| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/2/2013 8:46:18 PM
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By far the worst place on the lake! The owners have no idea how to run a business! Plenty of seating but can never get a table in a timely fashion. Servers were doing the best the could, but the manager was talking to them like trash. The restrooms were absolutely filthy and my food was awful! I was sure to leave a good tip just to make up for some of the verbal abuse my server had to endure from the so called manager/bartender. I will never be back as far as I'm concerned they should just shut it down.
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| Name: |
GMAN
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 6:22:00 AM
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I hate to post this but we had a simular experence last Sunday night as well. If the business doesn't have enough help to operate properly, don't open and have customers have a bad experence. The food and and service last Sunday night has my wife saying we will never come back.
I know that "Shay" does a lot for the lake with clean up and I hate to post this but with the prices that have to be
charged on the lake to make a busines stay in business you need to hear the customers,
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| Name: |
Samdog
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 9:31:06 AM
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So sad to hear this. I have had some great meals there with good service.
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We went Sunday afternoon (about 2PM). Service was quick and food was very good (although our server didn't smile much). Sounds like they lost some help by late afternoon.
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| Name: |
Charlene_Jones
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 11:18:34 AM
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Unfortunately I have had a similar experience. My family decided to try out harbor docks and our experience was definitely not what i had hoped for! Our server was very nice and polite but we had to wait forever for our bar drinks because the bartender/manager was busy chatting with the bar customers. I understand she is concerned about her tip, but what about the other tables drinks, I even witnessed her get snappy with one of the servers for requesting their drinks! I also agree that the restrooms were disgusting and even outside the restaurant smelled strongly of septic! I do not agree they should completely shut down, as i believe the food was very satisfactory, but I do believe they need to rethink the way they run things and they are in definite need of a good clean up!
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| Name: |
Stanley0483
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 12:15:05 PM
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Hate to say it but I agree I am so glad the season is pretty much over so the owners can take some time to give that place a thorough cleaning! I even asked my server to wipe down our table again because it had a greasy film on the top of it....The rags they were using were only making things worse she even asked for a new rag and the owner said that he had already given out two and didn't have anymore....what kind of a place doesn't even have clean rags to wipe tables down with....ok moving along I wiped it down with paper napkins and ordered my appetizers the bang bang shrimp and the tuna dip was very very good but I was curious as to what the table beside me had...My server informed me that it was something special Chris came up with and would ask about it for me she came back to let me know he was to busy to make it for my table.....so Chris can take out time to give other guest "Special" treatment but can't do the same for our table....or take time to make sure the servers have clean rags to use... Very Very good food but Very Very POOR business/management Skills
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| Name: |
JTenn
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 12:24:43 PM
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Went there twice for lunch. We're the only ones there, tables were dirty and food not very good. Won't go back.
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| Name: |
lucky67
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks
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Date:
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9/3/2013 12:42:36 PM
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pretty soon we will all be going to McDonalds as there wont be a decent place to eat at lake; I have been her full time for 6 1/2 years & it gets worse every year [ places to eat]; wasnt the way I wanted for retirement !! cooking at home i mean
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| Name: |
LoveCamping
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| Subject: |
Hmmmmm... Interesting...
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Date:
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9/3/2013 6:04:50 PM (updated 9/3/2013 6:05:39 PM)
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Interesting. Of these posts, 3 of the most negative comments are by members who have no other posts on the forum except to degrade HD.
Riley2013: Two post's, both negative about HD.
Charlene_Jones: One post, negative about HD.
Stanley0483: One post, negative about HD. I have always had good experiences at Harbor Docks.
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| Name: |
UncleSam
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| Subject: |
Hmmmmm... Interesting...
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Date:
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9/3/2013 7:44:57 PM
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Good catch. I'll bet a little digging would give some interesting insights into these posters.
As for the topic, I think a little criticism is warranted, since they can't seem to stay fully staffed, which leads to so many other issues. I've never had a problem with the food though, just in how long it sometimes takes to get it, and drinks.
One of the worst things to happen to lake restaurants was when Auburn changed from quarters to semesters; that removed a chunk of potential workers from service in mid-August instead of late September. But then Cecil's never had any problems like that. Maybe somebody needs to track Cecil down and find out what his secret was, since he seemed to know how to hire good workers, train them well, and keep them happy enough to stay.
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| Name: |
MrHodja
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| Subject: |
Hmmmmm... Interesting...
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Date:
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9/3/2013 7:45:59 PM
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Seasonal enterprise, near the end of the season, school starting back up, fewer patrons, mental fatigue. The owners and the workers know it is about to come to an end for the year. Not excuses, just possible explanations.
