FYI - Old Country Buffet Response - Not worth it!!

This is the response received after submitting a question to Old Country Buffet as to why they don't honor the "card" for discounted prices after surgery. Ever other buffet that we've been to honors it without any problems. Don't know about ya'll but I'm not paying $8 for 1/2 cup of food - show me the value in that!! Thank you for taking the time to email; your honest feedback is greatly appreciated.  You are a valued guest and we hope you will give us the opportunity to "exceed your expectations" the next time you dine with us. Thank you for taking the time to email us regarding your concerns on our policy of not giving discounts to our guests who have had gastric bypass surgery.  We strive to provide all of our guests with a superior dining experience at a fair price.  As you can imagine, the individual preferences and needs of our customers differ considerably, yet we have found overwhelming support for the notion of pricing consistency and predictability.  In fact, our one-price approach is one of the central features of our buffet-style of service and it is a key reason why customers frequent our restaurant in lieu of establishments that charge on a per-item basis or one tied to portion size.  In keeping with this approach, we cannot honor your discount request. Again, thank you for taking the time to write us.  We value your opinions and feedback. Sincerely, Amy Kurvers Guest Relations Coordinator

This reminds me of when Valleyfair charged me for entrance when I said I was only there to walk around and not go on rides.  "We have no way of monitoring chaperones as to whether or not they go on rides".  Um, excuse me but I weigh 450.  Tell me how hard it would be to monitor me when I won't fit on a single ride. I'm at a conference right now in Indianapolis.   I had to pre-pay for an all you can eat buffet for each day of the conference (5 days!).  Someone is getting a deal and it's not me. I decided to just pay it and not say a word.  Sometimes you have to play their games.    I figure overall I will come out ahead if I add up how much I can save elsewhere.  I really do come out ahead.  Question for OCB...will they let you chaperone without eating at all? P

Hi Paul!! Nice to see you....Indy huh? My home!! Tell Indy I said Hi!!!! I might be there in a couple of weeks!!!  I agree with the buffet issues.....They should at least offer a kids pricing for WLS patients, although most kids can eat more than us! ' CarolN

Thanks for checking that out.....I guess I won't be going there. I can buy a meal for that price somewhere else and get 3 or 4 meals out of it. Can't doggie bag it there!!  

Hugs, connie d

I agree! I still have a hard time when i feel like I'm wasting food. I was brought up in the old fashioned clean your plate family but wasting money was an even greater travesty. lol.  I am curious though what "card" you are talking about? I'd love to order from the kids menu or senior menu to not waste so much food if it's something that I don't think I'd want to eat again for 3 days, and i get soooo tired of that waitress who keeps thinking something is wrong with my food all the time. Where do we get this card and how does it work? What places honor it? Thanks!

Lisa, ask Dorothy if she has one at your next appointment.  They are basically a business card from Park Nicollet with all 3 bariatric surgeons names on it.  On the back it reads:  Attention Restauranteur:  (okay - right there, OCB is a stretch...) The individual holding this card has had a surgical procedure that restricts food volume to approximately one-tenth of normal adult consumption.  We would appreciate it very much if this person's meal can be portioned and purchased at a reduced senior or child price.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgeons Personally, I've never used mine.

We are totally on the same brain wave today!

sO WAHT IS "THE cARD' ND WHO ACCEPTS IT???

This is the same attitude they have had for years.  They have never honored the card.

Intersting Thanks! I mostly just share a meal with Noah, OR if we have different tastes that night I'll take home the leftovers and either eat it over the course of the next few days or one of the kids will snag it.  I'll ask Dorthy for the card though Thanks!  The only buffet place I miss is the chinese buffet in Shakopee, but like OCB I can't make myself pay $10 for 1/2 C food. Oh well.... nothing tastes as good as thin feels right?!!!