me and a few that want to do the impossible and get upset at me. But I am about happy customers so sometimes I actually have to go to their house and help them. Yet, they bring me more customers, I do not have to advertise.... yet.
So if I were that restuarant and they want a special clientele, when they take a reservation they are supposed to "qualify" that potential client. That eliminates a ton of problems from the beginning or offer the customer suggested times more suitable for a family atmosphere.
Amen tgreader.
A friend of mine 'plays restaurant' with her kids at home. The older kids get it and are allowed to accompany mom and dad occasionally at a nice restaurant if it is a place where children are served and expected to be a little mature. They are 7 and 8. They have a little one who is 3. She doesn't 'get' the game at home yet, so she stays with a sitter when they go out like that. That's not near enough detail, but her kids are SOOO well behaved when they go out. They don't even cry or yell in Wal-Mart.
A good pop on the rearend never hurt anyone!
-- Posted by tgreader on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 12:10 PM
I agree with you 100%! That's what's wrong with kids. The lack of a good pop. I also agree with you Keeley. You should have been notified. You said party of 5. If they don't allow children they should have asked if you had any. Your not a mind reader. When you walk in any restaurant they ask you "how many?". Usually not "how many children?". That would leave a bad taste, but now some will think hmmm, that would be a good place to get away from children. Maybe for me and my husband!
And no,my husband is not Micheal.(lol) That was a good one though. Not even close.
Wow. I went the Walking Horse Hotel a couple weeks ago and even included comments about it in my newspaper column. It was terrific!
My mother is visiting this weekend and I also called yesterday to make a reservation for five, so mom can enjoy the experience (we chose Wartrace over going to a nice place in Nashville). They didn't call me to confirm my reservation...I hope we are still on the books:-)
First of all, you wouldn't want to take your kids there. It's just not that type of restaurant. You'd be much better off getting a baby sitter so you can enjoy the romantic, laid back atmosphere.
Wartrace has done an awesome job with this place. It's something different and exceptional in just a short drive away. It is the only fine dining restaurant we have.
I know you're upset about the way she informed you, but you should be glad she did. You would/will enjoy it much more on a "date night."
The customer service I received was just as exceptional as the food...I can't wait to go back tomorrow.
Steve, I think everyone agrees that maybe the person on the phone probably could have shown better phone etiquette when relating to the blogger about the issue with bringing children but we have no idea what the situation was like . . . maybe the lady was being friendly and her voice didn't reflect that or maybe she was having a bad day, etc. Either way, they probably should have asked if there were any children when the blogger made the reservation.
However, the hotel shouldn't apologize for being selective about the clientele they cater to. It is their business and they can do whatever they want and if people like that then they will do business and if not, then they will go elsewhere. It would be like an Amish family going to Hooters and asking the waitresses to put on clothing . . . the restaurant caters to a certain group of people and if you don't like it then you don't have to go to that restaurant. The Wartrace Hotel evidently wants to be an upscale eating experience with a certain ambience and atmosphere that small children would ruin. I am one of those individuals who likes to go eat and enjoy the meal with a little peace and not hear some kid scream at the top of his lungs while the parents either sits there doing nothing or is screaming back. That's why I prefer to eat at places like Carrabbas and the Cheesecake Factory. If you don't like their requirements then eat elsewhere, it's just that simple. No one is forcing anyone to go there. I don't go to places like Ryan's or the other buffet bars because usually they are full of families and children and lots of ruckus but I don't get upset because they cater to those type of people . . . it is just business. Unfortunately we live in a society that is takes political correctness to the extreme and think we need to always cater to everyone's needs and that is just no the case and that is why we have all types of different restaurants to fit everyone's needs and wants.
In my youth,my folks did something akin to Jacks4me's friend.
We learned that wearing "dress-up" clothes meant being very restrained and quiet.
(I don't think the aunts realized we were imagining the ties,slick shoes and crinolines as torture devices the enemy used to try to get us to talk or that we were being still to avoid detection.
If Mr. Bond could wear a tux and be suave in places with cloth napkins,so could we.)
The Saddle or Dixie Hotel or any place requiring hats and white gloves were "good manners" restaurants.
One needed to be quiet at Bud's Drive-In so the servers could hear the orders.
In lieu of a Chuck E. Cheese,we had the Golden Spur with its swing set.
Restaurants that cater to large parties tend to have an area set aside for that purpose.
Family groups can be expected to include children and even problematic elders.
Red Hatters and civic clubs can raise the noise level,too.
Fine dining places shouldn't be expected to serve the same purpose as sports bars or fast-food establishments any more than pick-up joints or meat-and-threes would provide wine lists and valet parking.
Kids can catch on to what's required where pretty easily.
If they occasionally visit big people places,they learn to conform to the behavior expected in such areas.
(Plus,they see how appallingly inappropriate it looks when an alleged adult breaks the rules.)
Restaurants,movies,churches,etc. should be ready to accommodate their less civilized clientele (children,service animals or whatever) without lowering their standards or imposing on other guests.
