8.1.07

A Letter to Movie Tavern

After recent visits to The Movie Tavern -- a local movie theatre with a full bar, kitchen & wait staff -- were negative experiences, I wrote this letter in hopes that they would wake up. I'll post the response (if I get one). ==================================================================================== Greetings, I am writing this email as a concerned consumer and to commit to writing the previously only vocalized issues I have experienced at your establishment. First, you should know that I am a dedicated movie-goer and have been for the greater part of two decades. I visit your location several times a month occasionally visiting several times in a week. You would certainly know my face if not my name. I do not venture to other theatres overly much, as yours is the most convenient; and truthfully the option of having a beer & a pizza with my movie is quite addicting. You are, undoubtedly, aware that you have direct competition opening just a few miles down the highway in the form of the Studio Movie Grill. This competition could very easily draw hard-earned, established clientele from your halls. It is to this end that I am writing this email. I believe in loyalty and in supporting my local shops; I have no desire to stray further away than necessary. However, as of late the thing that drives my loyalty -- customer service -- has been severely lacking from your employees. It's not unusual for me to arrive and find a seat 15 minutes prior to a movie yet still have no opportunity to place my order even a full 15 minutes into the movie. Since the Movie Tavern purports to provide an environment wherein I am waited on I find the delay in wait-service distracting and deplorable. Your need to remove the "coaster lights" from service was unfortunate, but the current method of standing the menu on end does not work as, apparently, the servers cannot see them effectively. Or perhaps it's simply the fact that in the woeful "me-first" generation from which you must pluck your employees there simply are none left that care. Whatever the cause, the situation that has resulted from it is difficult to support. I have not enjoyed my last half-dozen (or more) visits to your theatre because of the lack of care and lack of respect the majority of your employees exhibit (there are exceptions, but sadly I don’t recall their names). This is of great concern to me. I have very much enjoyed having a Movie Tavern in my neighborhood and hope very much that a Movie Tavern will remain in my neighborhood for many years to come. But, obstacles to that longevity are in your way. I entreat you to find a solution to your service/employee issue prior to the Studio Movie Grillopening its doors (in 7 days), else long-term customers such as myself may very well re-locate to an environment that cares more. Sincerely, A Concerned Movie-Lover

1 comment:

MovieTavern said...

May 22, 2007

Movie Tavern
12400 Coit Rd. Suite 800
Dallas, TX 75251

Dear Concerned Movie-Lover,

We were troubled upon receiving your e-mail concerning our Movie Tavern in Green Oaks, and appreciate your notifying us of your experiences so that we may correct these situations. When you keep us informed it helps us to better serve you. We have posted a new link on our website so that you may directly notify us of any issues, large or small, that you are concerned about. It is customerservice@movietavern.com.

You cited ‘Customer Service’ as your main concern. We apologize if you have been offended or disappointed in any manner. Movie Tavern would be distressed at losing your business due to our neglect.

We have looked into the situation in Green Oaks and discovered that, while they did not discontinue the usage of coaster lights, they were temporarily short on them. Subsequently, this began the standing up of the menus as a substitute. We are currently working on developing a system to replace the coaster light system. The system under development will be a proprietary "call button" system, similar to a call button on an airplane. There would be a button in front of each seat that would notify your server that you need assistance. Unfortunately it may be several months before this system is installed in Arlington.

Again, I would like to apologize for any inconveniences or disappointments you may have experienced. Please contact us at customerservice@movietavern.com if you have any questions or complaints. We would be happy to help with them.

Thank You,

Jeff Benson
President and CEO
Movie Tavern