As being a manager at a local bar and being "in the biz" myself I would never treat my regular customers like that. I would always make sure their car is safe and taken care of and that they had a safe ride home. From my understanding, Old Mill is under new ownership and is burning a lot of bridges in the community. Mr. "Hot shot OC" owns multiple pizza hut locations where the need of towing a car may be needed, but not in the small town of Delmar on a Tuesday night. So after calling Delmar PD with them explaining that the new owner "was a prick", I called several towing companies and finally found my car at Carey's in Laurel and had to inconveniently wait till 9am to pay $90 to get my car out. I thought the people in this area should be warned of their actions and if you are planning to have a couple beers with dinner then Old Mill should not be a go-to place. They obviously don't care about the safety of the community and the people that live in the area, so why should we continue to consistently spend money in their Restaurant/Bar?
123 comments:
I would have said something to a manager before leaving my car there to make sure it wasn't towed. Most places has these rules. And you did not have to drink the beer if you didn't want too. I am over 21 and would never let someone talk or push me into drinking if I did not want too. If you know the waitress wasn't following the law why didn't you say something to the manager?
Didn't Card?
Yes the new owners don't have much of a personal friendly attitude, and I believe his business has suffered as a result...$39.99 AYCE crabs (ridiculous)!!!!
But the managers and staff are good local people and are doing only as instructed by the owner in order to keep their jobs. Probably should have notified them of your decision to leave your vehicle and they could have let you know where to park it so that it wasn't towed.
Mr. and Mrs. Kowolski were much better business people that the current owners.
Let me explain WHY I published this story.
While some of you have already stated this person should have handled this differently, they innocently did not know they closed the gates, (something new this year) and with so many people visiting Salisbury News, NOW YOU KNOW.
Ate there last month for the first and last time. Four star prices for two star food.
Typical victim mentality. Get a grip, YOU ordered the alcohol, YOU consumed the alcohol, YOU left your car there. No one is to balme but YOU.
10:11, I live not too far from the Old Mill. I have had two very bad experiences there. I thought after the first time, I have to be wrong. So we went back again and it was the same.
In my personal opinion, if you are not a well known person, (which I wasn't back then) they ignore you. You pay more than top dollar for crabs and get hard seats to sit in so they are uncomfortable in the hopes you'll get up and leave sooner than later.
IF you are a regular, you get fresh craps and if you are not you get crabs, (IMHO) that others have returned, cold.
You can watch numerous other tables getting heaps of crabs on their trays but when they come to you they put six crabs, (or so) on your tray.
Nevertheless, it's a no brainer we will not return and quite frankly I'd never pay that price for crabs, even if they were fantastic.
Now, that being said I can say their parking lot is always full and I really wish Station 7 in Pittsville would start giving them a run for their money by serving all you can eat crabs. I spoke to the owner the other day and they are strongly considering it.
Now, being that the Old Mill parking lot is always full on weekends, I'm glad so many others don't seem to have the same experience us non regulars have had. I do NOT want to see this restaurant hurt in any way as it is a great asset to Delmar and many obviously enjoy it very much.
Who knows, maybe the regulars are smart enough to bring cushions for their seats? I'll also never forget the non regulars WAIT to get a table. Regulars would walk in and the hostess would greet them by name. In a few minutes they'd get a table while the non regulars would sit in waiting for hours. Yes, I said hours. Went there on my Birthday years ago and we sat for so long, by the time we got a table they ran out of crabs.
I'll NOT go back.
They should reimburse for costs incurred from this towing and given a gift card for good will.
They were also rude to my friend when she tried to contact them with a question.Now they did not treat you well. Beware Old Mill owners...Delmar is a small town and word gets around. Will not eat there again.
I want to add, my hat is tipped to the author of this story for NOT drinking and driving.
The same cannot be said for some County employees driving County vehicles.
Same experience as you last year. Once was enough for me. They gave us light weight crabs (six or seven at a time) that were horrid. The place is too noisy... and the food stinks. I'd go somewhere else...anywhere else.
Not sure if I'm allowed to throw a plug out there, but my husband is a long-time manager at a crab house in West OC (NOT the big red one by the 50 bridge ;) ). While nowhere near Delmar, I'd like to say that his place would NEVER tow your car, and encourages you to leave it overnight. They will even call a cab for you! Heck, park under one of the nice security cameras while at it :)
"The same cannot be said for some County employees driving County vehicles."
Anyone who does this, has an alcohol problem big time. The alcohol is controlling them so much they can't even control it enough to go and get their own car, so God forbid something does happen the county isn't liable.
A drop of alcohol doesn't touch my lips if I am driving and this has been my rule for over 30 years. But I am disciplined. This goes to the character of those who do this. They have a personality that can be controlled whether it be by a substance or an ideology.
Go to the Red Roost. Larger dining area and a much more friendly place. May be a little out of the way but well worth it.
Why in the world would Old Mill care if anyone left their car overnight anyway? Jeez you would think they would welcome anyone to leave their car there if they had more than one drink.