It is the responsibility of the customers to see their visits as a privilege that they should respect by being as pleasant as possible.
We could do worse than have calm,responsible (but not stuffy) behavior be a rite of passage.
Imagine folks learning that if one acts in a considerate manner,one can go off-lead as opposed to the assumption that adulthood grants permission to be destructive.
If they don't want young children dining at the Walking Horse Hotel, how do they feel about the elderly?
I hate to hurt anyones feelings but when my husband and I have time to go out alone without our kids, I don't want to deal with anyone elses either. I've never had an elderly person ruin my meal, just unruly kids and people using cell phones. They either don't know how loud they are or they're just plain rude!
This story hit a nerve with my husband and I.
I agree with some aspects of both sides, but being parents of a three year old little boy, this situation with Sadie made us mad. They should have told you while making the reservations. How rude.
My boys, three and 17 months, get loud in resteruants when they are through eating. By that time, the baby is bored and tired, and the three year old is just bored. Thats when we pack it up and leave. Just because our boys are being kids, doesn't mean we should not enjoy a night out. We "pop" our boys, and take nessasary measures to control their tempures, but they ARE kids.
You don't go to a resteraunt (not talking about up scale) thinking that it will be a pieceful time. That's like going to Wal-Mart and thinking you won't have to wait in line for 25 minutes.
If my kids are not welcome, then I feel like I'm not either.
Opps, I meant to say "situation with Keeley," not Sadie.
"A good pop on the rearend never hurt anyone!"
-- Posted by tgreader on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 12:10 PM
"I agree with you 100%! That's what's wrong with kids. The lack of a good pop."
- Posted by christiangirl on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 2:07 PM
HAHA, I can disagree, it used to hurt everytime!!! [but it got the point across]*****
Ok, here's my problem with this statement, the kids aren't going to "pop" themselves, but those parents that were raised oh-so-perfectly are the ones who don't discipline their children.
And Keeley, I understand your complaints. You probably could have mentioned that you had a 3 year old, but then again if part of my policy was "NO INFANTS AND SMALL CHILDREN" then the prerequisite for making reservations should include the hostess asking all the necessary questions. After all, they are getting paid to take that phone call and set up the reservation, therefore it should also be their job to ask any questions that could alter the decision! Imagine the trouble that "Due to our relaxing, quiet, adult atmosphere it our policy that no children under ___ age are permitted. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause." could have saved you.
It somewhat reminds me of you calling in a large order for pizzas and them not asking you how many, what: size, crust and toppings you want, while just assuming you want 10 thin crust pizzas with cheese only. [A different analogy but the same focus]
The walking horse hotel is an AWESOME place. My family has ate there several times and we had kids with us. They were welcomed. I think you just got a bad attitude employee. Anyway, it really is a quiet, beautiful, relaxing place to dine. The owner has sunk lots of money in this place, he may not want 100's of kids to tear it down. I can understand that too. I too can't understand why some parents can't try to keep their kids in order. We do not need to bash the Hotel because it is an awesome asset to our county. The food and music is awesome!
Keeley, I suspect that the person you talked to when you first called the Hotel to make your reservation was NOT the one who normally answers the phone. It could well have been someone who works in the kitchen, one of the carpenters or even the owner. I'm guessing that's the reason you got a call-back by the reservation person, was to make sure you understand their policy on small children.
The newly renovated Walking Horse Hotel is a nice addition to Wartrace and Bedford County. It is truly "fine dining" and you pay a little extra for that but it comes with a nice quiet atmosphere.
Even the best behaved kids act up sometimes so just get a sitter if you are going to the Hotel.
Mary wrote:
"You don't go to a resteraunt (not talking about up scale[sic]) thinking that it will be a pieceful [sic] time. That's like going to Wal-Mart and thinking you won't have to wait in line for 25 minutes."
Hang on...unless I'm paying $100-a-plate I can't expect to go out to dinner and have a peaceful, enjoyable meal? I beg to differ. When I go out to eat at a reasonably nice restaurant I expect to have decent service and the quiet needed to enjoy my meal and the person I'm with. It shouldn't matter what the price of the meal is; diners who bring children out to eat with them should be nice enough to control their children and keep them from bothering other diners. I can see kids maybe making a little mess or being loud once or twice. But if it's enough to disrupt my dinner they need to leave. And I'm not talking about buffets or fast-food places.
As for the Walking Horse, while I agree the info about how many children were in the party should have been handled up front when the reservation was made, they absolutely have the right to maintain an adult atmosphere for adults to enjoy without children present.
I don't know if anyone has been keeping up with the situation going on in Park Slope, Brooklyn, but parents there are bringing their children into bars in the afternoons, much to the consternation of other adults who do not want children around while they're enjoying a beer or two.
While I give parents their due for taking on the tough job of raising their kids, children do not belong everywhere their parents go.
Agreed, cubicalgirl. Since when should we not expect to enjoy our dinner in peace??
