"You may have been a billionaire today if only you had a more reliable car for that interview you missed."
Who says I'm not? Anyway I'm much richer in mind, spirit and portfolio than I would have been had I gotten that job. All things happen for a reason I guess and I did get a much better job that I might not have gotten had I interviewed for, and been awarded that job. This is why I'm not totally against VW or German cars despite having been quite miffed at the time. Sometimes poor reliability is a hidden blessing.
During my hiatus from posting, I remembered a story (that's what the theme of our forum is - STORIES) about this gentleman who visited my dealership (where i was a manager) frequently trying to "steal" a car for under invoice. Every time he came in, he shot me a buy figure that was always $1000 or so under my invoice, and after bickering with me for hours at a time, he would always leave empty-handed with the same parting words, "...you'll come around to my way of thinking, sooner or later!"
Well, "later" was the answer he always got from me. This went on for almost a year. He would come in on the last day of the month and try to catch me at a weak moment and get his new car for over $1000 below invoice. Every last day of the month, the sales force used to "hide" as soon as he pulled up in his 1991 Mercury Marquis with smoke poring out of his tailpipe. So, I used to have to deal with him myself because I didn't want a salesperson taking up 2 or 3 hours of his time on the busiest day of the month with no chance of making a sale.
I remember vividly one December evening, I believe it was the day before New Years eve. He drove into the parking lot in his Marquis with black smoke pouring out of the rear end. I called the dealer principal and asked him if I could sell Mr. W. his new car at $1500 under invoice - we needed sales that month to remain #1 in the nation, so he agreed. I told my top salesperson to greet him at the door and bring him right to my office.
As he entered my office, he sat down and started telling me his wife had passed away earlier in the month, but that he hadn't given up on getting me to sell him a new car. I asked him what color he wanted and which options. The salesperson pulled up a new sedan and I asked him if this car met with his needs. He responded "YOU BET!". I asked him what he wanted to give me for the car, out the door, taking his smoking' Marquis off his hands. He gave me a number, which was $450 more than I was willing to sell it to him for. I told him he could have the car, but at $450 less.
He was ecstatic and didn't know how to thank me. I said, "...don't thank me, thank the owner who was a believer in the adage that ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT!"
That year, we maintained our number one status by 4 cars, one of them being his.
This is why I'm not totally against VW or German cars despite having been quite miffed at the time. Sometimes poor reliability is a hidden blessing.
In that case, you should love VWs, they did you a huge favor. Who says having an unreliable car is a bad thing? Once my 84 Camaro broke down out of town and it took 2 hours to fix. If I had been on time, and left 2 hours earlier I may have been caught in a huge tornado that went through a town, 2 hours from where I had the break down.
That still doesn't make me want to buy another Camaro though.
My wife loves it; handling, power, ride, interior- everything. She has noted that the Crimson Red paint and "facelifted" styling has many of her friends think that it is much sportier than it actually is. Me? I could see having one for a daily driver if it had a stick and the Sport Package. That said, the 17" wheels and summer performance Conti tires give it a decent amount of grip and it is a very pleasant car to drive. In any event, I certainly prefer it to the new 528i loaner we had a while back. I do wish it had Xenons, but I have a set of Philips X-Treme Power bulbs to upgrade the OEM bulbs- so we'll see if that improves the adequate stock lighting.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
For a number of years, I owned E350's without Xenons and really wanted them as they are better for night driving down here in Florida. So when I finally got my GS350 with Xenons and LED running lights, I couldn't wait to try them out. Well, the car is 3 months old and with the exception of the auto lights going on in the parking garages, I have yet to drive at night to see how well they light up the road.
Good grief, I am getting OLD!!! But I am still looking forward to finding out how the Xenons work along with the adaptive front lighting and cornering lamps. Maybe one day...
I love Xenons. My fiancee's car has adaptive xenons and it makes a huge difference driving at night. The only reason we were able to get them, though, is because Mazda didn't make us get leather and everything along with it - we were able to get an S Sport with the tech package and nothing else.
On the other hand, I wanted to get them on my C30 but they were a $1200 standalone option and would have required a special order from the factory. My car was sitting on the showroom floor and they were eager to get rid of it. Not worth it. The projector halogen headlamps are more than adequate, especially in conjunction with the fog lights.
Mike - you're only as old you as feel. After sitting for the bar exam for two days this week and moving to a new apartment the day after, I feel about 90 years old today. On the upshot, having a hatchback came in quite handy! Are you feeling better?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Thanks for asking. Not really! Still coughing up a storm and some difficulty breathing - that's why the doctor have me an Rx for an inhaler. It works OK for 4-6 hours, then I have to use it again. I'm seeing him again tomorrow morning and we'll see where we go from there. It sure has been a long time (3 months) since I felt well and it is definitely getting to me.
Interestingly, I never had a bad fever with this. Just a day or two of 99.8 or so, but it's been an awful trek with this viral pneumonia. 2 weeks ago, the chest X-ray still showed inflammation in the lower lobe of my right lung. Doctor said there was improvement over the last X-ray, but according to him, it takes a lot of time to get over this. I've had 4 different antibiotic treatments, and still feel like I'm trying to take my last breath.