Plastic knives are just stupid with crabs, I don't go there anymore.
Well y'all can go to the red roast.
A friend just dined at Harris Crabhouse on Kent Narrows where they charged $43 AUCE and they were small as well. At least you got a break on the crab price.
Crab Shack in OC is the best, just no fried chicken. I always thought Old Mill had the best chicken.
Old Mill sucks one time was one time to many for me never again.
While i have never had any issues with the old mill, i have always preferred the Red Roost. I was born here on the shore and its still the only place i go for AYCE crabs. Yeah its a little far out but totally worth it. Old Mill? Good, not great. I have left my car at places before and have been towed but always figured that it was the price i paid for having fun the night before. I get their frustration but i still say its not the restaurants fault.
I'm curious to know the logic behind why someone felt compelled to have this car towed. Couldn't they have waited a day to see if someone came back for the car? They should have left the car, and then put a note on the gate just in case someone did come for it telling them to come back when restaurant reopened the next day. And then to not even have the forethought to leave a note on the gate, telling the owner where the car could be found, speaks volumes as to a complete lack of courtesy.
Keep us posted on how they handle this.
I had no idea they closed the gates.This post may have saved me an impound fee.
Brew River is my go to for AUCE Crab Legs. Best price from what I've seen and it's quality. You should hit there Joe!
At those prices, I would rather go to Rest. 213 for the 3 course special. I'm certain that the owner would not have a problem with someone leaving their car if they didn't feel comfortable driving. Also, this sets a precedence for Old Mill. If some leaves and gets in an accident some attorney will add Old Mill as a defendant for not allowing a person to leave a vehicle if they take a cab home or get a ride with someone due to being served too much alcohol by Old Mill. Not very customer friendly and it is not like there are people lining up to park in their lot after hours.
Thank goodness the writer didn't drink and drive. Too bad for Old Mill - they could have just apologized (it is a ridiculous policy) and given them a gift card or something to show they care about their customers and their safety. Now they have lost so much business, hope they are happy. They obviously don't care about the locals, only the tourists. They still could apologize, but instead I heard they called the police for harassment becuase so many people are commenting on FaceBook - really?- can you believe that?
In retrospect couldn't 1 of the four people you were with driven your car home? you said they were your friends. I am sorry that you drank so much you couldn't drive, really something to be proud of...Is it now that you've sobered up you resent how much of a tip you left... $100 is excessive when $60 would have been more than appropriate?
Here's a news flash...next time, don't drink so much and your car won't get towed. Sorry but I have no sympathy for you just because you didn't drive...how many other times DID you drive drunk? Time to start thinking rehab buddy.
PLEASE open Fratellis SOON....I REALLY miss the best crab cakes on the peninsula!!!
Lifelong resident of Salisbury. Been to Old Mill twice in my life. Red Roost I hit at least a dozen times throughout the season, every year. Never any issues and the waitresses are sweethearts!
Your an ass Anonymous April 24, 2014 at 12:46 PM. Hope you have one beer drive then get a DUI. It was the right thing for them to do. No one should drink and drive.
Who are the new owners?
Actually 1:05 PM I was thinking the same thing, but he put it much more eloquent than I could have.
I can't get over the fact you only had to pay $90 to get your car back.
Went to school with the Kowalski's kids. I have told Jeff numerous times that the new owners are minimizing everything, running the prices up, and making into a cookie cutter business. Me and my family would visit once or twice a month during the season and when we were there you recognized all of the workers and you saw several families you knew there also. These owners don't know Delmar and only care about the money. They are running it like a Ocean city tourist business that only gets a family once a year when they come for vacation. The only shred of customer service you get is a few of the long time servers that have held on through the change. Plastic knives???? what in the world did they do with all of the other metal knives. For the first time in 20 years I went to the Red Roost last week. I will always go there from now on. Customer service, friendly environment and not run like a chain.
I've always thought the Red Roost had the best fried chicken. And the drive there through the country is part of the attraction.
12:46-Your comment is asinine. First of all maybe everyone that wasn't driving their own cars, were too intoxicated themselves to drive. Use you head. There are numerous other reasons why and it's not your place to question why to begin with. You got it? Don't you ever forget it either.
Here's a news flash for you. Your asinine comment severs one purpose and one purpose only and that's to inflame more people. I'm sure you just think you are oh so clever and cute but you're not. You've done this restaurant more of a disservice.