As far as establishments that serve alcohol....Why would you need to bring small children there anyway? There are plenty of places that do not serve alcohol that welcome children. If the parents chose to go to an alcohol serving restaurant a sitter should be hired.
Also, Mary, the "kids will be kids comment" is exactly why people prefer not to deal with "kids" while out on a "date" dinner. If you can control you children (pretty much impossible with the baby) then I have no problem with you bringing them. If I have to listen to your screaming baby while I try to enjoy a meal with my wife, I'd like to know how you think that is fair to me?
Am I seeing a pattern here? First it was the smokers bothering people now it is children bothering people. What's next, teenagers? Will people be saying they are loud and dress funny they shouldn't have to look at lip rings or eyebrow rings while they eat? Will alcohol be banned from being served? People who drink are loud and rude when they have a few too many. Will cell phones be banned from restaurants, people who use them disturb the people around them? Will the elderly be banned also they are slow and eat slower than younger people they sit at the tables longer making people have to wait to be seated longer?
What makes any one of you feel your rights are more important than someone else's rights?
Have we become a nation of intolerant people?
People want to step on the toes of every person around them unless they act just as they do until that time comes when it is your toes that are stepped on.
I don't have a dog in this hunt because I don't have small children but I did have small children at one time and they went out everytime I went out.
Dianatn,
No one is saying that their rights are more important than anyone elses. What I am saying is that when I go out to eat, I expect not to have my meal disrupted by badly behaved people. This includes children, loud drunks, people talking loudly on cell phones, and anyone else who doens't know how to sit in their seat, display decent manners, and keep their voice at an appropriate level. It's not called "acting just as [I] do," it's called manners and consideration.
Are you saying you enjoy it when someone blows cigarette smoke in your face, carries on a loud and/or inappropriate cell phone conversation, lets their young children run wild, or otherwise makes a commotion while you're trying to enjoy a meal in a restaurant?
When people go out in public there is an expectation of behavior. If someone can't handle that (within reason) then they should reconsider going out.
No cubicalgirl I don't enjoy it and it is my right to get up and leave if I am bothered by anything that is happening in a restaurant instead of the restaurant banning certain groups of people. It is the same concept as the Standard School Attire an entire group of people are punished for what some few do..and that is not right nor is it fair.
I love Hollister but their stores are dark with loud music and strong perfume smells. Their stores actually give me a headache should I complain or just stay out of their stores?
Dianatn,
Why should you or I be the one to have to get up and leave becuase someone elase is being disruptive? While I do believe that children do not belong in places like bars or upscale restaurants, I'm not talking about a wholesale banning of entire groups of people (like kids, teens or senior citizens) from places and I would really appreciate if you didn't jump to conclusions and put words in my mouth.
What I am talking about is people who cannot conform to basic principles of manners and decorum. This has nothing to do with what you look like or who you are; it's about how you act. If you can't have your dinner without disrupting the dinners of the people around you, you should not be there.
As for going to Hollister, that's not a very good example. It's the patrons of a particular place (in this case, restaurants) I'm talking about, not the actual ambience of the restaurant. There are stores I do not patronize because I don't like their atmosphere. But that's the corporate decision on the part of the store, not anything to do with the people who shop there.
Hollister could be well-lit, perfume-free, and play smooth jazz. But if you were in there with another customer who insisted on screaming, knocking over displays, and spitting, do you think you should be the one to leave, or that other customer?
Gee so sorry I thought this blog was about a restaurant that didn't allow small children regardless if they were misbehaved or not.
The restaurant itself has the right to tell anyone who is being disruptive to leave but to ban children all together because some misbehave is certainly banning an entire group of people.
Dianatn you are the one carrying this conversation to a whole different level when you insinuated that we would eventually choose to ban everyone who didn't meet strick requirement for entry into a restaurant.
We only attempted to make the point that if a high-end restaurant chooses not to serve POTENTIALLY diruptive small children then that should be there right. Perhaps you should take your own advice and not attend the retaurant in question if this goes against what you feel is right. As for me, the restaurant will definitely be on my list to check out considering the great reviews here and the promise of a peaceful dinner.
Dianatn wrote:
"Gee so sorry I thought this blog was about a restaurant that didn't allow small children regardless if they were misbehaved or not."
And so it is. We got off track a bit. I still maintain that there are certain places (like bars and upscale restaurants) where children do not belong. What's the problem with having adults-only spaces where they can enjoy a meal or a drink or entertainment? I'm not implying children should never leave the house until they turn 18. I just think that adults can use a break from the constant exposure to children (especially if those children are not their own).
There is no problem with adult only places in fact there are many places that are adult only and I have been known to frequent many of those places but I know up front they are adult only.
I just have a problem with people complaining so much about children being loud even in places like Ruby Tuesdays or Chilis. Maybe restaurants could use the old smoking sections as family sections and instead of being ask when you enter if you prefer smoking or non smoking they could ask family or non-family
Just think about what would happen if you wanted all those things: nice, quiet, respectful, PERFECT atmoshphere and you didn't have to drive 15 miles and pay $20 bucks a plate. It's called "having it your way" at HOME!
