Decorations, and countless money later...Golden Corral calls me A HALF HOUR AGO and tells me that my party of 35+ will have to be maneuvered into a "corner around the fire place" and that they would try to "get us as close together as they can" with no projection screen, and we can't decorate because Tuesday night is movie night for kids.
I was promised a banquet room with projection screen for our party and the ability to come in early and decorate and do a powerpoint presentation. Now, our dinner reservation wasn't even until 7 pm, which leaves an hour into dinner service (of which I have been told movie night had been slow lately, and my reservation was absolutely in line and ready to go) ... but NOW they will not honor my contract that THEY APPROVED A MONTH AGO.
They even went so far as to say that the owner just cannot honor my contract because an hour of kids movie night in both rooms is more important than a contract and a party of 35+ people. Oh and to those who aren't aware that comes to a bill of almost $500.00+ that Golden Corral has lost from us because they have acted in such a heinous nature.
Where is customer service? Where is honoring a contract? Where is your pride in welcoming back an american soldier???
So, with that said, my family, my extended family and my friends will now be celebrating OUR SOLDIER'S COMING HOME @ FLAMING GRILL in Salisbury tonight at 7 pm. Flaming Grill was so gracious and actually excited to help us out in any way possible and are allowing us to come in early to decorate and everything! So Shame on you Golden Corral, shame on you for nearly wrecking a welcome home party for OUR SOLDIER.... you will no longer be receiving any of my business or my family's business ever again.
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I am not surprised. Have not been there in over 5 years because of the management (or lack of).
ReplyDeleteGolden Corral in Huntington WV...an angry employee was changing and throwing pans and SCALDED me and a kid. They didn't care or fire that employee...he was rude, aggravated and negligent. They gave a few free meals after having to fight for it WITH THE PROVISAL that he was to be terminated because it wasn't an accident... and he didn't apologize.
DeleteI will never go to that s******* again boycott boycott boycott.
ReplyDeleteAgreed they such need to change no respect
DeleteThat is just horrible but I am glad Flaming Grill stepped up to the plate and said yes, you are welcome here. Oh yes, and welcome home Soldier!
ReplyDeletethanks for the report. we need to know these things in order to make good choices for ourselves. welcome home soldier.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr James McCreary for your service. I feel very proud to live in this country because of men and women like you and you families who sacrifice so much and stand by you.
ReplyDeleteNext trip to Salisbury we will stop at the Flaming Grill to eat and I will thank them for being so accommodating to the McCreary party.
The Golden Coral ended up getting a GOLDEN SHOWER...
ReplyDeleteWay to go Flaming Grill!!!!
First: Thanks for serving James McCreary. You are the best.
ReplyDeleteLastly: Shame on you Golden Corral. You are the worst.
The golden corral has lost all my business and all of my 76 family members.
ReplyDeleteAlso I will speak to all of my people who work for me and their families , about another 350 people.
Just spread the word , it will fly.
Terrible.... Businesses forget that customers and word of mouth keeps them open!!! Boycott!!! I have never eaten there ...Just envisioned it at grazing at a trough!!!!
ReplyDeleteno jobs , high unemployment, but hey lets "bury" another business.
ReplyDeleteAnd you wonder why......
Youur a jack a$$
DeletePut that shoe on your foot, wear it a while, then lets see what your thoughts are! Ignorance is bliss, isnt it? :-/
DeleteAnonymous Be my guest and eat there as much as you want. As to the Mcreary family, bless you and your service to our country from one vet to another. By the way send this post to your local media and explain how you were treated by a national chain. Also, send this to their corporate office and see what kind of response. And Anonyymous, businesses bury themselves with poor service and poor decisions like this one
DeleteNo one can just break a contract. There should be consequences. If it were me I would speak with a lawyer about the situation. Golden corral should have to pay up for this.
ReplyDeleteIt shouldn't matter what the reason for the reservation was (although I agree that to do it to a soldier's homecoming was horrendous!), this is BAD BUSINESS.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for making it public - they more than deserve the bad press. I'll never go to the Golden Corral!
I dare every one of you to do precisely what you said you will do.Don't let me catch either one of you in the Golden Corral ever again! Those are your orders if you choose to accept them.This comment will self destruct in 10 seconds.
ReplyDeletewelcome home solder and thank you for your service , I will not ever go to golden corral again that not how you treat our solders who give their live for ours shame on you golden corral
ReplyDeleteFirst thank you for your service soldier and welcome home. My family was treated the same way by golden corrall in salisbury in Nov after spending over $600 there to celebrate my dad's birthday they rushed us out and were rude to some of the kids in our group and gossiping about our group. Such a disrespectful group of workers and management in that facility
ReplyDeleteIt's like I said. Spend your money on businesses that care about you, your family, your community and your environment. I'm Talking about YOU. YOU can spread the word for on bad business. Wake up people. Stop giving your hard earn money to big businesses who don't care about you. That's how YOU put them on notice. Since these businesses don't want to pay their employees fair wages and at the same time they want to treat us like trash. STOP spending your money in these places. Plus their pre-package meal ain't all that great, anyway.
ReplyDeletewont be going there ever ever ever again, why don;t they take gold coral over to iraq or afghanistan
ReplyDeleteThis is not new. Some of the hotels in Salisbury do it every time they change managers.
ReplyDeleteI'll only say this , golden corral caters to mostly minorities. wonder why?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I didn't even know we still had a Golden Corral in Salisbury. So it can't be that popular.
ReplyDeleteFirst & foremost WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER & thank you for your service for our Country!
ReplyDeleteRegardless of change of management, people who PAY for their products should be treated with the upmost respect. The consumers are paying the bosses salaries. Don't forget that. We as tax paying citizens ARE paying the salaries of the bosses of these businesses. Without consumers, they would not be in business. Consumers need to stand up and be recognize. That's for food, clothing, housing taxes and everything your hard earnings pay for. You need to stand up and be recognize.
ReplyDeleteJust as well Joe, the food at Golden Coral sucks anyway. Most of the employees (kitchen staff) are on work release from the local detention centers (Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset).