You people sure are funny. You expect people who take your money, build a good life, send their kids to college, because you chose to patronize their business instead of eating somewhere else, spend your hard-earned money in their place of business... and you expect them to be kind, courteous, compassionate and cordial to you? What do you think this is 1978? It's 2014, where smiles are no longer considered a virtue, courtesy and kindness could be misinterpreted as harassment, where employees show up on their first day and before greeting anyone with, "Good Morning!" they ask, "When an I take a break?" and wonder why they got a raised eyebrow and a head shake. This is 2014, when you may be reminded that the $300 for dinner was for the food you ate, not to have your ego stroked, after all... what do you expect for your $300, SERVICE WITH A SMILE? HA! Of course I am being sarcastic. I used to have a thing did with wait help, when I sat down, I would tear a $20, $50 bill in half and give it to them. I told them if you take care of me with a smile, you get the other half. I did that for like 20 years, but have not done it lately, but it actually was quite effective. CLEARLY whomever is running Old Mill is either unhappy with their job or, ignorant of what it takes to run a successful restaurant. People don't go out JUST for the food alone, they pay for THE DINING EXPERIENCE and that includes courteous, friendly and caring staff who go the extra mile for you, because they understand if enough of you don't come back, they are out of a job, but more than that... Why not just be kind, caring, competent and DO A GREAT JOB? Or is that a thing of the past? Have any of you voiced your opinions on http://yelp.com ???
Wow what a smug ass. They were acting RESPONSIBLY by not driving. If only we had more people who set the same example as this individual!
Did the author try and talk to the manager or owner the next day?
Since the new ownership, The Old Mill also receives best of a lot in the metropolitan magazine and I can tell you that the employees are given a ballot and told how to fill it out. If they refuse their shifts are taken away and/or some have been told they will no longer have a job. Also employees are told to push the buckets of beer and dinners rather than all you can eat specials and their shifts are based upon those sales. Its a sick sick world out there.
And the a-hole that said you should not drink etc. it is your right to drink and one or two drinks can put you over the legal limit. I think the person did the right thing by not driving. Maybe he should have told management he was leaving his car but based upon their business actions I doubt it would have mattered.
What if their car's battery had died or they had a flat tire? I can understand towing it after 2 days or so but come on. Give people a chance. That car was hurting nothing by sitting in that parking lot over night. The driver did the responsible thing by not driving.
Love that place we always pick crab bag over old mill
If there was a sign posted, you shouldn't have left the vehicle. I seriously doubt the waitress twisted your arm into buying more alcohol since you were already spending a small fortune to eat there. Also, you sobered up in an hour and 45 mins? You must not have consumed that much alcohol to begin with. If they had signs posted, they have every right to tow your after their business hours. Like someone else said, you should have asked if they minded you leaving your vehicle.
I agree 2:20.
12:46 has some serious character flaws and is obviously the product of a low class upbringing.
12:46 is to be pitied for not having good parents who taught responsible behaviour is to be applauded and not maligned.
we recently ate there .......a group of 9 .....waitress was TERRIBLE ... but she got her tip , as it is there policy to add gratuity to parties of 8 or more even though we received separate checks ..... I don't think we will be going back anytime soon .......
DUH 3:12! Gotta problem reading I see. First off it says the sign wasn't visible until the gate was closed. Secondly they say they came back "with a sober driver" not that they sobered up.
I haven't been to Old Mill in probably almost 20 years. I do know of different people who have gone there in the last several years and weren't impressed. One family I know calls it The Old Mill Diarrhea House.
Anonymous -
Even two beers is too dangerous to drive if you get stopped. A dui is sure to follow.
These people that this happened to are respectable people - The car that was left there was an Acura - nice!.
All of the people were responsible, generous middle class workers with good reputations. Like most people that would go there on a Tuesday evening, they just wanted a nice meal, a small amount of beer and fun. Did this guy ruin it or what?
The waitress should sign up for some classes on gracious serving and hosting. She sure doesn't get that kind of tip from low lives. Guess this new owner doesn't mind losing middle class business at this restaurant and Pizza Huts.
Hundreds of people know these guests at that incident and will spread the word - YEAH!!!!
sign posted or not, this is a local establishment...you treat your community well, and your community treats you well. there could have been several reasons why the car was left, and it was for two hours. with the size of their parking lot, what is one car going to hurt? if the car was left overnight, or for an extended period of time, i can see the reasoning. but, they have lost the business of a few over the incident, and probably a few others after knowing a friend went through this bs.
The best crabhouse on the Eastern Shore is the Masthead in Oxford. And on the other end of town is the Scottish Highland Creamery. It's a bit of a hike, but you'll always enjoy your meal. Try to time it so you can watch the sun set over the water. I guarantee you'll fall in love with the shore all over again.
Kudos to the original poster for letting everyone know about this.
It seems like a scam to me to post a towing sign on the outside of a gate that remains open all day, so that the only time it would be visible is when the person's car has already been left and is now locked in. It is also extremely poor customer service. The restaurant is not in a downtown area or anywhere where parking is in high demand, so why the need to use towing enforcement?
Also kudos to the original poster for being safe and not driving - and for trying to return that night with another sober person to retrieve the car - you weren't trying to leave it overnight (although you certainly should have been allowed to), you were being responsible!
Based on some of the other comments, I believe this incident speaks volumes about the way that the new ownership is approaching their customer base. I can guarantee you they make a lot more money from recurring locals who visit throughout the season (and take visitors there too) than they do from one-time tourists, especially since Delmar is off the beaten path, so they need to start treating people like return guests if they want any of them to return!
