A few days ago we decided to order Applebee's curbside to go. So, I checked out the online menu and decide on the 2 for $20 meal. You get to choose to meals and one appetizer for $20. It's a pretty decent deal. I call the restaurant and talked to a chick who's name was probably Bambi, and if it wasn't, it should have been. Let me put it to you this way, "the wheel was spinning, but the hamster was dead". I tell her I want to order the above mentioned meal deal. I then say to her that of the four appetizers that are mentioned, there are none that interest us, and I am of course aware of the no substitution policy. So I tell her that not to worry about it, we just won't take the appetizer. Just give me the two meals.
She says, "I can't do that sir."
I respond, "Why not?"
Bambi Applebee says, "Cause that is not the promotion we have going on."
So I say, "I understand, but it is cheaper to just buy this deal and not take the appetizer then to order the two meals separately. Just don't make it the appetizer, no big deal."
Bambi Applebee, "I can't do that sir. I have to ring it up with the appetizer."
So I said, "I understand. Ring it up, just tell the kitchen not to make the appetizer. We are not going to eat any of them, I would hate to waste the food for nothing. "
Bambi Applebee, "Sir! I can't do that."
I then am frustrated and start saying, "Then make the appetizer, and eat it on your break. It's on me! Or don't make it, and tell the manager that you saved the company some money."
Bambi Applebee, "I can't do that sir. I have to ring it up as part of the meal."
At this point, I can't believe what is going on. So I start mocking her. I say, "Can you just pretend to drop it on the floor when putting it the bag?"
She says, "I can't do that sir."
I ask, "Can you give it to someone in the restaurant that might be celebrating an anniversary or something?"
Bambi Applebee says, "Umm, I don't think so."
I say, "I don't think you are hearing what I am saying. I understand that you need to ring it up, and charge it as part of the deal. Go ahead and do that, I don't WANT the appetizer, so don't have the kitchen waste food, just give me the two meals and charge me anyways."
Bambi Applebee, "I totally understand what you are saying sir. So, did you want the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, the Crispy Onion Rings, Boneless Wings, or the Mozarella Sticks?"
At this point I realize that this chick couldn't pour water out of a boot if the instructions were written on the bottom of the heel. How could I NOT communicate this small idea to her?? I ordered the boneless wings and ate 5 of them. I guess she was right all along.
Marc