ReplyDeleteI have been to the Flaming Grill for lunch several times. Great buffet, lots of choices including sushi, mussels, clams, hibachi grill items, etc. I think your party will love the Flaming Grill. Thank you for your service to our country. God Bless the USA.
ReplyDeleteWe went there one evening not realizing it was kids eat free and what a disaster (Golden Corral) The place was filly dirty and full of loud screaming kids who were throwing food on the floor and their parents just ignoring them.
ReplyDeleteI would never go back to that place even it was free as the place is just too dirty and the food is mediocre.
Kudos to Flamming Grill for helping this family out.
My sister had the same thing happen there when plannin my baby shower. Now I know a baby shower is no where as signifcant as welcoming home a solider but its not the first time someone was promised the baquet room(and it was also supposed to be closed off with the divider) with a RESERVATION and we were also but by the fire place with a few tables put together, but we were not informed til we got there and everyone had already taken off. We were not happy. There customer service is horrible and the don't keep agreements!
ReplyDeleteWith so many locally owned non chain restaurants in Salisbury, why would anyone patronize these places?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all thanks to our Soldier for his service. Welcome home!!! Secondly I would like to say I am a minority and myself as well has experienced the lack of professionalism of our local Golden Corral. My family as well has chosen not to patronize the business in the future. We chose Flaming Grill as well to hold my Father in law retirement party and I must say we had a awesome time.
ReplyDeleteNext time go to Abbott's Grill on Broad Creek in Laurel, De. They have a beautiful banquet room, delicious food, & excellent customer service! They can accommodate ANY needs you may have! Possibly even some type of military discount. Plus they're food is reasonably priced for as amazing as it is! Gather at the Grill!
ReplyDeleteWill never go there... period
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe point is you did NOT accommodate the party in the manner they were requesting. If you've read most of these posts you would also see just how many unsatisfied customers there really is. I have no connection with this party but I certainly do not go to your restaurant anylonger either! The service there is horrendous and the food is mediocre at best.
DeleteYou told us the best we could do would be to place us on the main floor around the fire place and that you would try to get the family seated as close together as possible but that it was not a guarantee. You did not try to accommodate us. The party was reserved for 7 pm that evening well in advance. The manager stated on the phone that the owner made his final decision and that he would/could not accommodate the original reservation.
DeleteAnd for those who ask why we chose them. It is because my family LIKED it there....well we did...
I have a question? Why is the salisbury golden corral about $2 more per person than any other golden corral? Been to easton, baltimore williamsburg, etc and they are $10.49. You guys are $12.49 last time i was there. Even tv adds say all for around ten dollars. Not only are you ripping people off your food and service could stand to be improved.
DeleteThat place is awful anyway....a soldier deserves so much better that what they dish up!!!!
ReplyDeleteFirst mistake was picking Golden Corral for such an important occasion. Doesn't a soldiers homecoming deserve something a little classier? Would like to hear the other side to this story.
ReplyDeleteany thoughts to contacting corp head qtrs i think they did an undercover boss segment
ReplyDeleteworth a shout to them in general for being such turds
Thank you James McCreary for serving our country and welcome home.I will never patronize Golden Corral again.They are very rude and I have heard the employees cussing behind the counter and when I told the manager he told me it was ok because the man worked in the kitchen! It is never ok to speak the way this worker did! There food is horrible too!I will spread the word to boycott them!
ReplyDeleteIf a business caters mostly to mostly minorities it will fail.
ReplyDeleteI want to THANK YOU for your service soldier! We do not go to Golden Corral because of the cost, the service, the food quality, it's horrible! Thank you for letting us know just exactly how they treat a group and handle their contracts. It's horrible, Flaming grill is so much better anyway.
ReplyDeleteI don't like going to Golden Corral in Salisbury because it always smells funny.
ReplyDeleteI cannot put my finger on it . . but there is a peculiar smell that I can't seem to ignore.
Haha, my husband always says the same exact thing!
DeleteThe smell is due to a heavy infestion of roaches.
Delete4:36
ReplyDeleteLOL
I am outraged by Golden Corrals treatment of this returning soldier. As far as I am concerned I will no longer patronize that place! Flaming Grill has better food anyway and Golden Corral does have a funny smell when you go in there. You are better off at Flaming Grill and welcome home James McCreary!
ReplyDeleteReading the response from Golden Corral, it sounds like there are two parts to the story. I have dealt with people like the person that wrote the post and there is no pleasing them. Sounds like they are the ones that screwed up. If you say a Wednesday or Thursday night, don't complain when they can't accommodate on a Tuesday. Typical whiner. I am sure that there parking lot won't be any less full due to your half truth rant.
ReplyDeleteIt was also our anniversary, it was never asked for another night.
DeleteJust a reminder guys. If you are using bad language it will not be posted. Thanks for keeping it clean.
ReplyDeleteThey are crap my family had a party there and they were so nasty. I never really liked it anyway but now i def don't!! Welcome home soldier
ReplyDeleteFirst mistake was going to a place like Golden Corral. Second mistake was not choosing a locally owned restaurant. I'm glad that the chinese buffet can accommodate your party but in the future, places like Adams Ribs, Legacy, Station 7, Market St., Cactus Taverna, La Roma, EVO or one of the local clubs like the Eagles/Moose/VFW would be a better choice.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know. I am the soldiers wife. It was never requested for another night. That night was specific due to it also being our anniversary. They can call us liars if they wan but my party of 35 plus knows the truth!
ReplyDelete35 tells 10x10 x thousands on this site. Thank you Katie and thank you to you're husband for his service to our country.........Paul Adams FDNY Retired 9/11
DeleteSo happy that the Flaming Grill accomodated your party after you were treated so terribly by the Golden Corral. Just wanted to let everyine for future reference that last June, planned a 70th birthday party at Outback. It was planned well in advance and we could not have been
ReplyDeletetreated any better. It was a rather large party and yet they met all of our requests and made my husband feel like a King. I will always be so thankful for everyones kindness and it will always be a wonderful memory. I would recommend Outback to anyone planning a party for a large number of people.