The waitress pushing the drinks is common. It's called suggestive selling in the business world. Some restaurants even take it a step further and have contests: Whoever sells the most beer buckets that night get a prize. Chain restaurants almost always have a daily contest: Who can sell the most desserts, appetizers, frozen drinks, etc.
They own dominos not Pizza Hut I would hate to see PIzza Hut have to take the blame for these people.
nothing good comes from drinking. please learn that lesson first and quit blaming the ownership.
So they still didn't bother to ask if they could leave their car? And 1 if the other 4 people couldn't drive the car? Had to wait an hour and 45 mins to find someone else that could? Sounds like just bitching to me.
According to OMCH's website it's owned by someone named Don Prouse. The "operations director" is John Snarsky. Unless website hasn't been updated there you have it.
Most establisments have tow signs up. I'm sure the business would have graciously obliged if they asked if they could leave their car there. Also, I'm sure the owners have a reason of people not leaving their vehicles and having a gate on parking lot. If the car got vandalized, I'm sure they would blame the restaurant. THEY made the choice to drink too much and leave the car there. If you weren't smart enough to ask if it was ok to leave your vehicle at their restaurant, than they can do what they see fit. It is ridiculous this is being made into a spectacle. Grab a ride with someone else if you are going to drink. They knew they were going to, they ordered a beer for Christ sakes. Like someone said above, one drink can get you pulled. Someone "in the biz" should know better.
3:48 is correct. A quick look on MD judiciary's lien search shows they are in over their heads.
WORCESTER COUNTY
Judgment Date: 07/20/2011 Index Date: 07/20/2011 Status Date: 07/20/2011
Status: ENTERED Amount: $732,364.58 Book Page:
For: Dough Roller Limited Liability Limited Partnership
Against: Prouse Holdings OC LLC
I've seen this story on my facebook news feed. I find it amusing how it's changed several times and even differs from this story. First it was an hour the car was left, then it was a little over 2, to this version saying an hour and 45 mins. Some how the tow fine also went from $90 to $190. What's the real truth here?
LOL 3:58 "Someone "in the biz" should know better" then to tow a customers car without a good reason such as the car being there for an unreasonable amount of time.
It's clear this restaurant is clueless otherwise they would owe nearly a million dollar to an OC business owner and the State of MD>
The Old Mill is to expensive for what you get! Add $5 just to get steamed shrimp! Red Roost is to small and the crab are terrible!! Hoopers is the only place to go! Good price, $31.99 and you get steam shrimp, a beautiful view, and great service! Can't beat it!!! It was good the guy didn't drink and drive!!!
This is completely ridiculous. Yes he ordered the beer, drank the beer, and left his car. But the restaurant handled it in a totally wrong manner. I wont be visiting old mill ever!
The crabs were so poor you could stick your finger through them and they advertise their crabs as number one... Ha ha,,, what a joke. I am done with Old Mill....
I have heard from a former employee of th
e original owner that all the old employees left because the new owner is totally ridiculous with everything from prices to the way he treats customers. I know I'll never go back!!
My two cents:
Always had good meals and service there, under previous owners. Would bring bigwigs visiting from HQ and they loved it. Didn't know ownership changed.
Been several years since I've eaten there; totally unrelated to past or current owners.
Any patron leaving a car with expectation they'd try to retrieve after it closed should have notified the manager of their plan before leaving. Even more for a patron describing themselves as being in the bar biz. And since manager didn't know, had to assume the worst = call the tow truck.
Guessing signs are there because they may have had some issues with overnight parking. Agree that if car had been tampered with folks would take owners to task for that; @## if you do, @#$ if you don't.
Too much to drink; diner's fault. Glad they waited to sober up before coming for the car. 'In the biz' and bought too much beer; their fault.
Prices, quality, quantity and amenities? Can't comment, but diner made it sound like they went there previously and so were content with those factors.
Diner set chain of events in motion with decisions about consumption and leaving car.
To each and every one of you Idiots defending the Old Mill for locking their gates and towing this car, WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK WE LIVE, NEW YORK CITY?
This is freakin Delmar, DELMAR. The middle of NOWHERE. I have NEVER seen as report of a break in at the Old Mill. So why close up the parking lot?
How many of you have watched the Delmar Police do radar during the day from there, LOTS. Was the Old Mill sending the Delmar Police a message?
I agree 100% with the commenter who said, what if your battery went dead or your starter blew. YOU SHOULD HAVE YOU CAR TOWED BECAUSE THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PARKING LOT ON THE EAST COAST?????
Perhaps this customer should sue the Old Mill for lack of advertising the locked gates and towing rules. I can almost guarantee what they have up is not up to COUNTY CODE. That is, until they read this comment and change it.