I am all for being considerate in public, in fact I get irritated when parents don't tend to their children and they let them run rampant. As a former restaurant manager I encountered these situations on a daily basis. But nobody makes you go eat anywhere, so if you want things in precise order and your children are perfect, then what better place than in the comfort and economic setting than your own dining room table?
The point of her original blog though, wasn't that they DON'T allow children, it was that NOBODY mentioned it when she made the reservations, yet it was a question [asked by an obviously different and potentially unqualified employee] brought up when confirming the reservation. I don't see why it would have been hard for either her to mention "It'll be 4 adults and ____ child(ren). It would be no more difficult for the staff to have originally asked "How many will be in your party, and will their be children?"
I think whatever policy a restaurant has should be posted on the door and written up in a brochure.
My family (no children) went to a high class restaurant in St. Louis which did not accept reservations. When we arrived we told them that there would be 6 in our party but 1 was not there yet. They would not seat us until the 6th arrived!!!
We would not have gone if we knew that was their policy and will not go again. The restaurant had been recommended to us by several long-time residents of St. Louis.
The blog is named "Kids are not welcome", not about the service, although there is reference to that in the writing.
Going to the WHH this weekend, and I can't wait.
And here's another peeve, why do people wait until their kids start screaming to leave? I don't want to hear them at all while I'm eating. Last time I tried to eat at Ruby Tuesday, there was a screaming kid at a table close to the door. I asked the server if they had a place away. They didn't, I left. I went to Kroger, got a steak, potato and bag of salad. I had to cook and clean up, but at least I ate in peace.
BTW, smoking is not so much as an annoyance as it is a health hazard, so you can't lump smokers in the same category as unruly children/parents.
Banning the elderly?..I haven't seen too many old folks running around a restaurant screaming and crying.
As is normal for most of these blogs, this one finally headed South also. I think the whole point most of the early bloggers were making is that a nice restaurant with an adult atmosphere IS something that a lot of people would like to see.
It isn't a knock on kids. I have four and love them dearly. It isn't a knock on "families".. That was indeed a huge stretch there, Diane.. I have no idea how smokers got thrown into this conversation, because as Jack said, that is a health issue not an annoyance issue.
Bottom line, if these blogs have proven anything, it is the fact that people will argue over some of the most foolish things. I enjoy reading some of them such as the one created about local attractions. I learned a lot about our area I didn't know. Some of the civilized debates are fun to read. There seem to be a few on here, (and it is usually the same ones) who have their own agendas and turn the conversations into a name-calling pre-school experience.
There is no need to imply that you are smarter or more educated than others on here. Often those who opt to belittle others by name calling or questioning their intelligence are doing nothing more than revealing their own insecurities. Let's try and keep these debates at a civilized level, so we can all enjoy reading them...
I absolutely agree with tgreader . . . plus what the comments have proven is that more people than not enjoy a nice relaxing dinner or lunch without dealing with the inconsistent nature of kids and parenting. A lot of it has to go back to the fact that so many families don't eat together at a table at home and they never learn proper manners and this shows when they go to a restaurant. My father would have never allowed us to get away with what you see goes on so much now in restaurants. If we started acting up then he would have hauled our little butts outside and wore it out and then let us know that the same would happen when we got home. Now, so many parents think its ok for the children to act up in public and discipline isn't a consideration so the children can go wild. If I had a baby, I think I would realize how a screaming baby could annoy some people and would limit where I would take it when I would go out to eat. It is not the fault of the other customers in the restaurant that you had a baby and shouldn't have to deal with it screaming unless the restaurant promotes itself as a family eating establish like Chuck E Cheese(you expect to hear children screaming and running wild at that place).
Oh well, common courtesy is something that is fading in the wind in today's society and people aren't as considerate of other people as they use to be.
I agree with Mary. I am a mother of a 4 year old and if you can't accept my child, then you won't accept me. I don't see why Keeley should have told them she had a child in her party. They should have mentioned it when the reservation was made. Most restaurants aren't particular about the age of the customers because they just want to make their money. And the best advertisement for any business is word of mouth. So Thank You Keeley, I will not be checking out this place since they apparently aren't "family oriented". And for Cubicalgirl--they do not have a right to discriminate against small children just to maintain an adult atmosphere. That's like saying guys can't eat there to maintain a feminine atmosphere or vice-versa. Does that mean that I can't go to a sports bar because it has a "manly" atmosphere? It's a shame that people can't go out and celebrate as a family because this place doesn't want children in there restaurant. If this had happened to me, I would have made sure some sort of disciplinary action was taken against the person that said "no kids please". Kids will never learn how to act in public if they aren't allowed to be taken out in public.
Boy oh Boy! Now we've become child haters and "discriminators" because we want to enjoy a quite meal... Geez...