Sure takes a lot to get me down, but I have suffered with this for what seems like an eternity!
, I certainly prefer it to the new 528i loaner we had a while back.
Glad your wife is really enjoying the 328, it was a great choice. A good combination of sportiness with a practical side too.
I would agree the new 528 is rather flat, probably a way to build the bigger 5 Series at a low enough price to get people in the door to look at a 535. I like my 535 because it does have much better performance and handling than the 528. I like the extra room if we are carrying other people, and for getting to Florida and back. It is extremely comfortable and it makes a great highway cruiser. But, next time around I may want to go back to the sportiness of a 335 or A4.
Thanks for the update. I prefer a manual too, but keep in mind, as you get older you could break or sprain a leg or an arm or something, and that would make it pretty difficult to get around.
I thought you were on the mend...you don't complain very much. Hope you see some improvement soon.
I have a few questions to ask you. How many new car salesmen make it approximately-percentage of the ones who start? Also, do salesmen take turns grabbing new customers or is it whoever sees the potential customer first goes after him/her?
In my experiences, about 1 in 10 make it in the new car sales business. I'm not talking about those who sell 7-10 cars a month, but rather those who sell 15-20. Dealerships keep those less productive salespeople because they have some experience and know their product. It makes sense to keep these lower producing employees on due to the tremendous investment dealerships make in training new people. If the sales force increases in size with better producing salespeople, they let the lower producers go to bring the sales force to a number that meets the needs of covering the sales floor.
As for your question about about taking "UPS" as we call them (customers), most dealerships do not have a system - just a "gentleman's" agreement as to who takes the next customer. There are, however, some dealerships who use a "computer-up" system. When a salesperson "signs in" on his computer, his name goes into a "queue" and a greeter meets customers and assigns them to the next salesperson in that "queue". Once assigned, that salesperson does not go back into the queue until the customer leaves/buys and the sales manager releases that salesperson in the computer. He then goes to the back of the queue. The exception would be if the salesperson took a customer who requested him or for whom he had an appointment. In those cases, the salesperson would maintain his position in the queue until his customer left - he would then get the next fresh customer.
I prefer the latter system. Programs are available to dealerships for this specific purpose - to manage customer UPS fairly and equitably. I've worked in and with both systems. The latter system causes fewer arguments and less discontent among the sales force.
But as I said, over 50% of the dealerships do not use an UP system - but rather leave it to the salespeople to manage the floor.
It sure has been a long time (3 months) since I felt well and it is definitely getting to me.
As someone who suffers from a chronic illness, although well controlled (for now), I know how you feel. Keep your head up - you've got the right attitude.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Thanks firefighter, I try, but it's tough to wake up every morning coughing and wheezing. But let's hope it won't be much longer before this episode is behind me!
his name goes into a "queue" and a greeter meets customers and assigns them to the next salesperson
Thanks, that explains it perfectly. It also helps to explain why at a lot of showrooms now they want you to check in with the receptionist so she can get you a salesperson. Personally, this worked out in our favor at the Audi showroom, where we got the used car sales manager - who had a great action plan for my trade in, however, quite often I think it doesn't work because the chemistry isn't quite there. I know one BMW dealership matched us up to a guy who just wasn't our type of person...he had no empathy, wasn't interested in learning what we wanted, had to go for a test drive with us even though we came in a car from that same dealer and "I was with my wife".
If given a choice, I prefer to just start talking to a salesman if I find there is some chemistry, otherwise I can say, just looking.
Which brings me to another question, what about the tire kickers that come in just to dream about buying a car? Does the salesman lose his place in line if he gets one of those?
I think generally most of us agree warranties are to be avoided, except in special cases. Well, this is a little different....so I'll just throw it in there. Our hot water stopped a few days ago. Normally, we buy our own hot water heater, but the house was just 2 years old when we moved in so we stayed with what they had. A rental unit that costs $30 a month.
Now the house is 6 years old and the hot water didn't work. We called the supplier and they said it needed a new valve. They replaced the valve last week on Monday night and it worked a little but cut out entirely yesterday. They came this morning on a Sunday and said the valve they installed was defective, almost never happens, and they replaced it or free of course....since it is a rental.
Our is a gas heater which is probably more efficient. My wife would prefer electric just because she isn't crazy about gas, because every year a few houses blow up that have gas. Our furnace is also gas, and gas is far more economical and efficient in this area.......especially going into the future with all this new natural gas they seem to be locating, and wait until the fracking starts
I think I am OK with renting a hot water heater, it will cost more after about 2 years but at least they come and fix it and replace it I suppose when it goes completely. I suppose paying $30 a month is a kind of insurance. Does any one prefer to won a water heater?
My issue with renting anything is that rental companies tend to offer things on low end of quality, efficiency and price and won't change a unit until it is irreperable. Think of laundromat vs. newest home washing machine - sure, the former will work 20 years and latter may quit after 5 (or not), but difference on fabric and wash quality is easy to justify buying one. Over time the difference becomes very noticable. So you may not only be paying $30/month, but in terms of efficiency you could easily overpay in bills as well.