I too noticed waning enthusiasm on the part of the staff as September approached. My last time there about two or three weeks ago (I was by myself) it took too long to get my food but once it came it was very good.
I think the HD owners need to find a trusted associate, possibly one rewarded with a bit of profit sharing, who can spell them occasionally during the season so they don't get burned out. It seems to be a husband-wife combo and the demands of running a seasonal restaurant when the good times are so intensely busy is too much for a pair to be able to handle.
Chris/Jenny I hope you read this and take it to heart as the suggestion of one who does not like the Kowaliga Restaurant atmosphere and prefers the old lake atmosphere your restaurant offers. Please don't be discouraged but please take even the negative comments to heart. It will help your restaurant grow and prosper. BTW, that grilled grouper, once I got it, was superb!
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| Name: |
Jaws
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| Subject: |
Hmmmmm... Interesting...
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Date:
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9/3/2013 10:30:57 PM
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I've been to harbor docks 5-6 times this summer. The food has always been excellent and the service is fine. I read the forum often and but never post. But I get frustrated with all of the negative commentary regarding HD and Kowaliga. Offer constructive comments rather than all of the negative criticism. I've talked to plenty of people that have had a good experience at both restaurants. I think we would all be wise to abide by the old saying of if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all!
All of us are much better off seeing both places succeed and prosper.
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
Negative feedback
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Date:
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9/3/2013 11:39:34 PM
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I want to thank all if have posted on this thread .. I learned years ago you can only better yourself to take negative
comments and study them and learn from them . I honestly hate that anybody has a bad experience at my restaurant . I can promise all of you we try very hard to provide good food and service . This is not and excuse by any stretch as the season comes to a close the loyalty of some staff members drops of the charts not showing up ,bad attitudes etc
with the being a seasonal business its so hard to get a loyal staff to give you 100% until the end . This weekend mentioned in the thread I had 3 servers no call no show and 2 Kitchen staff not show up . Are season is 5 to 6 month at best ,with only 71 operating days a year . Jennie and myself take every comment to heart and will continue to try
to meet the challenge of bettering the service and food We are very thankful for are customers . On a positive note
even with all the rain we had are best year since 2009 This Season Thanks to all that maid this possible
If anyone would like to call me with a concern or complaint Please Do I can promise we will try to make it wright
Sincerely
Chris Zinn
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
MY Cell and another thought
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Date:
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9/4/2013 12:01:03 AM
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Chris Zinn 334-717-1725
As I was told when I was a young man from my mother your human your going to make mistakes its what you do after the mistake . With that said I know we have dropped the ball and no doubt unfortunately drop the ball in the future , But I can tell you this if you have a bad experience at my restaurant I will do
everything in my power to rectify and make it wright .
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| Name: |
LoveCamping
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| Subject: |
You are very wise Jaws!
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Date:
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9/4/2013 5:18:37 AM (updated 9/4/2013 5:34:53 AM)
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I agree 100%. I go by a very slight variation of your philosophy. I think praise in pubic and give criticism in private works pretty well. Negative comments in a public domain should probably be used as a last resort after you have discussed it with management/owner and no rectification seems apparent. I have seen Chris try to make it right on many occasions (including this forum). Anyone who works in the food service business (as I had as a young one) will know how very hard the work is. Keeping the public happy is an exercise in futility and the hours are brutal. There are several noble trades (such as nurse, school teacher, food worker...) that require dedication, patience and sheer fortitude to thrive in. In my humble opinion, Chris and Jennie seem to have the required qualities. I have no doubt that they will make next year even better and take this public "thrashing" to heart.
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| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Hmmmmm... Interesting...
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Date:
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9/4/2013 11:10:19 AM
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well I can't speak for the others but did you think maybe my experience there was enough for me to look for a way to get the word out? you people can praise in public and criticize in private all you want but if enough people opened their mouths about the issues maybe something would change
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| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Negative feedback
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Date:
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9/4/2013 11:17:10 AM
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and as I said in my previous post maybe the servers and staff would should up if they were treated a little better...you can make up all the excuses you want I personally do not think the season ending has anything to do with it..I know what I saw and I saw a power hungry bartender/manager with a bad attitude belittling servers
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
RLILEY 2013 PLEASE CALL ME
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Date:
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9/4/2013 11:35:02 AM
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RILEY 2013 I would like to discus the event in question we also have video and would like to review the time this
issue you mentioned happened If you could give me those details when you call . I truly hope you make the time to give me a call
Sincerely Chris Zinn
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| Name: |
Deckboat
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks-Are you open this weekend
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Date:
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9/4/2013 1:36:28 PM
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We have been there often and have all ways enjoyed the food....tuna is excellent and bam bam shrimp is fantastic. I don't understand all of the complaints. Yes, sometimes the service can be slow...but we just sit back, enjoy the view, and are thankful that we don't have to cook and clean up.