"If you can't accept my 4-year old then you can't accept me" I don't think anyone was proposing to you there, Candasons07. Why do you feel the need to take everything of personally??
Who said they couldn't "accept" your child? The whole discussion revolves around disorderly kids disturbing a quite meal for adults. If your kid is disorderly, why do you feel it is necessary to go to this restaurant which openly prefers not to cater to you when you can attend 50 other restaurants within a 20 mile radius?
You and a few others are attempting to make a mountain out of a mole hill. If you never attend this establishment, will it create a huge void in your life? I rather doubt it. There is no need to chastise everything that isn't in agreement with your opinion.
Jaxspike,
Funny you mentioned, "if I had a baby."
I was wondering if you had any kids of your own, the way you were going off.
I hope that one day you will be able to have children so you can see parenting from my perspective. Then you will realize that eating out is a treat for your family. Cooking at home and cleaning up the mess every night gets tiresome.
Your comment on discipling was kind of funny to me. When disciplining children in public, you have to worry about the issue, "Will someone turn me in for child abuse." Some will. It's not like when we were little and our parents took us out to the car and beat us, or in my case, just wacked me across the butt or arm right there. Times have changed. Disiplining children in public is completely different. So don't make assumptions about the parents of unrulely children not knowing what they are doing.
My husband and I spank, but you have to be careful.
We eat at the table every night as a family, and my boys still act up in resteraunts. Like I said, kids will be kids! Until they reach a certain maturity level, they will not understand how to behave, but it is our job as parents to expose them to resteraunt settings to "train" them.
Bless you if you ever get seated next to me and my family and pull that line "is there a table away." My husband and I would laugh at you for not having the patients to "deal" with our children. That hasn't happened to us yet, so I guess our kids aren't too bad, but it sure would be funny. We would get to sit there and enjoy our meal with our family, while you were off finding something else to eat.
Kids are not perfect, and they will not act perfect all the time. Until you have a baby, you won't understand.
Bless you if you ever get seated next to me and my family and pull that line "is there a table away." My husband and I would laugh at you for not having the patients to "deal" with our children.
Posted by Mary...
And that is why there are so many on here who are cheering on WHH.
Mary . . I actually understand better than you think since I had to grow up for a while in a household with 5 children. We still knew how to act and if we didn't, then we didn't get to go eat out the next time and faced discipline.
Again, parents make so many excuses nowadays . . . it's convenient that way. And believe me; if your children are being obnoxious and you spank them, I am sure most people in the restaurant would appreciate it.
Also, I wouldn't bother leaving a restaurant if you and your family were disrupting my meal. I would turn around and ask you to your face to please tell your children to be quiet. It seems to have always worked before.
And that is why there are so many on here who are cheering on WHH.
-- Posted by Jacks4me on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 10:45 AM
AMEN!
Bless you if you ever get seated next to me and my family and pull that line "is there a table away." My husband and I would laugh at you for not having the patients to "deal" with our children.
-- Posted by Mary on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 10:38 AM
Mary, I have small kids so take this from a fellow parent. It is no one else's responsibility to "deal" with your children other than you. If seated next to you and your children got unruly my children, husband and I would also ask to be moved. In a heart beat.
BTW . . . Walking Horse Hotel has the right to decide the type of clientele they wish to serve because they are a private business. They cater to a certain group of people and if you can't respect that then don't go but don't act as though they are discriminating against people. I don't get upset with Curves Gym because they cater only to women, it is their prerogative and many women go there so they feel more comfortable and don't have to worry about men staring at them and other problems of the sorts. It is the same with Walking Hose Hotel, they wish to service people who want a relaxing and nice dinner with great music and food and without dealing issue that might arise with children being in the room and like what someone said earlier, evidently a majority of people like the idea. This hotel is the only place like that so you have a ton of other options to eat at and let your children run wild . . . why should the hotel change its policy?
Exactly Laura . . . I dont understand this sense of entitlement that some people have in regard to their children and everyone has to put up with them.
Well, the funny thing is, my children have never pushed anyone to the point of finding somewhere else to sit.
Maybe I went a little too far with that point! I was holding a conversation with my husband on the phone and didn't proof read. My fingures got away with me, and that comment that you all are referring too is nothing like what we would do. Sorry ya'll!
My three year old is actually very good through the whole process of eating out, it's the baby that gets bored and tired and wants down.
If the three year old were to be unrulely, you better believe he would be "popped" right there, and we would be very appoligetic to the people around us. That is the polite and right thing to do.
Popping him is something that only happens when nessasary. We have been told that we need to stop spanking or they will turn us in to DHS. We were suprised. That's why I say you have to be careful about disiplining your kids in public. Some people oppose spanking, and some preferr it.
Back on the subject, I wish they went about the "no children allowed" thing more professionally. They do need to have this prefrence in writing AND posted so feelings aren't hurt.
When you are family orriented, places that have that attitude are not appealing.
Mary,
I commend you for disciplining your child when it is needed. As I said before, a pop on the rear-end never hurt a child. It is a shame so many do-gooders have taken it upon themselves to tell us how to raise our children.