Once a salesperson greets a customer, then that customer is considered his/her "UP" if he/she was next in the queue. Thus, each salesperson gets the same treatment - tire kickers and real buyers.
When I was a salesperson in a dealership that used a computer UP system (and we had over 30 salespeople on the floor at any given point in time) i usually got one UP a day during weekdays which meant that if I got a tire kicker, that was my one and only chance to sell a car that day.
In the situation you mentioned when you told the salesperson you were "just looking" wouldn't change the fact that you were, indeed, my customer. If you refuse to work with me, the manager would assign another salesperson, but if you bought a car, the first salesperson would still get half the deal even if he did nothing. That is because you were his customer since he greeted you. You would not be aware of the split deal, but it would be split (commission) evenly between the first salesperson and the one you bought the car from.
I hope you understand this concept - it happens in every dealership.
Whether or not you disagree with the mayors of New York or Boston or Chicago, regarding their stance on same sex marriage and their resistance to allowing Chick-Fil-A to open franchises in their cities, if you've ever had lunch or dinner at a Chic-Fil-A, you would know how most people felt about the disagreement!
This comment has nothing to do with politics or biblical interpretations of marriage - only that the best chicken I've ever had was at my local Chic-Fil-A fast food restaurant!
It would have been a shame if those cities' mayors hadn't altered their stances (except not Chicago's mayor who will fight a franchise request). It would deprive those cities of the best chicken in this country. What the owners of the franchise think or say has nothing to do with the quality and taste of their food.
I sure hope everyone gets the chance to taste their chicken - unbelievable!
I think generally most of us agree warranties are to be avoided, except in special cases. Well, this is a little different....so I'll just throw it in there.
Normally, we buy our own hot water heater, but the house was just 2 years old when we moved in so we stayed with what they had. A rental unit that costs $30 a month.
You’re right; renting a water heater is different. I never heard of that. You Canadians sure have ways to gouge each other. I don’t know how long you have been renting that thing but I’m sure they made a good buck on it. Why do you think they do it? If it were me I’d tell them good bye right now. If the contact says you can’t do that, I’d surely do it when it was time to be replaced. Just don’t call the same outfit that replaced your drain pipe.
I’m a little curious about how this works. You say the house came with it so I guess you had to agree to go with the quoted monthly rental fee. It sounds like there was a chance to negotiate that rental fee since I doubt they would want to yank out a used water heater and let you buy your own if they could avoid that, right?
Just when I thought I heard it all something pops up out of the blue and I usually hear about it on this forum. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Whether or not you disagree with the mayors of New York or Boston or Chicago, regarding their stance on same sex marriage and their resistance to allowing Chick-Fil-A to open franchises in their cities
I’m not current on what the owner/owners have said about the “same sex marriage” issue but I think I got the gist of it from what you have said. I think we all have our views on that but I’m not going to get into that here but I’m sure you guys can guess what my view is on that. I can’t imagine that Chic-Fil-A would lose that church vs. state battle if they chose to fight it (maybe they are).
I sure hope everyone gets the chance to taste their chicken - unbelievable!
We hit on this subject a while back. What haven’t we hit on? :surprise: I’m sure all of us could get through life without a Chic-Fil-A but I have to agree, for a steak eating kinda guy, I like it the traditional deep fried greasy way. Mrs. j goes for the grilled version. That’s passable as far as I’m concerned but not quite the way they intended for it to be served.
I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to get out to get one or two of them.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Best I can recall, our hot water tank, 50 gallon electric, is about 18 years old. At 360$ per year that $7200-360 or $6940 US. A new hot water heater of quality is about $200-250 guessing.
My guess would be that the builder or the seller got a placement fee from the rental company for sticking someone with the $30 per month bill, sort of like a car salesman gets a kickback for placing a loan with a certain lender at higher rate of interest than could have been used.
Their chicken strips are lightly breaded and pull apart into actual chicken muscle fibre strips when you separate them. That's as opposed to the other stores' chicken strips that have been chopped shredded and reconstituted into the shape of chicken strips.
If Chick Fil A started a fish sandwich, I'm sure it would also be great, something akin to the Frisch's restaurants around here with a great, thick actual fish chunk, two on a bun.
My only comment on Chick Fil A is they're not open on Sunday and my brain doesn't always remember that. I have occasionally tried to stop for food on Sunday. I fully support their right, and strength of belief, to not open on the Sabbath. Reminds me of when I was a kid and after church the only place to eat in a small town nearby was a magazine store which sold various things and had great steamed hot dogs. It's like Charleston in the early 70s with the Blue Laws.
So you may not only be paying $30/month, but in terms of efficiency you could easily overpay in bills as well.
It does cost a lot less to own than to rent, over time. Seems a new water heater costs around a minimum of $500 to $1100 for a super deluxe model.
I suppose there would be a cost to install it, and probably something to take out the old one. So, we are probably looking at around $1200. So, buying one would probably pay for itself in 3 years....which is true of most things.
I would agree, buying is definitely the way to go. I don't want to do it yet though, only when this one goes. I am sure there will be a big charge to have this one removed.
We bought them in our previous homes, but this one was here and it was easier just to continue with the payments.
but if you bought a car, the first salesperson would still get half the deal even if he did nothing.