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
Harbor Docks-Are you open this weekend
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Date:
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9/4/2013 2:58:27 PM
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Yes we are hope to see you .
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| Name: |
UncleSam
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| Subject: |
VERY interesting thing I noticed about....
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Date:
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9/4/2013 3:23:24 PM
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...those three posters: they all have the exact same IP address. Hmmmmm.....
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| Name: |
UncleSam
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| Subject: |
VERY interesting thing I noticed about....
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Date:
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9/4/2013 3:23:32 PM
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...those three posters: they all have the exact same IP address. Hmmmmm.....
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| Name: |
Lifer
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| Subject: |
Way to go Shay
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Date:
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9/4/2013 5:11:08 PM
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Make him back up his allegations. I doubt he/she will. Is was noted below that all three negative comments came from same IP address. You don't have to post details of the conversation but I would love to know if he has the balls to make the call.
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| Name: |
Mike Hunt
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| Subject: |
VERY interesting thing I noticed about....
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Date:
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9/4/2013 6:01:02 PM
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Maybe they were all eating at McDonalds and got together and decided to post.
Or some other place like that. I don't know.
I have eaten and at HD many times and have not had a bad experience. I never went in the bath room, so I don't know about that. I wash my hands with antiseptic wipes that I steal from my job. I don't use public restrooms.
The food was always good and I felt I got what I paid for. The service was what you would expect at a crowded popular eating establish. I don't get the dt's if my drink doesn't come fast enough so that was not an issue for me.
Incidentally, I feel the same way about Kowaliga, Niffers, Oscar's and the other restaurants around the lake. I don't eat fast food so don't know about Subway and Mcdonalds.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
I never trust a first post when......
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Date:
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9/4/2013 8:40:32 PM
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It is extremely negative or positive. Positive first posts are usually someone advertising and the negative posts come from the competition or a new alias with little credibility and/or an ax to grind....Maybe not always, but most of the time. Since I was at Harbor Docks the same day and had a decent and timely meal, I'm taking this "first post" with a serious grain of salt.
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| Name: |
mariah1
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| Subject: |
I never trust a first post when......
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Date:
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9/6/2013 7:54:35 PM
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I have enjoyed every trip I have made to HarborDocks. The food is great and they have gone out of their way to wait on us even when we had a large crowd and they were very busy.
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| Name: |
overworked
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/7/2013 1:03:00 AM
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Great catch Lovecamping. Also interesting that the day they are speaking of (Sunday) was the bartender/managers day off. So how was she seen speaking degrading to the servers. I'm assuming this I may be the posts of the server who was let go on Saturday. I do wish that people understood more about restaurants though hat posts on here. People say things about staff with places on the other side of the lake being good. But the percent of people who actually live and work on the other side are considerably highe than that on this side of the lake. I'm sure HD isn't the only restaurant here that suffers of staff issues once school starts back. Most servers go back to school and can no longer work. Others know the season is coming to an end and simply find other jobs. With that said the end of the year at these restaurants is harder than the peak of the season. With this said good luck and I look forward to next year.
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| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/7/2013 10:41:09 AM
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I think you should go back and read my post again I never specified which day I did not say Sunday...and as I have said before you and Chris can make excuses as to why things are the way they are but it has nothing to do with it being the end of the season....you thought the hiring pool was small this season wait until next season because we are in a small area and word of mouth travels fast!
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/7/2013 11:30:32 AM
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Riley 2013 still wainting on that phone call ?????? The Fact that you continue to post and do not call confirmes to me 1) your a X Employee 2 )Your just tryinng to bash the busniess .
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| Name: |
overworked
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/7/2013 11:38:58 AM
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Pay close attention riley. Youve got the number he gave you and yet you wont call. Interesting isnt it. You say employees are being mistreated correct? Funny how you say that that but no.one else seems to have seen it or heard it. And you wont call him personally to dicuss the issue so it can be corrected. Read his posts! Make the Call!
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
I think you nailed it Chris
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Date:
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9/7/2013 11:59:27 AM
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seems like Riley has a little too much inside knowledge when you read between the lines.
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| Name: |
overworked
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| Subject: |
I think you nailed it Chris
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Date:
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9/7/2013 12:22:22 PM
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I completly agree and noticed that with the names and the titles.