I'm not condoning beating a child, but a little common sense should allow you to differentiate between the two. Unfortunately there are way too many parents these days that promote individualism from their child to the detriment of good behavior. Talking back to Mommy is even laughed at by some. I fear that things will get worse before they get better.
tgreader,
Of course things will get worse, eventually (if not already) those kids will have kids of their own.
Mary wrote:
"When you are family orriented, places that have that attitude are not appealing."
Mary, you just made my point. When you do not have kids (heck, even when you do have kids and want a break) places that do not allow kids are quite appealing.
Does anyone know if the Walking Horse Hotel have a menu online somewhere . . . the hotel website does not discuss anything about the restaraunt part?
jaxspike, I just called google looking for a menu and couldn't find anything - I was thinking of emailing them. I want to check out this place, but since I don't eat meat, I want to make sure my options aren't too limited.
I emailed, but I only asked for a sampling. I haven't received a reply yet. I noticed it's been a long time since the website was updated and I would guess they have a changing menu. If I get anymore info, I will post it.
Thats what I was wondering because I dont want to show up and they are serving something I dont like. LOL!
Exactly Laura . . . I dont understand this sense of entitlement that some people have in regard to their children and everyone has to put up with them.
-- Posted by jaxspike on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 11:11 AM
I don't understand this sense of entitlement that some people have that makes them think that a private business should only cater to them and no one else.
I do see a relationship between this and the smoking debate, and that is the issue of property rights. What right do any of you have to tell a business owner what they should or should not allow in their business when no one is forcing to go there?
Jacks4me
This came from the body of the blog:
"First, I should have been informed when I made the reservation that children are not welcome at the hotel on the weekends. That would have saved a lot of trouble.
In addition, the delivery of the information was a bit rude."
Please note that the title did not tell the whole story.
To rephrase for you:
I think whatever policy (i.e. preferably no children) a restaurant has; it should be posted on the door and written up in a brochure. I used my example to make the point that it needs to be in writing. Sorry you could not make the connection.
Quote from the T_G:
"People need a place to go here [in Wartrace]," Peters says. "And we're going to give it to them."
http://www.t-g.com/story/1232571.html
http://www.walkinghorsehotel.com/
I did not see it listed anywhere that children were not welcome. Are they welcome in the hotel? They welcome tour groups and rvs but do not give ages.
I rarely comment on any story or blog because I do not like the rudeness.
If I was considering eating at the WHH, I will not now because I do not want to be seated next to someone with your attitude. You do not have to be loud to be annoying.
Dolittle, the blog was about a restaurant not wanting Keeley to bring her child in. Can you read? I was only pointing out that I agree with Mary in the fact that she said she felt unwelcome because the person that took the reservation told Keeley that they kids to be a problem for other guests. I understand going somewhere and having to hear a screaming child. And let me tell you my child is well aware of how to behave in a public place. I believe in disciplining a child and that includes giving him a spank every now and then. And trust me, no void will be in my life from not attending this place. And I wasn't taking it on personally. I was stating a fact on behalf of mothers that want to be able to go out and celebrate with their child. Apparently you don't have kids, so until you do--keep your opinion to yourself--mine was in direct response to Keeley's blog, not you!
Personally, I don't have small children anymore they are all older now. But You can be sure even though I have no small children I had much rather sit next to screaming children than I had loud, rude drunks.
I agree with Mary. I am a mother of a 4 year old and if you can't accept my child, then you won't accept me. ..... And for Cubicalgirl--they do not have a right to discriminate against small children just to maintain an adult atmosphere. That's like saying guys can't eat there to maintain a feminine atmosphere or vice-versa. Does that mean that I can't go to a sports bar because it has a "manly" atmosphere? It's a shame that people can't go out and celebrate as a family because this place doesn't want children in there restaurant. If this had happened to me, I would have made sure some sort of disciplinary action was taken against the person that said "no kids please". Kids will never learn how to act in public if they aren't allowed to be taken out in public.
-- Posted by candasons07 on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 9:22 AM
I'll go ahead and re-post your entry since my reading comprehension is obviously much better than your memory. You put your foot in your mouth on several things. Your post wasn't just a re-enforcement of the initial blog. Perhaps you should proof-read what you post if it is that much of a problem for you to remember. If you don't want any rebuttal to your posts it'd probably be best if you sent personal e-mails as opposed to responding to public forums..
My family has eaten at this restaurant several times. I have never thought of this place as an "adult only" restaurant. I have eaten at those types of restaurants and The Walking Horse Hotel is not one. I am not sure if I want to never eat there again, or take my 2 young kids and all of their friends there for dinner around 8:00 Friday night!!
"The blog is named "Kids are not welcome", not about the service, although there is reference to that in the writing."
Tinaw, I said there was a reference to service in the blog, but not in the title. If her beef was about service, she should have made reference to that in the blog title.