That seems reasonable, I guess it kind of balances out in the long run. There was a time when I did want to sell cars, I thought I would be good at it.
Now, I am so glad I never had to do it and hopefully never will have to do it.
My other fear in life is that I would have to resort to being a waiter. I would get orders so mixed up and I would be spilling food on people, and breaking dishes all over the place. I would have to practice talking with a French accent to get bigger tips....what a mess that would be.
I’m a little curious about how this works. You say the house came with it so I guess you had to agree to go with the quoted monthly rental fee.
I thought renting water heaters would be common in the U.S. too, but, my wife tells me we own the one in the Florida house.
I thought Americans would catch on to this scam quickly, what an easy way for the gas companies to make huge extra profits. Most people probably look at the monthly payment and don't realize they could have the water heater paid off in 3 years and get another 10 to 15 years more use out of it.
Builders love to install rental units, it saves them a bundle of money. Then when we took over we agreed to keep the hot water in place....most people don't want to deal with dumping a hot water heater and buying a new one when you move in to a new home, that was the last thing on our mind.
We have bought and owned hot water heaters in the past. I am sure we will do that when this one no longer works. But, I am sure there will be a big charge to drop the program.
I just checked to price water heaters. They vary from about $500 up to $1100. The first name I came to on google for installation was the same company who did the drain pipe. I'd hate to see what they would charge to install a water heater!!!! :mad:
By the way, the beams in the basement are about 5 feet apart, and they alternate between wood and steel. The steel ones have a space at the top so that pipes and wires can go over them...no need to drill into them. The guy did make a larger hole in the wood beam to fit a larger pipe, but there is still a lot of wood around it, I don't think that could weaken the house at all.
At 360$ per year that $7200-360 or $6940 US. A new hot water heater of quality is about $200-250 guessing.
Water heaters seem to be about $500 to $1100. Of course, installation fees plus removing the old one could add a lot more, say it comes to $1200 to $1500 total. You are correct, after about 5 years you would be ahead of the game if you owned.
Let's face it though, most people just think about the low monthly fee. That's why people rent TVs or furniture.
Chic-Fil-A but I have to agree, for a steak eating kinda guy, I like it the traditional deep fried greasy way. Mrs. j goes for the grilled version
I think I would side with your wife on this one...I'll take grilled over fried for health reasons.
But, we don't have Chic-Fil-A in Canada, maybe I should look into getting one up here. I have seen them in Florida but thought it was just another junk food kind of place. Now I can't wait to go back to Florida to try one out.
The only way Rite Aid is getting off the blacklist is if they send me a check for about $8 plus about 15 years interest 8% per year.
Just don't hold your breath waiting for your refund andre. I don't think Rite Aid is hurting too much since your boycott....they are still in business. Same for Chrysler.......any other companies on your restricted list? :sick:
I priced 40-50 gallons at Lowes with warranties 6 years to 12 years. I find $250 to $450 is the rate for the tank.
Lowes and Home Depot have installation companies which will do the installation for a fee. Home Depot and Lowes stand behind the installation should there be problems. Of course you can install one yourself after trucking it home in a rental truck for $29 for 75 minutes of time from HD or L.
I see gas heaters do cost more.
I think if my home had gas, I'd look into the instant hot water setups that don't store a volume of hot water. See This Old House and the other show they have for info on those.
$300-$400 sounds about right for a hot water heater in the U.S. I know hot water heater is not a good descriptive term but it is what it is. I am sure they cost more in Canada, where all the rich folks live. Gas is much more economical than electric. I also have never heard of renting one.
Chick-Fil-A not only has great chicken, their ice cream (they call it ice dream) is also tops. All in all, a very well run and admirable company.
....most people don't want to deal with dumping a hot water heater and buying a new one when you move in to a new home, that was the last thing on our mind.
While the water heater my have been the last thing on your mind it was one of the only things that actually cost you real money on the purchase of the house because of the rental charge. As for hauling away an old water heater, that is included in the installation cost where I live and it’s probably like that in most places. Where I live if you do it yourself (who would do something like that ) you just put the old one at the curb. Before the trash collectors show up the next morning it’s gone. It’s picked up by guys who sell it for scrap metal. The plumber sells it too. So, to be charged for haul away is a real rip off where I live.
The guy did make a larger hole in the wood beam to fit a larger pipe, but there is still a lot of wood around it, I don't think that could weaken the house at all.
Technically, any hole that is put into a beam, metal or wood weakens it. How much it’s weakened is a function of how large the hole is in relation to the size of the beam. Now, will your house fall in because of it, more than likely not. Reinforcing a wood joist is very easy via ¾ inch plywood, the full size of the joist, glued and nailed/screwed to both sides of the joist where the hole is. Even one side would probably work in most cases. I’ve seen it done both ways but you can’t say a beam isn’t weakened when a hole is put in it. Plywood for its thickness is very strong because of the layers (plys) alternating which way the grain of the plys go. Want proof? How many karate guys have you seen try to break a 2 inch thick piece of plywood OUCH.