SHAME ON YOU GOLDEN CORRAL.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, welcome home soldier, and second of all, I will never step foot inside of Golden Corral again, not that I have been there all that often. Just does not seem all that clean.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I are retired and we go out to eat most days. We ate once at Golden Corral and never have returned. I be
ReplyDeletelieve this worked out for the best as the honoree deserves a much better place for his homecoming party.
I am actually quite appalled by the original post. I am a frequent diner at Golden Corral and have never seen anything of the sort. I am a disabled veteran. This Golden Corral honors military discounts EVERYDAY. (Typically $2 off a meal at any time). And they host a Military Appreciation Night where they feed HUNDREDS of people.
ReplyDeleteI am sympathetic that there was miscommunication on your reservation, but it's ludacris to cause the scene that you are. I will patronize this Golden Corral for as long as I can.
We have not caused a scene. A status was posted on my sisters personal page about our experience and it has gone viral. Not Because We Pushed It But Because People Believe We Were Treated unfairly. Thank you sir as well for serving.
DeleteThis Golden Corral has experienced
ReplyDeleteChange in management and in my opinion, has improved GREATLY! Golden Corral honors the troops, go to one of their appreciation nights!
And welcome home solider! (It's also my understanding they have an American veteran as a manager)
Absolutely untrue regarding the original date being a Wednesday or Thursday. The homecoming was ALWAYS set for TUESDAY 1/28/14. Originally we were going to surprise my daughter. Up until a few days prior she did not even know he was in the U.S. My other daughter planned this event and had been coordinating with James in an attempt to surprise his wife Katie. This was not miscommunication. I personally do not feel that the events of this evening represent the policies of Golden Corral, I am certain this was a extremely poor decision made at the local level. My name is Brian Whaley, I am from Laurel Delaware. This was my family and I know the facts. Don't come on here posting under an anonymous screen and say it was miscommunication.
ReplyDeleteDEAR GOLDEN CORRAL,
ReplyDeleteYou suck. The end. I go there a lot actually and will NEVER step foot in there ever again. This is what you get and deserve after treating people the way you do. I always hated the employees. Employees make the business. Your business now sucks.
Golden corral has all their little employees making these comments. It was a bad business choice. You'll see.....
ReplyDeletewow that's just horrible....i don't go there anyway...the only way i would go there is if i want a good cleaning out...for the last few times i went there that's exactly what happened....and to hear that they did this...i know i won't be back...if i want to have to sit on a toilet i will take a laxative....not from a meal that i paid good money for....welcome home soldier....
ReplyDeleteI did some renovation work there and got the shaft so I am not surprised by this action at all. They better start taking the area at card or doors will be closed before long.
ReplyDeleteThe owner is a great man who does awesome things for our community, including employing a lot of mothers and fathers in our community. Tuesday night kids night is a company-wide policy, the owner has to protect the integrity and consistency of the brand by adhering to this policy. You pick and choose your battles in life and your actions speak for your character. This little cry for attention earns you no medal, no nobel prize, I honestly don't feel the least bit sorry for you, and IF you could get enough sorry people to pity you you would have to live with the consequences if you robbed children's parents of their employment with this company. Most people that even are phased by this already don't eat there anyway. I give this a month before it people's attentions wane. I'm not an employee there, BTW. Just so you can't cry foul. But seriously. Resentments get you nothing. NOTHING. I'm sure the soldier had a great welcome back and all is well and ended up well, god bless him and his family for his service. That said, life throws you stuff and we must deal with it like big boys and girls. Stop crying about a stupid projector screen and move on with life. Go to the fountains, green hill, or station 7 next time. Much classier, and it shows you care a little more than a cheap buffet on the north side of Salisbury. Pick and choose your battles. This is pretty petty.
ReplyDeleteComing from a long line of restaurant owners, in my opinion Golden Corral leaves a lot to be desired. I've eaten there once the restaurant was filthy they could not keep up with the demand on the buffet and any owner of a restaurant should be present during peak business hours of the day. Where is this owner during peak business hours letting other people run his resurant when he should have been handling this problem
DeleteI have known the current owner for several years and this does not sound like anything he would tolerate or condone. Every time my family have visited there, the service, food, and management has been on target, and we have frequented there for several years. I know the owner has always respected and honored the military, and is a good person with a big heart. He has even helped those who have been homeless and hungry, and also ran a food pantry at his church. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I just wanted to share my experience as well. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteThe owner might be a great man as you say however his management staff has much to be desired. Perhaps he should reach out to the family and investigate his staff's actions.
DeleteFirst I want to say thank you for your service soldier and welcome home! Second, Golden Corral is ignorant for what they did, and need to get the shaft in return, the number one thing golden corral send to forget is, the reason they are open is due to the American soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect this country; and some aren't fortunate to come back home because they gave their life
ReplyDeleteI live in Baltimore but have family up that way but I will not even go to another golden corral ever and my family eats out a lot I will be boy coting them here and anywhere I got.. welcome home and ty for ur service..
ReplyDeleteVery bad business decision by Golden Corral! Whether they were right or wrong, you should have never come on here and tried to make excuses for your behavior or lack of it. It just made you look worse. Also, the feeling is that you had some of your employees write the "rave" reviews on here. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and fortunately, everyone pays attention to the negative comment(s) when making a decision as to whether or not to frequent an establishment. Word of mouth spreads awful fast and thank goodness it does. Social media is a wonderful thing!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm not going anonymous
People should march out front for weeks on the weekends. It would kill their business. But hey they deserve it.
ReplyDeleteLeah....nobody has asked for anything and this was picked up by the blog not submitted to it.
ReplyDeleteBrian Whaley
I've never been to Golden Corral, but the hateful comments about minorities makes me want to give the GC some of my business. This attitude has no business in the US.
ReplyDeleteHey 9:29 Re-Read Below
ReplyDeleteThey even went so far as to say that the owner just cannot honor my contract because an hour of kids movie night in both rooms is more important than a contract and a party of 35+ people. Oh and to those who aren't aware that comes to a bill of almost $500.00+ that Golden Corral has lost from us because they have acted in such a heinous nature.
