TexasCHLforum.com

HankB wrote:I suspect the Chili's "51%" sign is a mistake - chains usually don't pull stuff like this.

A couple of years ago, the Applebee's restaurants owned by a local company in San Antonio tried banning guns - Applebee's corporate got so many complaints (from as far away as Ohio!) that the local Applebee's head not only took down the signs, but sent emails apologizing to everyone who'd complained and let them know that licensed concealed carry was OK. (I figure he was spanked - hard! - by Corporate. )

Well,,,,,, Since we know complaining works then the only thing left to do is complain. I think we all need to come up with ton of interchangeable letters. Then jam the post office full.

lrb111 wrote: Well,,,,,, Since we know complaining works then the only thing left to do is complain. I think we all need to come up with ton of interchangeable letters. Then jam the post office full.

It's not just a complaint - it's a complaint coupled with a threat to dine elsewhere.

In these days of penny-pinching corporate bean counters ruling the roost, restaurants don't want to alienate even a small percentage of their potential customer base.

There is definitely a time for concerted, organized campaigns against a business that has chosen to post against concealed carry.

But that time is AFTER we have a clear understanding of what their policy is.

Chili's does not have a policy against concealed carry and to flood them with letters, emails, and phone calls would not further our cause.

In the particular case mentioned, contacting TABC was the right thing, as it appears they posted the wrong sign due to ignorance.

HankB wrote:I suspect the Chili's "51%" sign is a mistake - chains usually don't pull stuff like this.


I haven't eaten in a Chili's for a while - the nearest one to me (Bee Cave, just west of Austin) usually has poor service, is too hot in summer/too cold in winter, and has very inconsistent food quality.

HankB,
Sounds like you have a complaint of your own you need to file. No excuse for such rotten service and eating environment

We have a Chili's here, but I haven't eaten there in about 5 years or so. No particular complaint, it just doesn't stand out from the crowd in terms of either food or service. I've never eaten at our local Outback, for the same reason.

We prefer Texas Roadhouse or Johnny Carino's. Sometimes we hit On The Border for their loaded nachos.

The quickest way to correct a place with an improper 51% sign is to make a call to the nearest TABC office. An agent will be sent within 30 days, with a follow-up with 60 days on any complaint. The agent will ensure the correct signs are posted, including giving the proper sign to the store owner/manager.

It also doesn't cause the backlash that a campaign or threat to dine elsewhere does not if it was an honest mistake.

KBCraig wrote:We have a Chili's here, but I haven't eaten there in about 5 years or so. No particular complaint, it just doesn't stand out from the crowd in terms of either food or service. I've never eaten at our local Outback, for the same reason.

We prefer Texas Roadhouse or Johnny Carino's. Sometimes we hit On The Border for their loaded nachos.

Outback is good, but it's a little pricey.
We love Texas Roadhouse. We went to eat there in Longview all the time when we were working in Marshall.

I've worked for Chili's for 6 years 3 of which were as a Manager. The sign is wrong. They get their signs as a package when they open the store. All stores should be issued the same signage from the facilities department depending on region. Must have been a mistake of some sort. Very odd indeed. You can call corporate and ask them Brinker International is based here in Dallas on 635 and Hillcrest. Or call the store and see what the manager says...that would be fun. I may do that. :) Which one is it?

http://www.chilis.com/mq/advantage.php? ... ovince=TX&

West Oaks-Chili's
2110 Hwy 6 South
Houston, TX 77077-4320
281-596-0268

UPDATE: Last week I ate at this same Chilies and the sign is GONE! In it's place, "the unlicensed possession of a firearm etc. etc. etc."