Call ‘dino’, I think he’s a structural guy. He can get into stress forces for given materials, moments, other bending and twisting thingamabobs better than me. He drives a BMW too, so I know you’ll believe him.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Driver, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee!!! I've eaten KFC, Browns, El Pollo Loco, Popeyes, etc, but Chick-Fil-A is the best of the best. As jmonroe puts it, it's junk food, but better junk food!
There's no other junk food store that has carrot-raisin salad that is GREAT. Chicken strips with a large carrot-raisin salad is better than a steak dinner (most of the time).
Chicken strips are my favorite! And everything is made fresh. I had to wait 5 minutes for a double order for me and my friend, so they gave me 2 coupons for a free chicken sandwich. The coupons state, "...sorry for the delay in getting your order completed in a timely manner!". Now that's classy!
I've been to 3 stores in our area. 2 of the 3 are very well run. The workers all act like the customer is the reason they are there. "It's my pleasure," is the typical response when saying Thank You as they give you the order. What's the usual response at McDonalds or Wendy's?
The salad amounts vary at the subpar store; that's our one irritation. Most of their operation works on the WOW principle, but sometimes the salad amount in the side salad doesn't look like the picture at one local store.
Oh, try the chicken noodle soup too.
As for Driver100, look for ChickFilA on your GPS in various cities. A few are located close to interstates. You can look up the proximity on their locator map on ChickFilA.com to see those close to the interstates. Georgia and 196 stores. you won't have to wait until you hit Florida.
I had not heard of Cick-Fil-A all my life. Then I was watching "Morning Joe" a few months ago on MSNBC and they were talking about the franchise and how great the chicken was. I had not seen any stores in or around North Broward or South Palm Beach Counties. So I figured they were not here.
Then, when they remodeled the Boca Towncenter Shopping Mall, I noticed that a Chick-Fil-A was opening in the food court. When they opened several months ago, I had to try it out. I was really awed by the taste of their chicken and their chicken strips and sandwiches. Their service is outstanding and the employees really care about the customer. Definitely worth the $5.00 - $8.00 you spend, depending on what you order.
I had to wait 5 minutes for a double order for me and my friend, so they gave me 2 coupons for a free chicken sandwich. The coupons state, "...sorry for the delay in getting your order completed in a timely manner!". Now that's classy!
I agree and that’s the way chains operate. I’d like to see the mop/pop places do that but they don’t. Sure, all the restaurants ask, “how is everything sir/madam” but do the mom/pop places really care. Not where I live. They ask the right questions but if/when you tell them something is not to your liking, you just get a stare like, “and what do you want me to do about that” and nothing is done? Maybe mom/pop restaurants are different in other parts of the country but in general I’m not impressed with some (too many) of the mom/pop places in the Burgh area.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My experience in the Pittsburgh area is the same with locally owned places. It is unfortunate, too, because I'd rather patronize the local businesses but they do tend to make it difficult for me to do so if they won't rectify problems when they arise.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
You can look up the proximity on their locator map on ChickFilA.com to see those close to the interstates
Thanks for the tip. I think I did see some at stops just off Interstate 75, and of course they have those signs with all the eating places posted. Sounds like a good deal.
Same here until I moved to SC in ’92. Surprisingly I never went to the one in the food court of the local mall down there and neither did Mrs. j. Don’t have a reason why but we didn’t. Sub consciously we might have been thinking like ‘driver’.
When we moved back to the Burgh in ’97 Chic-Fil-A was now at the food court at the local mall that Mrs. j has kept in business and at the recommendation of a friend that she was with they got lunch there. That was the start of her friendship with Chic-Fil-A. The surprising thing about that place at the mall, it closed months ago and Mrs. j was shocked because they always had a line that was much longer than the pathetic national sub shop right next to it or any of the other food court shops. She’s still trying to figure that one out.
A Chic-Fil-A moved into a large place at a local shopping center close to our house that was originally built as a Krispy Kreme. When that place folded and for good reason as far as the way I judge those fat-pills, Chic-Fil-A moved in and there is always a crowd there. They have a play center for the kids so that doesn’t hurt their draw either.
You know what? Since this is a car forum we could at least say what car we drove to our favorite Chic-Fil-A. The last time for me was in Mrs. j’s Subie. :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Lots of posts about mom and pop restaurants not being sensitive to the needs of their customers. I believe you mentioned Pittsburgh, am I right? If so, I remember one restaurant there I would frequent when we visited my wife's brother when he was interning at Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital - and that was THE PARK SCHENLEY. Great food, great service. Someone mentioned to me that they went out of business. Too bad - great cheesecake!
Down here in Soith Florida, we have hundreds of mom and pop restaurants, mainly Italian. I have experienced the opposite - very warm, caring and great food. The family run restaurant businesses are some of the very best down here. The chains do well, but so do they.
The Park Schenley was very, very good but they are gone now. Maybe too much service...take a sip of water and they're filing it up again. But that's a lot better than acting like you're trying to hale down a cab to get refilled.
Down here in Soith Florida, we have hundreds of mom and pop restaurants, mainly Italian. I have experienced the opposite
I should have mentioned that. When I visit my Delray Beach brother ALL of the restaurants down there seem to be very good. In talking to my brother the competition is so fierce if you're not good you're gone. Like everything else, competition is good for the consumer, for sure.