In an economy hard to find work, where jobs are limited, and the government is fighting to make jobs, let's picket a company and try to put them out of business! Common sense people. Put on your big boys and girls panties and move on. From what I'm reading, Tuesdays are contracted through the company for a Kids Night already. From what I'm reading, they still offered to honor your party. Where's the harm in that? You werestill able to celebrate your soldiers coming home and had a great
ReplyDeleteI'am gladyour family had a better experience with the other restaurant. I will never go to Golden Corral again.I'am past Military so i salute the soldier coming home and the heck with golden corral.
ReplyDeleteI would rather eat Mre's then golden Corrals food.
ReplyDeleteI used to reside in Salisbury but now live in Raleigh,NC. With their office being less than 10 miles from our home, I will be taking this to corporate first thing. They are better than this and would be appalled if they were aware.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteInternet vigilantism of this nature is pointless and serves no good purpose. There are two sides to every story. For a free reservation, I don't see why a fireplace seat would be so bad. I'd understand if it were a more high scale, costly reservation in addition to the cost of dining. That would mess my whole week up. But no harm intended, it was not my choice nor anyone elses' choice for that man to be a soldier. I cannot help we have a military or need one. The world will not evolve around him, or his wife, parents or family at every moment. Perhaps it should. But it's just not like that. I know many men and women that have served that know this full well. Yes, what he does is selfless. But you are taking his heroism and turning it into an internet side show for everyone to gawk at and it's become a rather counter intuitive thing, really. Because this appears very, very selfish. What about the widows of soldiers that everyone forgets about? The injured, the mentally incapacitated, the handicapped? What about those injustices? Those travesties! The owner of this restaurant actually donates to those soldiers, and gives them free meals. My God, the people in this story ARE SO BLESSED THEY STILL HAVE THEIR SOLDIER! This was only a silly mix up at a low end buffet. What do you expect? They still have their son, brother, friend, father ect. Reservations there are free, they are never chiseled in stone, and you get what you pay for. We live and learn. Don't carry with you such a sense of entitlement, be humble, and be grateful for what you have and are blessed with. And let go of resentments, they are like a blemish on your heart and only hurt YOU in the end.
ReplyDeleteAgain, we would like to reiterate. We did not push this issue. A post from a personal page went viral. As for your comment about the fire place. What good is it to have a party where you can hardly talk to your family because they are not seated together.
DeleteWe are not looking to get anything out of this.
And yes no one asked him to be a hero but he was ready to stand up on his own.
My suggestion to the family is to complain to the corporate offices about the franchisee. There is always someone higher. I ate there once and it was enough. The resurant was filthy and no food was on the buffet. They could not keep up with the demand. Thank you and welcome home to our hero you deserve a better home coming than this
ReplyDeleteTo Mr Golden Corral, Your excuses are lame. And they ARE excuses. Customer satisfaction should be priority. If I was having a coming home dinner I would not want to be out with everyone else w/or w/o A projection screen. I would want to hear and be heard buy all present, not the general public. This was booked as a private affair. You seem to feel that was unimportant. And AS YOU said YOU can accommodate them as YOU want. Try again. With the very words out of YOUR mouth I know I will not book any kind of party, reception, or dog catchers promotion with YOU. No celebration should have to deal with Your kind of attitude and disregard for your patrons.
ReplyDeleteAny way, this is all the energy I tend to expend on this. The soldier had his reunion and I'm sure he and his family has the integrity to move forward and so should we. Pick and choose your battles in life. Pick and choose. That's the most sound advice I can give to anyone about this topic. P.s. I do know one of the managers there at Golden Corral everyone is bashing happens to be a Marine himself and has a daughter to support and he works very hard to give customers the best. So everyone understands, and management says they were going to work w/ them. I'm sure there are two sides and this article is very, very slanted.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home soldier! Glad you made it home safe and healthy first of all! You say you had a contract, was it written or verbal? Did you present this contract when you arrived and discuss this rationally with the manager? If it was a written contract it would have the date on it and would show who miscommunicated. This is very stressful time and emotions cause us to "loose control". So sorry of this mishap but hopefully you have learned a better way of handling these situations in the future. Follow up weekly confirming your reservations! Glad everything did work out in the end. Try to turn this into a more positive situation and not be so negative, it only eats you up inside and doesn't do a thing for you as a person. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the Golden Corral tired to accommodate your wishes,they were willing to workout a plan to make it easy for everyone, might not have been perfect,you just could not get what you wanted, so You know what I say: Move on and get over it....Golden Corral Rocks....
ReplyDeletewell Leah you are right there are always two sides and maybe there was a lack of communication HOWEVER knowing the liberalness of the area Im gonna go with the fact that it was easier to put off the soldier than tick off the poor parents for movie night. SAD times we are in and this mess goes unchecked. Work with them how? By giving less than they agreed to to begin with because they double booked? I think not. They should have honored the first agreement whoever it was Kids or Soldier and called the ppl ahead of time not just a half hr before
ReplyDeleteThe point is james has not seen his family nor his wife in a very long time. This was an event that was planned and it's not their fault that management didn't point out that it was kids night when the reservation was made. That is their fault. If it couldn't fly they could had told them and they could had made other arrangements. If this was your own family you wouldn't be so quick to judge ( to the ones bashing the family). I'm a friend of katie and james and katie would not say anything that was not true. Management should speak up and admit they were wrong instead of trying to make themselves look good with lies. A half hour notice to let them know they couldn't accomodate their reservation no matter which way you look at it is wrong. Your customer service sucks period. There is no excuse for your actions. I'm glad this is going viral people need to know how crappy this location is. Good customer service is going over and beyond for the customer. I think the better business bureau needs to be notified as well.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that family soldier, you deserve it.. Unfortunate situation, because surely a few of those employees have children who unknowingly depend on the money their parents make working there.. The domino effect from this would include those children, and that makes for a lose/lose situation..
ReplyDeleteNo excuse
ReplyDeleteSo boycott
Hey Parents, Hey Kids, I'd like to introduce you to an American Hero who serves as a United States Marine.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is what should have been said by the Staff at the Golden Corral that evening when they had to express to those attending Kids Night that evening.
It was noted that they Staff said that Kids Night hasn't been that popular lately and if I owned that business, the above message would have been the better way to handle this situation.