Joe
You are absolutely correct and I posted earlier saying that it is not like people are lining up to park there after hours. My only criticism is that the original post fueled the fire of the issue and may have lead to the person posting a questionable comment on FB and leading to LEO action. It is unfortunate that she was arrested rather than questioned and if deemed not to be a threat, warned about her words. I'm not a fan of Old Mill and will never give them any business n the future.
I'm pretty sure 90% of the population has had too much to drink at one time or another, but at least the writer acted responsibly by not driving. As mentioned, they're in the restaurant/bar industry. I'm assuming you've never worked in this industry before, b/c many people who have, tend to understand the work that comes with it and tip higher than the average customer. Maybe had the individual not tipped the server so much, he/she could have tipped the manager off from towing his/her car. It's sad that money rules this world and people are so rude. Strongly agree that no bar or restaurant that offers alcohol should tow a vehicle. it's not like they're packed this time of the year anyway..it's the off season.
I am a local as well, I also use to work there. Many of people from Delmar have worked here for it is local and they hire kids wanting their first job ,or waitress want to make great tips this is the place. I have ate here many times with OLD OWNERS and it was great service, and food.
I now work at a hotel and we give directions to OUT OF STATE people,or vistors traveling thru that want GOOD seafood-to come to the OLD MILL CRAB HOUSE. I just sent someone there last night ---I read this and now thinking of not sending them , living and working in Delmar WE ARE CLOSE FAMILY we should not treat people like this. OLD MILL OWNERS PLEASE treat this person to a refund! We want her /him to want to come back to DELMAR and eat! May I suggest Delmar Pizza or Delmar diner?? But of course as others have said there is always RED ROOST for crabs!
The last time I went to Old Mill, I had trouble with indigestion for a week. The chicken was 'soiled' in grease and I belched for a week.
Personally, I don't understand the allure as they are to expensive. As you can probably tell - I don't really like the place.
After reading about this story - I'll never go back there again.
And Joe, someone find her a good attorney. I hope she sues the pants off them. I do!
I was going to say Joe, that in MD if it's not specified with a sign of specified dimensions and clearly visible that a vehicle is subject to being towed if left overnight, then whomever called for the tow is responsible. Not sure what DE law. Just a sign saying No Overnight Parking wouldn't cut it in MD. Usually the tow drivers know the laws within the state they operate so maybe DE doesn't have any. OC's had the law in effect before it became statewide.
I don't live near Delmar so I have never been to this place...and I now never will. And seriously some of the people making comments on this are either really stupid or just dying for attention. Who in their right mind could fault this person for not drinking and driving? As for 12:46...who said that he was drunk? If you consume any alcoholic beverages you should have the common sense not to get behind the wheel of a car. What if he had only a few beers and drove anyway, then had a wreck and killed someone? I personally have never seen an establishment that serves alcohol have a vehicle towed that very same night. Most places encourage you to leave your car and call a cab. They're probably getting a kickback from the tow company. That would be my best guess. I can tell you that I know several people who live in that area and I will pass this story along. Kudos to the author for being responsible enough to not get behind the wheel of that car. The roads are a little safer because of him and people like him.
So now we have-
The Old Mill Diarrhea House
and
The Old Mill Indigestion House.
Red roost just saying better service no towing.
He clearly stated he came back to get his car with a sober driver.
Wow....didn't know there were so many "perfect people" out there. I have known the person that had her car towed for years. She made a smart choice by not drinking and driving, and knowing her she was far from drunk. Seriously, pretty sad that you can't leave your vehicle for a couple hours and come back and get it in Delmar. I ate with my family at Old Mill on Sunday...it was good, but had decided I would not be coming back. All you can eat crab special $39.99 per person....too expensive for me!! Her choice of words on HER Facebook page were simply words. Old Mill didn't go and start creeping on her page...someone made it their business to report this to the Old Mill. Being arrested for this was ridiculous. The person this happened to knows A LOT of people and people love her....I think the Old Mill screwed up. Way to stand up for yourself "ol friend".
crab bag in oc always has great reviews as well as assateague crab house
\
I was going to say the same thing....dominos not pizza Hut
While I been to the Old Mill.twice within the past month I can honestly say the experience was no where close to what the old Mill stood.for! This was a place of memories and friends and now its ignorant owners and outraged prices!!! The waiters even apologize for the pricing and the hostess will seat regulars before unfamiliar faces. We only got one tray for four people and would have to wait on more crabs. This business definitely should be put out of business!!!
I work for a beer distributor who sells beer to this establishment. While I am sorry for the person who had their car towed, it is the restaurants right to inforce this policy. On the note that the owners are "pricks", this could not be more false. This person is basing their opinion on here say and that is sad. I work directly for these owners and they are kind and genuine. However, they do have a business to run and it is no ones say which policies they inforce. You do not have to agree with them but you have to abide by them, and that goes for any business you enter. I have been a fan of this establishment since I was a kid. In fact, my first date with my husband was there and long before I ever "worked" for them, I was a fan of theirs. $39.99 is cheap for blue crabs since there is a major shortage here on the east coast. My husband and I bought a dozen for $45 recently and realized that this place has a business to run so we did not complain, we just enjoyed the meal. Old mill is a delware/Maryland staple that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Next time, just follow the rules and enjoy the awesome crabs. Again, sorry you got towed, I've been towed and that blows, but there really is no need to publicly trash talk an extremely hard working business.