I especially like the deli's down your way too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Or, I could ask, "Do they have a drive-thru window?"
The one by me that is a stand alone shop has a drive-thru. I don't think places like that can survive without having drive-thru's. People today are way too lazy to get out of their car for almost anything. Sometimes I think they have toilet paper in there too. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Rite Aid is on the verge of bankruptcy, Chrysler has been bailed out twice in short order.
Circuit City was on the black list, they went bankrupt, and didn't get bailed out! Yippee!
AT&T is on the list, but they are bigger than God and own everything, and somehow they bought the company my significant other was with (Cingular), and we ended up with AT&T family plan for cell phones that way. I'd never buy an AT&T product or service by choice though.
Right now I can't think of any others on the blacklist.
I suppose there's a brown list, companies I hate, but not quite enough to fully 100% boycott:
1) Best Buy 2) GM & Ford guilty by association being the Big 3 American Car companies and having owned a Chrysler product firsthand that was worse than terrible. 3) Bank of America
Due to my ANTI bailout position:
1) GM gets on the blacklist.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Rite Aid is on the verge of bankruptcy, Chrysler has been bailed out twice in short order.
There are lots of Rite Aids and for that matter Walgreens in Florida....what a great market for them! I haven't noticed much difference between the two, both seem quite competent, but, then, I have never tried to return a watch without a receipt.
What happened to your 1995 Chrysler Neon? I know one person who bought one and she said it was a "throw away" car...meaning you use it for a few years then throw it away. Cheap to buy initially...but won't last very long.
Comments
Who says I'm not? Anyway I'm much richer in mind, spirit and portfolio than I would have been had I gotten that job. All things happen for a reason I guess and I did get a much better job that I might not have gotten had I interviewed for, and been awarded that job. This is why I'm not totally against VW or German cars despite having been quite miffed at the time. Sometimes poor reliability is a hidden blessing.
Gogiboy
Richard, I'll keep the anxiety - and the 10,000 dollars. They go hand-in-hand!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
During my hiatus from posting, I remembered a story (that's what the theme of our forum is - STORIES) about this gentleman who visited my dealership (where i was a manager) frequently trying to "steal" a car for under invoice. Every time he came in, he shot me a buy figure that was always $1000 or so under my invoice, and after bickering with me for hours at a time, he would always leave empty-handed with the same parting words, "...you'll come around to my way of thinking, sooner or later!"
Well, "later" was the answer he always got from me. This went on for almost a year. He would come in on the last day of the month and try to catch me at a weak moment and get his new car for over $1000 below invoice. Every last day of the month, the sales force used to "hide" as soon as he pulled up in his 1991 Mercury Marquis with smoke poring out of his tailpipe. So, I used to have to deal with him myself because I didn't want a salesperson taking up 2 or 3 hours of his time on the busiest day of the month with no chance of making a sale.
I remember vividly one December evening, I believe it was the day before New Years eve. He drove into the parking lot in his Marquis with black smoke pouring out of the rear end. I called the dealer principal and asked him if I could sell Mr. W. his new car at $1500 under invoice - we needed sales that month to remain #1 in the nation, so he agreed. I told my top salesperson to greet him at the door and bring him right to my office.
As he entered my office, he sat down and started telling me his wife had passed away earlier in the month, but that he hadn't given up on getting me to sell him a new car. I asked him what color he wanted and which options. The salesperson pulled up a new sedan and I asked him if this car met with his needs. He responded "YOU BET!". I asked him what he wanted to give me for the car, out the door, taking his smoking' Marquis off his hands. He gave me a number, which was $450 more than I was willing to sell it to him for. I told him he could have the car, but at $450 less.
He was ecstatic and didn't know how to thank me. I said, "...don't thank me, thank the owner who was a believer in the adage that ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT!"
That year, we maintained our number one status by 4 cars, one of them being his.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Not fair, you have to read all the missing posts, just like Richard. You missed some good cars and we sold quite a few cars too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In that case, you should love VWs, they did you a huge favor. Who says having an unreliable car is a bad thing? Once my 84 Camaro broke down out of town and it took 2 hours to fix. If I had been on time, and left 2 hours earlier I may have been caught in a huge tornado that went through a town, 2 hours from where I had the break down.
That still doesn't make me want to buy another Camaro though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Me? I could see having one for a daily driver if it had a stick and the Sport Package. That said, the 17" wheels and summer performance Conti tires give it a decent amount of grip and it is a very pleasant car to drive. In any event, I certainly prefer it to the new 528i loaner we had a while back. I do wish it had Xenons, but I have a set of Philips X-Treme Power bulbs to upgrade the OEM bulbs- so we'll see if that improves the adequate stock lighting.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
For a number of years, I owned E350's without Xenons and really wanted them as they are better for night driving down here in Florida. So when I finally got my GS350 with Xenons and LED running lights, I couldn't wait to try them out. Well, the car is 3 months old and with the exception of the auto lights going on in the parking garages, I have yet to drive at night to see how well they light up the road.
