Willing is not enough; we must do. –Goethe
There is a new Indian restaurant that has opened in my neighborhood. There are several totally unimaginative 8.5x11 signs (white copy paper produced on the home computer printer advertising the hours and the availability of the buffet), scotch taped to the glass windows of the establishment. The signs are now curling from the onslaught of the sun. I have just completed a through eye exam and I was able to clearly make out the hours on Saturday were 5:00pm - 10:00pm.
Mary Ellen and I arrived at 5:01pm(CDST) because we were in the mood for an early dinner. The place look closed, however the sign clearly said Fri – Sat Hours 5:00pm – 10:00pm. We cautiously walked in and were greeted by the proprietor who gruffly told us that he opens at 5:30. He was clearly annoyed that we had the audacity to walk in. Perhaps you might want to change the sign I thought. I remembered Dale Carnegie and did not criticize, condemn or complain, as it would benefit no one. We retreated from this bastion of customer disservice and went down the street to the pizza emporium and had a fine meal.
Perhaps the new Indian restaurant is unaware that the economic stimulus went out recently and paying customers are out and about trying to get the economy moving again. If the hours posted on your restaurant says that you open at 5:00pm, Open at 5:00pm. A lie is a horrible way to begin a relationship with a customer.