This will be why I wont be dining there! Not including their prices have doubled! This is sad
I'd Say Come on up to Symrna , De . Good Old BoonDocks !! Crabs and Local fresh beef . Burgers and Steaks . Homemade Crab cakes And Soups . All fresh and local . Try the Swamp Water too. New pool tables in the Back room . Oh and Free Parking !!! Speak with management if you need anything . They are willing to do their best for you !!
It was wrong to have the car towed as there is never a winner there. I understand the restaurant owner's reluctance to take responsibility for a customers car. As for drinking and driving, if you are planning on having one beer or more, bring someone dry to drive home as the current state of enforcement is zero tolerance. If you are leaving an unattended vehicle, it is always smart to tell the manager to be sure you are respecting their policies. If you don't like a restaurant, by all means do not return, but please do not take revenge on their business as this effects all the employees as well. Finally, if you are sober enough to know better then to drive, it is on you to talk to the owners and let them know you are planning to leave the car. Many restaurants have started securing their gates or at least locking up a fenced in area because of the ease of theft of the valuables that must be left outside. To the author, I am sorry for your loss, but it it your own fault. As a solution, next time you find yourself in an unpleasant situation, take a kind attitude and go to the owner and explain your side of the story. Then, with a solution minded attitude, ask if the owner would comp you a similar value for your next visit. This has real value to you, gives him a chance to save face and save a customer, and presents a situation where both sides can win. I wish you all the best!
I have to say I def thought this story was going somewhere else. Did she really waist her time posting this non sense. First as a previous server..bartender now my managers are always pushing me to upsell n serve alcohol. We have contests on a daily basis for this. As a manager of a restaurant she should be hip to this. Secondly nobody made her drink that beer! Its called saying NO sweety. One word..two letters. NO. Say it with me no! Thirdly maybe if she had informed the owner what she was doin she could have avoided the whole situation. Or did she think she was that special fir them to keep the gate open for her. Rule is monkey c monkey do. As soon as one person leaves their vehicle there. .the whole restaurant will want to. What would she have done if her vehicle was vandalized or stolen in the middle of the night? ?.. blame the owners..thats not right! I have eaten there plenty of times. . No problems. . Food was great. . Service was great. This lady needs to get a grip along with the rest of the people defending her. She needs to stop pointing the blame n accept responsibility. N next time keep ur stories to yourself if what ur saying isn't important.
I have never understood the big deal about The Old Mill in the first place. I think the only thing they sell is hype period! Sub par food lousy atmosphere and you have to wait forever just to pay stupid prices only to be herded like cattle to the feeding trough. As far as the tow job...do they have it posted with proper warning? If it is not posted then they are in the wrong with that said if you know you drove there you should drink responsible:)
Well.... You may be dining alone
For what? Someone is always lookin for a break. If she had simply asked management or jus followed rules like everyone else she wouldn't have a story to tell
Abbott's on Broadcreek in Laurel... check it out... it's amazzzzzing!!
Don Prouse is the owner. He owns / owned several Dominos Pizza locations. He went into a partnership with an executive from Grotto Pizza and opened the Grotto Pizza in Ocean City (which used to be the Dough Roller).
Nikki, we can't "abide by the rules" if we don't know they exist! This person CLEARLY said the sign is not visible when the gates open!
btw, you getting a bonus for this post where you kiss their ass?
This is just another mark against the old mill. We decided a while ago to stop going there because of the attitudes of the owners, management, and especially the nasty attitude received from the hostess several times. These folks just need to leave and let someone take over that has the same professional attitude and appreciation that the original owners had. Since they retired and sold to the current owners, it has felt very uncomfortable and unwelcoming there. The last time we were there we had taken a group with us that we work closely with for our jobs and we were all but ran out by the staff being told to vacuum with the shop vac, which thwy did all around our table.....we thought we wwre going to have to pick our feet up for them to vaccuum around us! Surely we will no longer spend our money with them again when there are much better places to go!
The crab bag is the best!!! I love that place, but not the wait. Go early.
Maryland towing law states that the sign must be of a certain size, font, and color. It must state the name of the towing company, their phone number, the address of the impound lot, the impound fee, and the vehicle must be available 24/7. They have a right to move your car. They have no right to deprive you of it. Furthermore, if they do not follow the letter of the law, they are guilty of stealing your car. Period. I had a vehicle towed last year. Illegally. I called the police. Then I called the person who signed the tow ticket. After I informed them of the law, they wanted to talk to their attorney. Within two hours I had the most ass-kissing apology letter you ever did see. And a check in the mail to reimburse me my impound fee. Also, only the vehicle owner or a police officer can authorize this type of tow in Maryland.