Stating your opinion is not rude, although there are lots of folks on here that think a difference of opinion is the same thing. Where do you get that I am being loud? If that's your attitude then I'm glad you won't be sitting by me this weekend.
I could care less what clientele the Walking Horse Hotel serves . . . if I don't agree with it then I simply just don't go and choose another restaurant. What I am basically saying is that each business has the right to choose the type of business they run and who they want to cater too and if that doesn't suit you, then go somewhere else. Don't throw a hissy fit online and blog about it and act as though you are being discriminated against or that they hate kids. You need to respect that is how they run their business and they will respect you if you choose not to be a customer. It is that simple.
So many people are so self involved and think that everyone needs to cater to their every whim and unfortunately that is not how the world works. We have become a society that feels that it is ok to demand our wishes and wants on to everyone else and that they must accommodate to that. There are many restaurants that serve families and have no age restrictions on children. . .so why complain about the measly few that do? Because some people feel as though they are entitled to anything they want . . . and that is not so. Like I said before, I could go to Curves and throw a fit because they won't let me join because I am a man but what is the point? They are a company that has decided to focus on women and I respect that so I choose another fitness gym that does accept men. My feelings don't get hurt because I know that is how the world works and there is nothing wrong with it.
Here's the e-mail I received. The menu attachment did not get attached:-), but I will post it when I get it.
A menu has been forwarded and our winter schedule is open on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 8:30 and Sunday from 11:00 to 2:00. Reservations are required.
We do not accommodate children on Friday and Saturday but do on Sunday which is a lunch buffet.
Also, on Saturday night the Midnight Special Band performs inside the Chais Music Hall from 8:00 to 12:00 and the cover charge is $10.00 per person. If you like rock-n-roll, country, blues, a little jazz etc. check it out.
Reservations can be made by calling 931 389-7050.
I look forward to seeing you both.
Joe Peters, Owner
Walking Horse Hotel -- Strolling Jim Restaurant -- Chais Music Hall
Dolittle-I posted in reference to the blog--NOT YOU!! And I have every right to post a comment if I choose to do so and I don't believe you are my mother nor God so maybe you should keep what you think I should do to yourself. The blog was about kids not being welcome. Not Disruptive children. So apparently your reading skills aren't as good as you think. You can say whatever you please. Like I said earlier--you obviously have no kids so until you do you know nothing about what myself and other parents are referring to regarding children not being allowed at this facility. So thank you for your remarks but they don't mean a thing to me!
Last clarification:
I said you DO NOT have to be loud to be annoying and by attitude, I mean feeling the need to correct other people's blogs.
I made no reference to any other blogger in my first post.
Oh yes, that was a classy comment candasons07.
Why do people feel as though their opinions are more valid than others? What you just said in your last comment made you no better than what you are accusing Dolittle of doing.
Excuse me; are there any adults out there that know how to have a civil discussion? Also, just because someone doesn't have children doesn't make their view less valid . . . it gives them a different perspective than the one you have and any valid conversation needs to be viewed from both sides.
Thanks Jacks4me . . . look forward to seeing the menu.
It looks as though they do advertise a no child policy in their communication.
TinaW, I didn't attempt to make a correction, only a clarification, as you did. If I annoy you, don't read my posts.
Sorry. Why is so much ruckus being raised over a restaurant's policy???? Do we not have anything better to do???
I too have children. They are now 20, 16, and 13. I am at the point in my life where a nice dinner out WITHOUT children ( no one's) is welcomed.
I'll be having Oysters Rockefeller and the Broiled Salmon with Dill Sauce and something sinful from the desert cart.
Strolling Jim Restaurant
February 23, 2008
APPETIZERS
SHRIMP COCKTAIL 9
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER 10
BAKED BRIE with FRUIT for Two 12
SMOKED SALMON with CREAM CHEESE and CAVIAR 9
SOUP OF THE EVENING
CHEDDAR CHEESE 5
ENTREES
Served with Tossed, Caesar or Spinach Salad, Green Beans Au gratin,
Rice or Twice Baked Potato
Home Baked Breads
Steaks and Lamb are not guaranteed past medium
CHILEAN PEPPER CRUSTED SEA BASS with Smoked Red Pepper Sauce 27
MARINATED GRILLED SEA SCALLOPS 20
BROILED or BLACKENED SALMON with Dill Sauce 19
GRILLED RACK OF LAMB
New Zealand Eight Rib Rack Served with Mint Jelly 30
6 oz. BACON WRAPPED FILET MIGNON 24
with Boursin Cheese and Caramelized Onions - add 4
10 oz. ANGUS NEW YORK STRIP 2
BREAST OF CHICKEN with Honey Dijon Sauce 18
BRAISED PORK with Fresh Blueberry Sauce 19
Homemade Desserts ala carte
Soft Drinks, Ice Tea, Coffee, Hot Tea 2.50
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.