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| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/7/2013 10:00:17 PM
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Pay close attention Jennie I have no reason to call I have no desire to hear more excuses or get anything for free I just wanted to get the word out
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| Name: |
overworked
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| Subject: |
point proven DJ
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Date:
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9/8/2013 12:56:48 AM
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Im done posting on this subject. If it bothers you that bad that you dont work there anymore then it couldnt have been that bad. Find something else to do with your time girl.
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| Name: |
MrHodja
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| Subject: |
Great catch
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Date:
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9/8/2013 10:31:55 AM
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I have been watching this string for a while now. Seems to me that your "dining experience", if it really happened, is an aberration and far from being the norm. The fact that so many have come to HD's defense most likely has had just the opposite effect of what you intended. Those of us who have dined there won't be swayed by your post. Anyone considering dining there will likely try it in spite of your post just to find out for themselves.
You are entitled to your opinion, but if you are indeed a disgruntled former employee your post is an act of a petulant, vengeful, mean person who needs to grow up.
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| Name: |
Lifer
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| Subject: |
Cover COMPLETELY blown
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Date:
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9/9/2013 9:03:05 AM
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Riley the fact that you knew that overworked = Jennie is absolute proof to me that you are a former disgruntled employee and have NO credibility. You sound more like a spoiled brat than a concerned patron. Give it up and stay at home and eat Momma's cooking.
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| Name: |
MAJ USA RET
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| Subject: |
A Place for
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Date:
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9/9/2013 9:46:39 AM (updated 9/9/2013 9:49:29 AM)
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We are “nautical wheelers.” We (the HOBO
types) have come to the Lake to enjoy Lake Life. Part of that life… an
important part of that life… is having places like Harbor Docks and Chuck’s to
go to… especially by boat… for camaraderie,
fun, and reasonably good food. We wheelers seek the ambience those
establishments provide. There must be a lot of us during the warm season… we
pack those places.
And when those places
are packed, the staff and facilities are often maxed out.
There has not been a time when I have been
to either, when any member of the wait staff or the management has been
wearing uniforms. Shorts, old jeans, running shoes, T-shirts… hair pulled back
and tied or clipped… the staff is as varied as the society in which they… we…
live. Most of the wait staff are just entering the work force… and some are
economically pressed to wait tables or be a host/hostess. If you were new to a sometimes grueling –
often impossible – job might you sometimes be a bit confused… or surly? Do you
think they are NOT struggling with some other life situation which is
distracting them from the pittance they get from serving YOU!
Not every dog is a friendly dog. I have
watched folks having fun… only to go vicious on the wait staff. If that person
is in my party… it will be the last time I party with them.
Owners/Management cannot
cover all of the bases (unpredictable weather and varying patronage) and
provide service that we nautical wheelers can afford. So… if you are outraged
at the young personalities and traits of the wait staff… the fact that you
sometimes find that the potties are out of paper… YOU ARE EATING IN THE WRONG
PLACE! We, the Disorderly Order of Nautical Wheelers of Lake Martin invite you
to jump into you Mercedes or Jaguar… and go pay for what you want. Scratch our salty, rollicky, fun places OFF
your list.
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| Name: |
Riley2013
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| Subject: |
Cover COMPLETELY blown
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Date:
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9/9/2013 9:47:08 AM
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Anyone with half a brain can go back through and read all the other post from overworked and see that it is obviously one of the two owners of harbor docks seeing how "shay" is Chris my next guess was Jennie
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| Name: |
shay
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| Subject: |
Cover COMPLETELY blown
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Date:
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9/9/2013 1:23:21 PM
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Still waiting on that call Riley its strange you continue
To make time to post things but wont take the time to
Call about something that your still posting about
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| Name: |
Lifer
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| Subject: |
Cover COMPLETELY blown
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Date:
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9/9/2013 1:39:28 PM
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That's the problem, I have a whole brain with connected cells to boot. I have read virtually every post on this forum for over a decade, well the TOPIC and OFF TOPIC forums, and never knew that. Overworked has made a total of 12 posts since 28 July this year. Maybe if I was so inclined I could go back and read them and put that together, not interested. Why don't you either admit you are a disgruntled employee that has been brow beaten by the rest of the forum and go away, or option 2, just go away.
Your vehement denial of the obvious only continues to discredit you. No customer would continue the charade. They would post the review and move on. In full disclosure, I haven't even made it there yet. It is over an hour away by car and further in my slow pontoon. I hope to make it over before they close for the season, or better yet hope they have enough business to at least open weekends through the winter.
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