It not only would have made for a better business decision, I'd even bet that the KIDS would have truly enjoyed meeting this fine Soldier.
Think about THIS as well. Imagine if one of the Parents would have sent me a message telling me how horrible Golden Corral was because they refused to let their kids into that room for Kids Night because it was reserved for a Soldier instead. My reply, BITE ME! I would have praised Golden Corral instead.
That's just the way I see it.
This was my thought as well. Move the kids to one room with a projector. ...since the attendance was low anyway. Give the soldier and his family the other room. Bad business/ Customer service evaded. They certainly could have gotten lots of free press for doing something honorable. Sounds like this establishment needs many seminars on customer service.
DeleteI will never go there again. From the mother of a soldier presently serving in Afghanistan
ReplyDeleteThe reason why people can feed there Fay faces 24/7 is because of our veterans.
ReplyDeleteWhy're you crying over spilled milk? You still came home alive and you're with your family. But apparently you've got too much time on your hands now. A lot of what franchised restaurants have to do, is based on what corporate tells them to do. And no one is going to bite the hands that feed. And if Golden Corral is still open, they must be doing something right.
ReplyDeleteThis post clearly states they tried to make other accommodations for you.
ReplyDeleteI will never go back to golden corral, my family was at the drinks and my son said mommy a bug it was a ROACH. The girl making the drinks just laughed and walked away
ReplyDeleteI've had frustrations with restaurants on such occasions, and it is very annoying, no question. I'm a bit disturbed at the way both sides are handling it, at least here. I don't believe the right thing to do would have been to boot the kids out or not have movie night at the last minute. I don't care what anyone thinks of the workers, the families with kids eating there, or anyone else... no one is better than anyone else, and any remarks to the contrary do not help. IF promises were made as said, then the restaurant messed up for sure. The truth won't be reached online, for sure. If the reservations were made for that night from the very start AND the projector was an absolute sure request from the start, then yes, I'd probably be upset and not return for a very long time. Mistakes happen, and to make it out as if they were trying to ruin a hero's homecoming with malice is ludicrous. It's disappointing, aggravating, and all that, but the drama is really not helpful to anyone. Most of us do appreciate our veterans very much, and I'm glad you were able to find a way to have your celebration That's the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteOh Leah, sit the kool-aid down.
ReplyDeleteI would not give them my $$ even if I was starving and no where else was open. One of our soldiers who served for US can not be honored ???? And a kids movie night over rides a month and a half contract?? Get the hell out . . . . . I would be more than happy to have you set up if I was manager. And like a previous statement made . . . . The kids would have enjoyed meeting one of our bravest of people. And would have loved it Golden Corral should be ashamed . . . . . I will never take my family to eat there again.
ReplyDeleteThank you JAMES for your sevice,God bless you. enjoy your time home with your family. Katie, so sorry for all the problems you went thru. glad the flaming grill was there to help you out. we will def. good there to eat and thank them.
ReplyDeleteIn my short 28 years, I've managed (more purposeful than not) to steer clear of all Golden Corrals but ONE time during a lapse in judgement while shopping in Salisbury one day. It is not rare that I'm in Salisbury. Living as rural as I (we) do leaves few options for shopping and date nights. Most Eastern Shore of VA natives will tell you that a drive to the Salisbury Centre is over before you know it, because we have all becomes so accustomed to it. As well as Salisbury's local restaurants, downtown shops, entertainment halls, the zoo, and it's cinemas and I enjoy frequenting them often. With all that being said, there are plenty of options for movie & a dinner with a family friendly atmosphere that will happily and most importantly, RESPECTFULLY serve their civilian, armed forces, and veteran patrons. I feel confident saying this having worked at the well established Evolution Craft Brewery & Public House across from PRMC in downtown Salisbury. I can assure you one thing though, in this rural area word travels fast...as does a severe financial injury to a manager, a business, a "well-known" name, and a corporate restaurant chain. How sad for the patron. Way to go Golden Corral!!
ReplyDeleteBoycott.... I work retail, and have worked customer service for many many years, you ALWAYS accommodate the customer at whatever expense of the business to see a customer smile and leave happy. 90%off my family are military active or retired, and are disgraced. With that being said....absolutely under no circumstances will we be stepping foot in a Golden Corral door. Welcome soldier, our family, our hero!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy does this country try to use kids as an excuse?
ReplyDeleteIt for the children , or the kids , sounds a little like using the racist card.
A good lesson for the kids to learn , much better than the present school system in this county. The reason the kids can have a kids night is because of these soldiers! Freedom is not free!!
I am glad your dinner ended up being good in the end. He deserved so much more for his service. I just want to say THANK YOU. I personally am not a fan of Golden Coral myself, because it seems our family gets sick feeling after eating there..not to mention the place itself. Read previous comments. lol. Hopefully the rest of the homecoming will go smoothly!
ReplyDeletewelcome home ( boycott )
ReplyDeleteTo the person who said this issue is "petty"...SERIOUSLY? If it was your party and you reserved a PRIVATE ROOM so your family could be together, (not to mention having to contact 35 people plus the returning soldier to change locations) this would NOT be PETTY!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me like the miscommunication was WITHIN the restaurant and not with the family.
The girl did NOT send her letter to Joe Albero, so stop fussing at her for doing so. (No, I don't know any of them!)
To be told at 1:00 pm on the day of a large party with people coming from out of town that everything you had arranged is now unavailable is NOT OK for any reason. Someone at the GC made a mistake in accepting the reservation on kids' movie night. OK, we all make mistakes. BUT, GC should have made it right. They should have given the girl what she was promised and relocated their movie night.
This was bad business and the comments from GC staff are absurd. Whoever said it just made them look worse is absolutely correct.
Bye, bye, Golden Corral!!!
First, Thank you James for serving.
ReplyDeleteSecond, the time to deal with this conflict in scheduling was a month and a half ago, not on the 28th.
"Oh, shoot! That's kid's movie night and we're already pre-booked that night for the purpose you are requesting". This would have avoided this whole thing.
But, no. Somebody was greedy.