I don't see any vegetarian dishes but there are several seafood. Their menu changes so call, they may add a dish or have one that is not listed. I didn't ask.
candasons07,
I'm probably old enough to be your father. I have raised four very successful children, so contrary to your opinion, I must know a little about raising children. Sounds like someone should of bent you over their knee as a child and straightened your manners out. ;>)
"I don't see any vegetarian dishes but there are several seafood. Their menu changes so call, they may add a dish or have one that is not listed. I didn't ask."
Yeah, I was afraid of that. I know that some places do some sort of veggie plate even if it isn't on the menu. I mean I love brie and all but if I'm paying that much for dinner, I'd want something more than just brie.
Jacks4me,
The menu looks delicious and personally I can't wait to try it out. Perhaps this weekend. I have children, as previously stated, and I enjoy the no children allowed rule on the weekends, because IF I finally get a night to go out and not eat a sandwich wrapped in paper off a tray without my own children, I certainly don't want to be bothered by others children. Everyone thinks their children are wonderful and cause no problems, me on the other hand, yes my kids are great, but they are kids and they aren't wonderful all the time. And I can admit that and as pointed out it is stated CLEARLY that no children are allowed. So I think the Walking Horse Hotel is off the hook on this one.
and Darrick,
"It's called "having it your way" at HOME!"
I eat at home 7 nights a week, so a much deserved nice dinner without my children and anybody else's is a welcomed treat for me. Just like those that complained about smoking in restaurants, if they didn't like it, they could have "had it there way" AT HOME!!
:)
Tgreader, you may be old enough to be my father, but you are not my father! I was raised with manners, but people like you and Dolittle are posting things to me when I was only commenting on the story! I have no idea who you people are and I don't think you have a right to tell me anything about manners. I was directly commenting about the blog. I really don't care what your opinion is of me because you don't even know me! And I don't believe my opinion was directed towards you. Like I said, I was referring to the story and then to the first person-Dolittle-that said something directly to me! I didn't ask you what you thought! So contrary to your opinion--I don't really care what you think either!
Jaxspike-I agree with you. I'm only lowering myself to other readers by even responding to them with any comments. But you did clarify something I already said. If you don't have kids you have a different perspective. I never said it wasn't valid--it's just a difference of opinion. I don't see what the problem is with someone having a difference of opinion. I do have a problem with someone directly addressing me when I was commenting on a blog. I didn't address that person. I just understand Keeley's perspective in what happened with the person that made the reservation. I didn't say anyone else's opinion wasn't valid. I understand wanting a break from kids and I understand that some people don't have kids and they like to get out and do something without having to hear a screaming child! But I only meant to comment on the story. So I'm glad you actually read my comment and in your attempt to chastise me--you pointed out exactly what I said! Thank you!
as pointed out it is stated CLEARLY that no children are allowed. So I think the Walking Horse Hotel is off the hook on this one.... I eat at home 7 nights a week, so a much deserved nice dinner without my children and anybody else's is a welcomed treat for me. Just like those that complained about smoking in restaurants, if they didn't like it, they could have "had it there way" AT HOME!!
:)
-- Posted by Disturbia on Tue, Feb 26, 2008, at 12:52 PM
If it were clearly stated then why have many bloggers here had dinner there with their kids? This is getting so confusing.
And about the smoking thing... You can reverse it to say, if you want to endanger other's health while they try to enjoy a nice dinner, then you can YOUR WAY and SMOKE at HOME. Let's not get into this smoking debate again, because there is a difference in wanting to go have a nice dinner with no children, and a nice dinner while breathing clean air. Though, now you can have both at the same time as it seems you will be doing this weekend, lol. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one confused. I looked at the website for the hotel but only saw reference to dining-no mention of kids. I guess you have to specifically ask them or email to get it clarified.
Is it on the menu and if so, where? I haven't looked on the door.
If its not your bag baby......No one can offend you, you can only be offended. There your emotions and your projecting. The restaurant and hotel are lovely, and provide fantastic services with wonderful employees.
....then again, if every time I called around for tires and the voice on the other end of the line failed to inform me that they did not have any donuts or coffee, I wouldn't have anything to gripe about for 45 minutes. As a matter of fact, since my plumbers here...I should get his feeling on global warming....then I can argue with him.
? Keeley did not say the food was bad, or the restaurant was horrible. She said she made reservations for 5 the day before, and they called her the next day to confirm the reservations and "THEN" questioned her about small children, and asked her not to bring them.
Now her plans for her familys birthday dinner are ruined at the last minute. I would be upset with that too. This restaurant could have informed her of this policy when she "First" made the reservations, because most restaurants allow children to eat there, weekend or not. If this is a new restaurant, and they cater to adults only on certain days, or what ever, then they should have said so when she "First" called to make the reservations. That is only good, and proper business.
We had the BEST time last weekend at WHH/Strolling Jim's. The food was at perfection and the atmosphere was wonderful. Could possibly be the best meal I've ever had out or at home.
I think the t-g should charge for the ad they placed on here........
I don't work there, just ate there. I had a great time and fully intend on going back.