Original poster: bottom line...they stole your car, according to Maryland law. Go get your money back. Or, get them locked up if you want. This is why most businesses simply put up a sign that they are not responsible for your vehicle or its contents (which holds up only if the parking is free. If you pay for parking, they are responsible, even if they disclaim responsibility.). Depriving someone of there personal property is muddy water with lots of loopholes.
I stopped going there last year. The price is rediculous! When I go to eat crabs I want crabs! I don't want clam strips, hush puppies and chicken....I can eat that alot cheaper somewhere else. Why don't you make your price AUCE crabs and corn $19 or 22$ . There is a place in oc that does that and we drive there to eat. Sometimes its corn, or maryland crab soup or FF but only one and its $19.99 AUCE. If you fools are willing to pay OLd Mill prices or evern Red Roost prices and sit there and fill up on everything else but crabs then go to it!!!
were can you go for crabs in salisbury besided omch
and red roost
I have bought take out crabs from that place on old ocean city rd I thought they were great
on kent island
I like the jetty for crabs
"Anonymous said...
Don Prouse is the owner. He owns / owned several Dominos Pizza locations. He went into a partnership with an executive from Grotto Pizza and opened the Grotto Pizza in Ocean City (which used to be the Dough Roller).
April 24, 2014 at 11:46 PM"
Don't be so sure about this. They purchased the Dough Roller uptown, turned it into an Old Mill and got buried to the point the Dough Roller has a lien on the property. Then they rented it to Grottos and the first mortgage holder has an assignment of rent agreement meaning the rent from Grottos goes directly to them. Hardly a "partnership."
Appears they are drowning in debt and are a high risk hence the drastic measure of the assignment of rent.
Nikki, there was absolutely NO good reason why the car was towed. NONE. You can defend this action and the owners all you want, but they are jerks.
These people are far far far from being "kind and genuine." "Kind and genuine" people, especially business owners handle complaints and problems graciously and diplomatically. They do not continue the problem and keep it alive so to speak.
It's hard to believe we are even dealing with adults here, as their have to "get the last word in" attitude suggests a lack of maturity.
Nikki these people not by anyone's stretch of the imagination are "kind." The may be "genuine" in the fact that they are spiteful beyond belief. Now that they have shown their true colors which proves they do not handle criticisms well and behave like maniacs when one comes their way, people would be best served to stay away from the place.
Sounds like Nikki has first hand experience with the owners. How many of these people posting comments have any real knowledge of the circumstances? I would tend to go with the person who actually knows them and works there.
Things Happen.....right.....if every bad thing that happened in life could be simply pawned off to being someone elses fault how crazy the world would be. And is it really worth that business getting the bad review. If you owned something maybe you would understand that. over 90 dollars. there is always a way of handling it in a positive way. My wife and I recently went to Chilis. We had a horrible experience....the waitress didn't come one time the whole time we ate our meal and then never showed up until 20 minutes after the meal was eaten. I couldve blown up, wrote bad reviews and asked for a free meal....instead i had the manager sit down with me and explained to him the problem in his establishment and that if that service continues, he will never be able to protect his sales....and i bet that the problem was addressed and fixed. but come on....not asking for your id? PERSUADING you to buy a Pitcher....Come on....you wanted that beer...you didn't see the sign...if you didn't see a stop sign and went right through it and a cop stopped you or you were involved in an accident who then would you blame it on. Grow up...LIFE HAPPENS!
Your logic is silly 9:30. A lot of the people who, at the time of their crimes, actually knew the Manson Family said they were wonderful people.
Would you "tend to go" with those people's opinion?
You should "tend to go" with your OWN intuitions and not follow along blindly just because someone makes a claim.
@John - The Old Mill Restaurant is located in DELAWARE - so MARYLAND doesn't MATTER! IDIOTS!!!!!
I know will say it like this if they ARE NOT CARDING PEOPLE THEN THEY NEED TO LOSE THERE LIC. I HAVE BEEN THERE ALOT OVER THE YEARS AND SINCE THE NEW OWNERS HAVE TAKEN IT OVER IT HAS BEEN NOTHING bad. I own a Company and we took everyone and there families there one night for dinner. A few of the people wanted water with there dinner and they kept trying to get them to by beer and finally I told the manger about it and they said "THATS WHAT THERE JOB IS THEY HAVE TO TRY TO UP SELL" WOW REALLY. NO MATTER IF U HAVE A GLASS OR WINE OR ANY OTHER DRINK. IF U DRINK AND DRIVE U WILL GET A DUI. SO SHE WAS TRYING TO AVOID THAT. I WOULD SAY THAT SPEAKS ALOT RIGHT THERE BY ITSSELF. I WILL NEVER GO THERE.I WISH THE OLD OWNERS HAD IT BACK.