First off, thank you for your service and welcome home Soldier. Secondly, no I do not live in the area or anywhere near, but I can honestly say that no matter what golden corral you go to, their food just plainly SUCKS! The service is not good, and the place is always dirty. And then you sit there eating and you have people running a sweeper of some sort. Excuse me but I would rather eat my food outside with insects flying around than having dust flying around while i am eating...O by the way...Happy Anniversary as well
ReplyDeletePretty sure Golden Corral did you a favor. If I had to live thru the sad reality of war, the last thing I'd want to see after returning home is a plate of "food" from Golden Corral.
ReplyDeleteI can understand golden corrals position, after all like every good liberal says it's for the kids! how could you be so mean to those little kids to try and deny them movie night at a restaurant which really isn't much of a restaurant. I consider it to be more like a pig feeding trough with garbage piled high and all those porkers can just wander up and stuff their faces and arteries with crap! haven't been in that place but one time 20 years ago! wasn't much then and I'm sure even less now!
ReplyDeleteNo one was trying to misplace the children. They have 2 rooms. One was reserved for them and one for us.
DeleteDo you really think the restaurant is anti-service members??? You people are an embarrassment to the shore. As bad as the economy is you're ready to drum out another business and ruin many peoples lives over a BS incident that sounds like a misunderstanding on the part of the person making arrangement's. I'm glad some of the small minded people posted their names as it will come back on them.
ReplyDeleteRemember there is always three sides to any story, yours, theirs and the full correct story. Never judge by what others say, judge for yourself. This how we ended up with Obama. People need to think for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there was anything the owner could have said to rectify the situation in most people's minds. After reading the initial post, everyone seems ready to crucify the owner over one incident. A incident that had only one side at the time. Without knowing the whole story, the post has gone viral jeopardizing at least a hundred jobs in this down trodden economy. Now because of one post, one incident, there is an owner and his family, managers and their families, waiters, waitresses, cooks, dish washers all wondering, worrying, about how long they may be employed. I'm sure the owner has done many great things through the business and personal life for the community that is now out for blood. Now their is also a soldiers family loosing sleep because they did not intend for a post to cause so much hatred. People make mistakes. People also make good decisions that often go unnoticed. Don't try and run a business into the ground for one incident. Too many people's lives hang in the balance.
ReplyDeleteThis was never intended to go as far as it did. I do not believe this is how golden corral operates normally. However, it was a bad business decision on their part. We did not send the story to news or try to make it big. But by social media someone felt the need to. Not the family.
DeletePOINT is they should have never said you have the room at the time of setting up the dinner?
ReplyDeleteLong story short, if they made a commitment, it is up to them to fulfill it! Breakdown in communication is no excuse. These people risk their lives with little compensation so we can live in freedom. I don't think this is about putting people out of work, it's righting a wrong.
ReplyDeleteWonder how many veterans work at Golden Corral.
ReplyDeleteAll of the negative comments make me want to go to the GC even moreso.At least I won't be fighting the crowds to get to my favorite items.I wish I could say that I'll miss all of you,but that would be a lie.Ta ta.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all the comments I just have to say....the manager should have managed the situation....love the idea of Introducing the solder to the kids....wow imagine what those kids what have thought and parents of those kids...seems to me this post would have had a different direction. As a manager you should have managed this and found a situation to please all parties involved.
ReplyDeletePROOF that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Watch closely this week and you will see another restaurant in Salisbury announce that it is closing due to the economy. In reality the problem was failure to carve out a niche along with poor quality, inconsistency and bad service. Golden Corral has a niche with travelers and the "food bar" crowd and never has been associated with quality or service. NO responsibility, for the security of employment for the staff of a business lies with the customers; that burden rests firmly on the shoulders of the manager and his corporate structure. His or her decisions make or break a business. As for the story going "viral", the internet is the new marketing arena and business as well as customers have equal ground to advertise or criticize. The proverbial "knife" cuts both ways. I personally have never been to the Salisbury Golden Corral and it would have been my very LAST choice for a venue to have an important get together.
ReplyDeleteTo James, THANK YOU for your service and to your family, THANK YOU for your sacrifice. WELCOME HOME.
LIBERALS WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND PATRIOTISM.
ReplyDeleteIf they really appreciated this veteran why would they go to the Golden Corral in the first place? Come off a dollar instead of trying to get a free banquet room and give the man a real meal.
ReplyDeleteShame on them! Who would want to eat their nasty frozen food anyways? I'm sure the families with children would be more than willing to forego that movie night to let you guys have the banquet room. Shame, shame, shame.
ReplyDeleteISN'T THERE A WAY TO TAKE THEM TO COURT AND GET A GOOD LAWYER? THERE'S GOTTA BE SOMETHIN YOU CAN DO TO SHOW THEM THIS WON'T BE TOLERATED OR ACCEPTABLE!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteit was up to the manager to honor the contract. if that meant renting another projector and screen, so be it. i spent many years in restaurant management. that is what we would have done. customer satisfaction is job one.
ReplyDeleteWhoever posted on behalf of Golden Corral, do yourself a favor and leave your media relations to someone with a better understanding of English and grammar. Than is what you meant EVERY time you wrote then.
ReplyDeleteEt cetera abbreviated is etc, not ect.
"We were willingly to make sure you and your guest were taken care of...". Willing is what you meant.
When you use a comma, a space belongs after it.
Please educate yourself on the difference between then and than if you plan to represent your company in the media. You only make your restaurant look as low-class as it's already perceived to be.
I sent tis to
ReplyDeleteCorporate Headquarters
Golden Corral Corporation
5151 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27612
919-781-9310
To Let them know how wrong this is to the Family, The Soldier and the community who are proud of our Military in and out of service.
The biggest problem, as I see it, is that the restaurant didn't catch the mistake until the day of the event.
ReplyDeleteThey took a reservation they knew that they couldn't honor, had a month to communicate that FACT, then waited until the day of to do so.
How is this anything but terrible customer service?
