They Are Blaming It On Gas Prices

[Henry]

Now, those of you that know me know that I'm not big on spending big money to go to eat out, but I have to say, this was actually my favorite expensive restaurant - I do believe people are going to cut back on luxuries, such as eating out, not necessarily just because of the price of gas, but things are actually tough right now and come this winter, I don't have the slightest idea what is going to happen:

"One of the Burlington area's landmark restaurants has closed its doors for good.

The Sirloin Saloon on Shelburne Road was once part of the Perry restaurant Group. It was most recently owned by the Paragon group of California.

A spokesman for the restaurant said the Shelburne operation is closing. He blamed the closure in part on high gas prices and said people are just not going out to eat as often.

He said the other Sirloin Saloons in Rutland and Manchester will stay open."

[Loctavious]

Uhhhhhh, i guess i can see that.  However, the last 3x i've eaten there ( all within the last 2 years) i've had some of the worst experiences i've ever had there.  I grew up in Shelburne and as far back as i can remember that restaurant and the little bears out front, were coveted.

i grew up and move dout of town - probably before the transititon from Perry's group to the new one.  Don't know if the new owners and their views of how to run a restaurant is what finally did it in ( afterall California thinking is hugely different from East coast Vermont thinking) but i can tell you that the service, and some presentation was lack luster at best.

I noticed the last 3 times that the staff was getting noteably younger.  Sure, the summer sees a rise in the young HS - College age workforce and thus all that goes with it ( inexperience or just plain apathy of customer service).  But MAN, at nice restaurants, you need veteran older servors to help groom the youner ones and hold a line for standard of service.

I guess i'm tryign to say, that sure gas prices will affect where someone goes, but so does the service.  We don't have Fine-dining within a 10-15 mile radius of Fairfax easy.  If i'm going to drive somewhere to go out to eat, seeking a nice place, I definitely don't want to waste the outing on lack-luster experience.  I could go to a buffet where the service isn't a factor if i wanted quantity.  I could go to Wendy's if i wanted value.  If my fine dining experience is going to be tainted by the 17 yr old who both can't handle the job, as well as doesn't really care what type of work they output, then HELL, i'd rather buy a steak and grill it at home.

SERVICE MEANS A LOT - THUS when you get good service, PLEASE remember to send a message that it's appreciated and TIP your servor appropriately.  I've heard way too many stories about Folks abusing good service down at country panrty - $6 tips on a $60 meal - UNACCEPTABLE.  If you can't tip 15% AT LEAST - go home and cook your own meal. ( providing the service is good of course)

[Kathleen]

I totally agree!  Service and ambiance is about 80% of my dining out experience.  I always walk into a restaurant with the tip meter starting at 20% and it goes down or up according to the service I receive (although if my daughter is with me, she thinks I should tack on 5% if our waiter happens to be a "hunk").