The Special that Wasn't

I just returned from a four-day mini vacation in San Diego. Without going into too much detail, my trip was the perfect blend of nightlife and tourism. Future blogs will elaborate on my trip to attractions such as the San Diego County Fair, the Zoo, Balboa Park, Hotel Del as well as Old Town San Diego. However today I want to share with you about my outing to a bar in Pacific Beach (PB) called Tremors.

On 4th of July I went to Tremors—a bar which appeals to the post college kids in their early to mid twenties. The large menu offers many specials with fine print and exceptions. For example, Happy Hour specials are not available on Holidays. Which seems fair. Yet, my Dutch eye was drawn to the “Beer of the Month…July” offering Sam Adam’s Summer Ale for $2.50. In black and white with no disclaimers. My cheap self knew what I’d be getting my drink on with for the birthday of our country.

I order my drink from our waitress to be informed that the “Beer of the Month” is not available on the 4th of July.

“It doesn’t say that on the menu.”

“Yes, we didn’t print anything to change it out.”

“Well, then you should honor the price you advertised.”

“I can’t.”

“Can I see your manager?”

“Sure”

A few minutes later a 25-year-old punk wearing a Boston Red Sox cap approaches my table. Combative from the start he says, “You wanted to see me?”

Hint: Say you are sorry.

“Yes, you are advertising a beer for $2.50 but I understand that is not available at that price.”

“Yes, but we cannot change those out every week.”

Every week? You have only had this special for a few days.

“Well it’s false advertising?”

“Well if you wanna make a legal issue about it go ahead.”

Hint: Don’t say that unless you are 100% certain you are not 1) talking to a lawyer or 2) talking to someone with a lot of time on their hands.
He follows it by saying, “What do you want me to do about it?

“I want you to make it right.”

“If I made it right for you I would have to make it right for 500 other people who are here today.”

“Well then you should do that.”

Hint: This would be a good time to offer a round on the house.

“I cannot do that.”

“Well then I plan on fully reporting this incident” (because I have a lot of time on my hands and I know lawyers).

At which point he responded, “Do what you want to do,” and walked away from our table.

Nice.

We stayed at the bar for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I was determined to see how it played out. Also, we were meeting friends. I ordered the “Beer of the Month…July” at the full price. I enjoyed my first pint; however when I ordered my second one I was informed they were out of that draft.

Really?!? You don’t even stock enough of the beer of the month to get you through the first week of the special? Really?!?

People need to stop tolerating BS like this. Hold businesses and managers accountable to keep their promise however big or small. I stayed at Tremors only as a source of mischief. If I had not seen to opportunity I would have left. I invite you all to join me in not exposing all things unworkable. What are you putting up with or stepping over in your day-to-day life?