Good grief, I am getting OLD!!! But I am still looking forward to finding out how the Xenons work along with the adaptive front lighting and cornering lamps. Maybe one day...
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
On the other hand, I wanted to get them on my C30 but they were a $1200 standalone option and would have required a special order from the factory. My car was sitting on the showroom floor and they were eager to get rid of it. Not worth it. The projector halogen headlamps are more than adequate, especially in conjunction with the fog lights.
Mike - you're only as old you as feel. After sitting for the bar exam for two days this week and moving to a new apartment the day after, I feel about 90 years old today. On the upshot, having a hatchback came in quite handy! Are you feeling better?
Thanks for asking. Not really! Still coughing up a storm and some difficulty breathing - that's why the doctor have me an Rx for an inhaler. It works OK for 4-6 hours, then I have to use it again. I'm seeing him again tomorrow morning and we'll see where we go from there. It sure has been a long time (3 months) since I felt well and it is definitely getting to me.
Interestingly, I never had a bad fever with this. Just a day or two of 99.8 or so, but it's been an awful trek with this viral pneumonia. 2 weeks ago, the chest X-ray still showed inflammation in the lower lobe of my right lung. Doctor said there was improvement over the last X-ray, but according to him, it takes a lot of time to get over this. I've had 4 different antibiotic treatments, and still feel like I'm trying to take my last breath.
Sure takes a lot to get me down, but I have suffered with this for what seems like an eternity!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Glad your wife is really enjoying the 328, it was a great choice. A good combination of sportiness with a practical side too.
I would agree the new 528 is rather flat, probably a way to build the bigger 5 Series at a low enough price to get people in the door to look at a 535. I like my 535 because it does have much better performance and handling than the 528. I like the extra room if we are carrying other people, and for getting to Florida and back. It is extremely comfortable and it makes a great highway cruiser. But, next time around I may want to go back to the sportiness of a 335 or A4.
Thanks for the update. I prefer a manual too, but keep in mind, as you get older you could break or sprain a leg or an arm or something, and that would make it pretty difficult to get around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I thought you were on the mend...you don't complain very much.
Hope you see some improvement soon.
I have a few questions to ask you. How many new car salesmen make it approximately-percentage of the ones who start? Also, do salesmen take turns grabbing new customers or is it whoever sees the potential customer first goes after him/her?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In my experiences, about 1 in 10 make it in the new car sales business. I'm not talking about those who sell 7-10 cars a month, but rather those who sell 15-20. Dealerships keep those less productive salespeople because they have some experience and know their product. It makes sense to keep these lower producing employees on due to the tremendous investment dealerships make in training new people. If the sales force increases in size with better producing salespeople, they let the lower producers go to bring the sales force to a number that meets the needs of covering the sales floor.
As for your question about about taking "UPS" as we call them (customers), most dealerships do not have a system - just a "gentleman's" agreement as to who takes the next customer. There are, however, some dealerships who use a "computer-up" system. When a salesperson "signs in" on his computer, his name goes into a "queue" and a greeter meets customers and assigns them to the next salesperson in that "queue". Once assigned, that salesperson does not go back into the queue until the customer leaves/buys and the sales manager releases that salesperson in the computer. He then goes to the back of the queue. The exception would be if the salesperson took a customer who requested him or for whom he had an appointment. In those cases, the salesperson would maintain his position in the queue until his customer left - he would then get the next fresh customer.
I prefer the latter system. Programs are available to dealerships for this specific purpose - to manage customer UPS fairly and equitably. I've worked in and with both systems. The latter system causes fewer arguments and less discontent among the sales force.
But as I said, over 50% of the dealerships do not use an UP system - but rather leave it to the salespeople to manage the floor.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
As someone who suffers from a chronic illness, although well controlled (for now), I know how you feel. Keep your head up - you've got the right attitude.
Thanks firefighter, I try, but it's tough to wake up every morning coughing and wheezing. But let's hope it won't be much longer before this episode is behind me!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Thanks, that explains it perfectly. It also helps to explain why at a lot of showrooms now they want you to check in with the receptionist so she can get you a salesperson. Personally, this worked out in our favor at the Audi showroom, where we got the used car sales manager - who had a great action plan for my trade in, however, quite often I think it doesn't work because the chemistry isn't quite there. I know one BMW dealership matched us up to a guy who just wasn't our type of person...he had no empathy, wasn't interested in learning what we wanted, had to go for a test drive with us even though we came in a car from that same dealer and "I was with my wife".
If given a choice, I prefer to just start talking to a salesman if I find there is some chemistry, otherwise I can say, just looking.
Which brings me to another question, what about the tire kickers that come in just to dream about buying a car? Does the salesman lose his place in line if he gets one of those?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Our hot water stopped a few days ago. Normally, we buy our own hot water heater, but the house was just 2 years old when we moved in so we stayed with what they had. A rental unit that costs $30 a month.
Now the house is 6 years old and the hot water didn't work. We called the supplier and they said it needed a new valve. They replaced the valve last week on Monday night and it worked a little but cut out entirely yesterday. They came this morning on a Sunday and said the valve they installed was defective, almost never happens, and they replaced it or free of course....since it is a rental.
