Bad Experience

[SewTexas]

Welcome to the board,

I'm with Frog, I'm thinking you're probably safe to carry there again, esp since you'll be more careful with the concealment, but....

OK ... question ... I'm guessing you haven't received the gift cards from the DM yet? there might be a letter of apology in there? that might include or be "interpreted" as permission to carry in the local Hooters?

just a thought, I'm always thinking,
except when I should be sleeping, which is now.

[Glock_Tacular]

Good call on the letter. Hopefully your right, but I did think about going back in an speaking with him before I take anymore chances though.

[alvins]

personally i would have refused the gift card and told them i would never eat at their restraunts again.

[Glock_Tacular]

personally i would have refused the gift card and told them i would never eat at their restraunts again.

After its all said and done, I probably won't. I just did most of this to raise awareness and inform my fellow CHL holders.

[MadMonkey]

personally i would have refused the gift card and told them i would never eat at their restraunts again.

A single employee isn't going to stop me from shopping/eating/etc at a particular chain. The fact that the company offered the gift certificated is awesome in my opinion... I honestly wouldn't have expected an apology.

I'll continue to sped my hard-earned cash on boneless wings at the Grapevine location when I'm home

OP, have you tried the Tilted Kilt? There's one in Lewisville. Better food selection and overall nicer place IMHO, never seen one posted.

[Glock_Tacular]

personally i would have refused the gift card and told them i would never eat at their restraunts again.

A single employee isn't going to stop me from shopping/eating/etc at a particular chain. The fact that the company offered the gift certificated is awesome in my opinion... I honestly wouldn't have expected an apology.

I'll continue to sped my hard-earned cash on boneless wings at the Grapevine location when I'm home

OP, have you tried the Tilted Kilt? There's one in Lewisville. Better food selection and overall nicer place IMHO, never seen one posted.

Yes I have seen that one and havent had a chance to go visit. But I def will now that I need a new place to eat with a good view.

[jmra]

personally i would have refused the gift card and told them i would never eat at their restraunts again.

A single employee isn't going to stop me from shopping/eating/etc at a particular chain. The fact that the company offered the gift certificated is awesome in my opinion... I honestly wouldn't have expected an apology.

I'll continue to sped my hard-earned cash on boneless wings at the Grapevine location when I'm home

OP, have you tried the Tilted Kilt? There's one in Lewisville. Better food selection and overall nicer place IMHO, never seen one posted.

Yes I have seen that one and havent had a chance to go visit. But I def will now that I need a new place to eat with a good view.

I have a great view at home and everywhere we choose to eat.

[Oldgringo]

I had a bad experience in a Hooters in Tampa, FL about 15 years ago. It was so loud the server couldn't be heard and the food was so-so at best. Give me a POPEYES anyday.

[AustinBoy]

Wouldn't walking out without paying be theft?

Glad you didnt do that.

Remember, how you act and deal with a situation concerning CHL reflects on all CHL holders.

If you had not handled the situation as well as you did and been a jerk, I can see that manager telling everyone that "CHL holders are all a bunch of jerks".

And, I would try and get an email from district manager stating exactly what their corporate policy is.

Dont ask for "a special treament email", just one that states their corporate policy.
1. I would like to see it!
2. I would THINK that would be written permission that would override the GM.

AB

[MadMonkey]

I had a bad experience in a Hooters in Tampa, FL about 15 years ago. It was so loud the server couldn't be heard and the food was so-so at best. Give me a POPEYES anyday.

Last Popeye's I had was in Kandahar. Pretty terrible, I haven't been to one in the States in years though

I don't like loud places either. Bone Daddy's BBQ tends to be that way, but their food is bleh so I don't go anyway.

[Oldgringo]

I had a bad experience in a Hooters in Tampa, FL about 15 years ago. It was so loud the server couldn't be heard and the food was so-so at best. Give me a POPEYES anyday.

Last Popeye's I had was in Kandahar. Pretty terrible, I haven't been to one in the States in years though

I don't like loud places either. Bone Daddy's BBQ tends to be that way, but their food is bleh so I don't go anyway.

I've never been to the POPEYES in Kandahar, but the one in Vicksburg is a must stop whenever we pass through.

Be safe.

[gemini]

[quote="AustinBoy"]

Remember, how you act and deal with a situation concerning CHL reflects on all CHL holders.

If you had not handled the situation as well as you did and been a jerk, I can see that manager telling everyone that "CHL holders are all a bunch of jerks".



I haven't been in a Hooter's in years. But, having the District Manager react in a positive way to CHL is fantastic. The initial incident
was caused by poor concealment. Work on your concealment techniques. Otherwise, from what I read, everything turned out for the better.
You sound like a nice guy. Welcome to the forum.

[RoyGBiv]

Hey Glock_Tacular... Please do us all a favor and go back to Ohio, vote RED and then come back to TX.

Welcome to the forum.!!

From what I've read of your description of events, the restaurant manager did a reasonable job taking you aside and talking to you about the inadequately concealed gun. You might not have liked all the details, but, at least he didn't just call the police or make a big scene. Honestly, if my concealment is failing, and somebody discretely points it out, I'd first be grateful, then apologetic. Regardless of exactly what words are said, I'd realize that a lecture from the business owner is much easier to deal with than a ride from the police. And finding out my cncealment is failing is a GOOD thing. Better than having a problem at an even less favorable moment. Plus grateful/apologetic make the rest of us look good.

Again... Welcome aboard.

[couzin]

I would have not paid for my food and left.

Me too... Asked to leave - es no nada!

[TexasCajun]

Welcom G_T! I echo what others have said regarding your handling of the situation. But rather than re-hash the thoroughly hashed, I'd like to take the opportunity to offer a bit to the discussion in a slightly different direction while still remaining on topic. There are tons of threads on this and other forums about appropriate conceal method & dressing around the gun, etc. But I haven't seen much on the other effects being a CHL'r has on day-to-day life. So here's my take on choosing a seat in a restaurant while concealing....

I prefer to carry my glock 17 owb in a Fobus paddle-holster wearing an oversized shirt at 3-4. My 2nd preference is to carry my g-17 iwb in a DeSantis Tuck This tuckable with a front mag pouch at 4. And when I have to go ultra-incognito, I go with my Beretta Nano in a Blackhawk iwb at 4. So in my very limited experience as a CHL'er, here's what I've found/realized so far about eating in restaurants (scenic or otherwise).

Stools are completely out - They encourage you to lean forward & slouch, causing a pretty noticeable bulge on the side or back. They are also usually at a higher level than regular chairs, putting your beltline at eye-level with those sitting in chairs.
Regular restaurant chairs can be ok - You just have to make sure that the gun butt doesn't hook around the vertical rail that attaches the chair back to the seat. You can minimize the risk by sitting with your carry side away from the main part of the room (preferably toward a wall).
Booths along a wall are best - The high & solid backs and wide tables give you physical cover in all directions except for the side you have to slide in & out from. But you do have to be careful that you don't uncover when you sit down or get up.