This is crazy. You have a right to have some beers with dinner out with friends. Don't mean you have a problem. You did the right thing for getting a ride and going back that same night to get ur car. Not the next morning. I never liked that place, never felt welcomed. But it was close so we went there but now we will take the drive to red roost. I hope everyone who sees that you were right and treated bad stops going there. Hopefully the new owners will sell. I hope you sue them. You did the right thing. More people need to be like you. Oh, and you people have no common sense. She left $100 top cuz she works it that business and knows how good it feels to get a good ads top. See what happens when you try and be nice. Make them pay girl.
She was right, they were wrong. I hope they lose their business and you need to sue them. Get your money back. Also, you people have no common sense. Think if that happen to you. She was 100% right.
10:16. Delaware has a towing law too. What old mill did also violated it. So, sorry for my mistake which had no bearing on my point, and sorry that you could find nothing in my post of actual substance. I'm not sure if old mill falls in the town of Delmar, but if it does , the down of Delmar has unabridgedly adopted the wicomico county towing code, on both sides of the line. And wicomico has unabridgedly adopted the Maryland towing code.
She states that they are frequent customers and local residents but that the server didnt card her? She should know that when you go into a place often enough you arent going to get carded! Ask her how many people she cards behind the bar? (she stated again later that she would never treat her regulars like this)..
and BTW, calling the new owner a "Prick" to the Delmar cops is not only Classy but Oh SO Mature! The bartender didnt have to twist her arm very hard to buy a bucket...trust me the bar scene is nothing new to her on the days she isnt working.
I have always been of the mindset that towing a customer's vehicle for any reason is just bad business. Unless said vehicle is blocking an entrance or a utility no harm no foul. As far as pricing goes, it's still early in the season so crabs are coming from down south still (not local) so prices are going to be whatever the market will bear. Kudos to the author for not drinking and driving. People drink get over it. By all appearances he was responsible so what if he had a couple beers. The Old Mill will eventually realize that Delmar is not O.C. and either change their ways or close their doors. If people are not treated with the respect and appreciation they deserve for spending their hard earned money karma will raise it's head and show them. Again towing away customer cars is just bad business.
$60 on a $300 bill? Hell no! Its assholes like this person who make a servers shift hell. Im sure that person makes their server run around like crazy asking for the impossible when they go out and then just tips 5% and then complaining about everything! What a douche. The person who served them broke the law regardless if the customer accepts the offer or not. Plus not asking for id's. I went there once and never have i thought about going back.
Wht a prick. if u were drunk U wldve left ur car and guess wht. U wld have a story to tell!!! if this was a 17 yr old the waitress served alcohol to then wldve been front page news. A disgrace ppl these days
Victim mentality isn't a valid argument. If it was u this happened to u wld b pissed. Absolutely NO excuse for npt following the LAW and serving without asking for proper id.the waitress cld and shld b fired immediately and the restaurant fined heavily. period
I wouldn't be surprised if the individual so uncompassionate towards this whole ordeal was the New Owner or Involved in some capacity. To the victim: Twitter This Experience and the Establishment. Referrals or lack thereof is the best way to let everyone know not to patron that establishment. At the very least they should pay for you tow and offer a night on the house just for the inconvenience alone.
3:55 said-
"and BTW, calling the new owner a "Prick" to the Delmar cops is not only Classy but Oh SO Mature!"
What the heck is the matter with you people? Are you simple or something? It seems as if everyone defending the indefensible tow job have difficulties with reading comprehension. Now go back and read the post slowly 3:55. It states "So after calling Delmar PD with them explaining that the new owner "was a prick",
THEM explaining the new owner "was a prick"-THEM as in the Delmar PD.
The new owners of the Old Mill have tarnished what the original owners, the Kowalski's, established. The Kowalski's were family oriented and so very personable - from the Mother and Father down to all of their children who worked there. My husband and I went there at least once a week when they owned it. The other staff was great too. These new owners are lousy! ! The Prouse's need to take several Customer Service courses because they don't know how to treat people. They are very inflexible to the point of being ridiculous!!!
I have been 2 times under these new owners and only because it was Business related and I wasn't paying. The owners are rude and their attitudes are terrible. I have been wanting to vent about this for a long, long time!!!
I know it's not the Kowalski's fault that the Prouse's have made a bad name for the Old Mill. It's just sad to me because of the marked difference in the level of professionalism and compassion for their customers.
They won't get my money anymore unless someone BRAND NEW and more like the Kowalski's purchases the Old Mill and takes it back to that caring atmosphere! !
I really hope the Prouse's read these comments. They can make it better if they choose to.....I don't think it will happen though.
Why tow? Are they using the lot for something else? Do they need that lot after hours for a flea market? Doubt it. Shame.
Well said. I hope she reads this. I know I Will!!!
Because people are doing donuts in their parking lot! :(
People were doing donuts and playing around! Duh..there's NOTHING to do in small town USA, Delmar! Lol
.8:04 AM "I wasn't paying" "They won't get my money"
huh?
Perhaps they are posting the lot so as not to be responsible for any damage done to a vehicle overnight. In other words they are covering their A$$, which with people having the mentality to sue over everything in today's world is an excellent idea.
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