What I find pathetic out of all this --is the Golden Corral posting anonymously and engaging Mrs McCreary challenging her story-- which is reprehensible --
ReplyDeleteGolden Corral has had some nefarious You Tubes done about their practices but I was willing to give them a shot --I especially like showing up at the end of Breakfast just when they are switching over for the afternoon menu-- but there are plenty of well run establishments with some credibility --
Golden Corral guess your Bus business is going to have to get you by-- until we hear of a total revamping of the Management,,an apology --and definitely identifying and getting rid of the poster --
Joe send these statements to Golden Corral headquarters ASAP
I'm glad someone sent what happened to the corporate office, I read the response from Golden Corral, and they were utterly wrong, if someone really wants to make an impact on this restaurant CALL your local tv station, I'm sure they would JUMP on a story like this, and it will get Golden Corral's attention on how to treat customers when it hurts their bottom line when people boycott their restaurants because they talk the talk and don't walk the walk. Sure it's easy to donate money, but when they had an opportunity in person to show their support of the military, they fell far short!!!
ReplyDeleteDo one step better, CALL the local news, they will jump on a story like this, and it will get Golden Corrals attention, when it effects their bottom line.
ReplyDeleteI would be contacting every tv station for miles, every radio station for miles and tell them the story and show them your contract. Then I would contact the corporate office and tell them exactly what you're doing. then I would make sure and take pictures of what their banquet room looks like on a tuesday night. then i would post everything on every social network you can get your hands on.
ReplyDeletehere in san antonio we have never had a problem. on veterans day the lines are around the building because vets get a free meal.
now i've had problems because the food is not as fresh as it claims and should be. but your experience is disgraceful.
have fun tonight at your new place! i'm sure they will make it the best experience possible.
If only you people knew. There's no need to contact all of the local news stations because they follow Salisbury News like a hawk. In fact, BOTH WBOC and WMDT now publish EVERY single article we put up on their Website. Yeah, Delmarva's News Leader, huh. I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I can guarantee on anything that WBOC, the DT's and WMDT have never experienced the volume of traffic this post has seen in the entire time they have been around. THAT's how much traffic this has received in the past 24 hours.
When I said it went viral, IT WENT VIRAL. Every armed forces connection has picked it up and the news media around the world is picking it up.
I can tell you that NO ONE from Golden Corral have contacted us, other than anonymous comments. Not local or corporate.
Your local media doesn't care any more. All they want to talk about is northern Delaware news and selling you a piece of furniture or a car. Expose a local story and actually tell the truth, I THINK NOT.
They are all under so much pressure any more, they want nothing to do with something like this because it makes Salisbury look bad.
Get used to it people. Salisbury News is the ONLY place you'll get the truth any more.
In fact, just Google Golden Corral Salisbury and see who's in the top listings. Right now this article is #3 and we do NOT pay for such rankings. THAT's how popular this article has become in the past 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteWhat government are you talking about trying to make jobs....it's sure NOT OURS!
ReplyDeleteI understand the frustration of the family. It was an extremely important event for them. So glad your husband is home with you! I also know of the owner and he is an extremely caring generous man who's help has reached farther than many know. I believe this being brought to his attention will have some effects on his management team at golden corral. People need to understand when you own a business that is a franchise you have to honor certain policies set up by them. There are obviously some issues that need to be addressed but as other people have stated destroying employment for many is not how to remedy the situation.
ReplyDeleteBlack or white? Inquiring minds want to know.My entire platoon went there on Veterans Day.We were treated like royalty.
ReplyDeleteIf this true, you should mail or fax this page, all comments. and by all means a copy of the contract to the corporate office, wherever that is. Also include a short cover letter. ...look forward to your reply, Sincerely,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that but low rent place low rent service it is what it is next time step it up to a better establishment I'm sure 35 plus people can afford it.
ReplyDeleteDISGRACEFUL is all I can say! Flaming Grill thank you for allowing this family to have this WONDERFUL celebration at your establishment on such short notice. This is the way you treat people, and especially the man who served and fought for our country and our freedom. I don't know you, but I just wanted to thank you for all you do for us! God Bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteTHAT ANONYMOUS THAT TOLD THE MARINE JUST BE GLAD HE IS HOME WAS/IS DEFINITELY NOT A VETERAN PERSONALLY IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY PUBLISH YOUR NAME AND DON'T BE A WUSS IF A DISTRICT MANAGER OK'ED THE PARTY ORIGINALLY THEY SHOULD HAVE HOHORED IT BAD JUDGEMENT ON THEIR PART semper fi and god bless america thks joe for telling it like it is
ReplyDelete4:38 Do you know how much money the soldiers make to risk their lives and be away from home for so long, not getting to see their children grow up? Income of a janitor, your elitist comment speaks for your ignorance. I'll also add that if you are so damn high and mighty why don't you contact the family and arrange to have another top shelf home coming for him and their family. It's called paying it forward. You POS
ReplyDeleteI understand the frustrations on both sides. Mistakes were made. Having said that, Golden Corral Is The Guilty party. This is the 3rd time I have heard a story this year like this and I experienced one last year. G.C. is horrible in staffing, scheduling, food production and most importantly customer service. My personal visit was in Dallas and it was a b-day celebration for my dying grandmother. I called ahead and asked for a spot away from the crowds of screaming running kids. I decided to visit the location the day before to verify the details and walk through. Even though the manager knew this he still charged me for the food even though I never went through the line. He promised to refund it to me as I left called a security deposit to ensure I wasn't trying to get a free meal. Never got the refund Manager was suddenly unavailable when it was time. Showed up next day at 430 as promised with a bus of 50 Mixed seniors, adults and 3 kids. The area that was supposed to be for us was blocked off and chairs missing due to "maintenance issues". The reason we went there was my grandmother enjoyed her previous visits. After 15 minutes of rearranging tables. We finally got seated. As I was making a plate for my grandmother and myself. I was confronted by a different manager who implied I was wasting food. G.C. Used to be a decent place to eat but with all the unproffessional staff, management (who kept coming around and counted plates out loud) and the countless kids sticking the hands in everything. The good memory with my lost grandmother was ruined and ANY time some one mentions eating out it is G.C. that is the standing joke. Unfortunately they are franchises and owners can treat people how they want.
ReplyDeleteAs you can tell, I will avoid all G.C. and just dine at the local options on my travels.
I thought in america it was innocent until proven guilty. It never ceases to amaze me how quick people jump on the bandwagon of someone else's issue. I was always taught there are two sides to every story. I refuse to pass judgement until I hear their side of the story.
ReplyDeletenever seen a business get so many derogatory remarks,even through their own stupidity but to set the record straight he is not a soldier, HIE IS A UNITED STATES MARINE been there downe that a jarhead forever semper fi and God bless America keep up the good work joe
ReplyDeleteGolden Corral is showing movies to kids on Tuesdays? I sure hope they are paying licensing fees to the film company. The MPAA will be looking into this.
ReplyDeleteKatie,YOU owe NOBODY an explanation!!! I am also a military wife and GOD BLESS YOU, BOTH!!!! We take so much for granted and once it's "gone" (whether deployed or literal), we don't realize what we we have. I know your intentions were NOT for this to get to where it is currently, however you owe NOBODY a "comment" and I am pleased to see it has gone "viral". Not every soldier makes it off the plane to meet and greet his/her loving family and supporters. GOD BLESS ALL CORPSE WHO LAND at DOVER for PROPER MILITARY Services. THANK YOU, James for your service as I could NOT lay my head down in peace at night, without our military servicemen and women
ReplyDeleteI just hope that the residents of Salisbury do not forget about this in a couple of weeks and begin to go back to Golden Corral. Seriously, what kind of people are managing that place?? They should have joined in and mad this an extra special event for on our returning soldiers.
ReplyDeleteDebra R.
ReplyDeleteWe have been to Golden Coral several times in different states and always had a good experiance but have never had a large group gathering there.Regardless of the group size whether it is 1 or 100 and more, We should ALWAYS in ANY WAY Honor our Military ! We would not be here in a Free Country if not for them. They DESERVE our UTMOST ATTENTION & RESPECT in EVERYTHING ! I like MOST Golden Corals but evidently the Salisbury Golden Coral needs to CHECK their Manager, They are the one's that are given decision making for that particular restaurant. That manager made a terrible mistake. He missed making extra money for his place of business,
making the waitresses extra tip money and a chance for THAT Restaurant to honor one of our own ! I know our children are very important to all of us BUT,I'm sure given the option of watching movies or allowing a member of the Military to have a wonderful Welcome Home dinner, Our Children would have opted and VERY HAPPILY said " Let Him have is Family Time" and also wished they could be there to Welcome him Home too ! Not to mention, it would have been NO TROUBLE to let the children that came to eat there before the night of the dinner (with the parents permission of course)to draw him a quick little note or picture(as lots of restaurants have crayons & a place mat or something to color on)to thank him also ! Children love this and I know they would have been happy to participate . I believe to see all those notes from the children also would have meant so much to him because not only is he fighting for US now but also for THEIR FUTURE ! Thank you Mr James McCreary So much for your Service to us and our country, Welcome Home ! God Bless you and your family.
Welcome home James and thanks for you service to us!!
ReplyDeleteGolden Coral was here years ago and went out of business. This event or lack of is probably the beginning of the end again. Your management really screwed up!! You should be cutting a check to that family for whatever they had to pay to the Flaming Grill, AND offering a FREE dinner to all 35 in their party.
Have you ever heard the customer is ALWAYS right?? I don't know this family at all but you were wrong and you owe them. This is/was a gigantic event for them and you spoiled it!!! I would not wish for employees of the Golden Coral to lose their jobs so YOU the MANAGEMENT need to reach out and make this family happy and show the people of Salisbury that you mean to make this right. IF YOU DON'T I HOPE YOUR ENTIRE MANAGEMENT TEAM IS FIRED AND THEY GET MANAGEMENT THAT CARES ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS SO THAT YOU CAN REMAIN IN BUSINESS AND YOUR EMPLOYEES HAVE JOBS!! I also hope Joe sends all these comments to headquarters to read!
AGAIN THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO US JAMES!
Having worked in food service over the years for both good and bad owners It strikes me that the SHORT notice tells it's own tale they knew from get go the had kids movie night but over booked anyway than attempted to pull a bait a switch at last minute to to boost sales for the night, Better to be honest and tell people that your sorry that unable to meet their request and work with the party planner for another day/time and if all else fails suggest another venue sure you would have lost a few $$$$ that night but would have gained Good word of mouth and more sales down the road..just saying
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to pass the word around in PA that Golden Corral is NOT a place to stop when travelling through Salisbury! Thank you, James, for your service!
ReplyDeleteWe had the same thing happen with a rehearsal dinner for my son's wedding. We signed a contract a month before and when we got there no one knew anything about it. They said that they didn't reserve on Friday nights. Thank god we had our contract in hand. We had 39 people standing around waiting to be seated. They did give us a discount but we were so disappointed in the lack of communication.
ReplyDeleteYou should sue them for breech of contract. They wouldn't have broken the contract if it had been a retirement party for a lawyer!
ReplyDeleteI can not believe that they would do that to a solider. I have a son in the military and understand how important it is to give all the soliders a big welcome home when we can. I hated Golden Coral before, now I hate it even more. I would sue for breech of contract.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they didn't cancel because it was a solider (thank you and bless you for your service) but just to move everyone around and together to make everyone happy.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe Golden Corral would break a contract for intentional reasons for a homecoming because of an earlier post in everything they do to support the military.
I don't think it's necessary for everyone to blow up and say they are "flipping the bird" when it appears they try to fit everyone's needs.
Why is everyone saying they are disrespecting a returning solider? Golden corral did not honor the supposed contract to a civilian. Who cares? You got a place to put on the feed bag and say welcome home. Now take up your issue with the restaurant owners.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Welcome Home James McCreary. Thank You for serving this great country, As for the management of Golden Corral, Bad call guys, I will no longer spend my AMERICAN Dollars in your establishment.
ReplyDeleteJames...welcome home Devil Dog. Thank you for your service to our nation. As a former Marine you have my word that i will keep the faith. GC will never see a dime from me. Semper Fi.
ReplyDeleteIf Kirby would stop fornicating with the wait staff and actually hire COOKS! It wouldn't be that bad.
ReplyDelete