Our is a gas heater which is probably more efficient. My wife would prefer electric just because she isn't crazy about gas, because every year a few houses blow up that have gas.
Our furnace is also gas, and gas is far more economical and efficient in this area.......especially going into the future with all this new natural gas they seem to be locating, and wait until the fracking starts
I think I am OK with renting a hot water heater, it will cost more after about 2 years but at least they come and fix it and replace it I suppose when it goes completely. I suppose paying $30 a month is a kind of insurance. Does any one prefer to won a water heater?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Once a salesperson greets a customer, then that customer is considered his/her "UP" if he/she was next in the queue. Thus, each salesperson gets the same treatment - tire kickers and real buyers.
When I was a salesperson in a dealership that used a computer UP system (and we had over 30 salespeople on the floor at any given point in time) i usually got one UP a day during weekdays which meant that if I got a tire kicker, that was my one and only chance to sell a car that day.
In the situation you mentioned when you told the salesperson you were "just looking" wouldn't change the fact that you were, indeed, my customer. If you refuse to work with me, the manager would assign another salesperson, but if you bought a car, the first salesperson would still get half the deal even if he did nothing. That is because you were his customer since he greeted you. You would not be aware of the split deal, but it would be split (commission) evenly between the first salesperson and the one you bought the car from.
I hope you understand this concept - it happens in every dealership.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Whether or not you disagree with the mayors of New York or Boston or Chicago, regarding their stance on same sex marriage and their resistance to allowing Chick-Fil-A to open franchises in their cities, if you've ever had lunch or dinner at a Chic-Fil-A, you would know how most people felt about the disagreement!
This comment has nothing to do with politics or biblical interpretations of marriage - only that the best chicken I've ever had was at my local Chic-Fil-A fast food restaurant!
It would have been a shame if those cities' mayors hadn't altered their stances (except not Chicago's mayor who will fight a franchise request). It would deprive those cities of the best chicken in this country. What the owners of the franchise think or say has nothing to do with the quality and taste of their food.
I sure hope everyone gets the chance to taste their chicken - unbelievable!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Normally, we buy our own hot water heater, but the house was just 2 years old when we moved in so we stayed with what they had. A rental unit that costs $30 a month.
You’re right; renting a water heater is different. I never heard of that. You Canadians sure have ways to gouge each other. I don’t know how long you have been renting that thing but I’m sure they made a good buck on it. Why do you think they do it? If it were me I’d tell them good bye right now. If the contact says you can’t do that, I’d surely do it when it was time to be replaced. Just don’t call the same outfit that replaced your drain pipe.
I’m a little curious about how this works. You say the house came with it so I guess you had to agree to go with the quoted monthly rental fee. It sounds like there was a chance to negotiate that rental fee since I doubt they would want to yank out a used water heater and let you buy your own if they could avoid that, right?
Just when I thought I heard it all something pops up out of the blue and I usually hear about it on this forum. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I’m not current on what the owner/owners have said about the “same sex marriage” issue but I think I got the gist of it from what you have said. I think we all have our views on that but I’m not going to get into that here but I’m sure you guys can guess what my view is on that. I can’t imagine that Chic-Fil-A would lose that church vs. state battle if they chose to fight it (maybe they are).
I sure hope everyone gets the chance to taste their chicken - unbelievable!
We hit on this subject a while back. What haven’t we hit on? :surprise: I’m sure all of us could get through life without a Chic-Fil-A but I have to agree, for a steak eating kinda guy, I like it the traditional deep fried greasy way. Mrs. j goes for the grilled version. That’s passable as far as I’m concerned but not quite the way they intended for it to be served.
I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to get out to get one or two of them.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My guess would be that the builder or the seller got a placement fee from the rental company for sticking someone with the $30 per month bill, sort of like a car salesman gets a kickback for placing a loan with a certain lender at higher rate of interest than could have been used.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If Chick Fil A started a fish sandwich, I'm sure it would also be great, something akin to the Frisch's restaurants around here with a great, thick actual fish chunk, two on a bun.
My only comment on Chick Fil A is they're not open on Sunday and my brain doesn't always remember that. I have occasionally tried to stop for food on Sunday. I fully support their right, and strength of belief, to not open on the Sabbath. Reminds me of when I was a kid and after church the only place to eat in a small town nearby was a magazine store which sold various things and had great steamed hot dogs. It's like Charleston in the early 70s with the Blue Laws.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It does cost a lot less to own than to rent, over time. Seems a new water heater costs around a minimum of $500 to $1100 for a super deluxe model.
I suppose there would be a cost to install it, and probably something to take out the old one. So, we are probably looking at around $1200. So, buying one would probably pay for itself in 3 years....which is true of most things.
I would agree, buying is definitely the way to go. I don't want to do it yet though, only when this one goes. I am sure there will be a big charge to have this one removed.
We bought them in our previous homes, but this one was here and it was easier just to continue with the payments.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That seems reasonable, I guess it kind of balances out in the long run. There was a time when I did want to sell cars, I thought I would be good at it.
Now, I am so glad I never had to do it and hopefully never will have to do it.
My other fear in life is that I would have to resort to being a waiter. I would get orders so mixed up and I would be spilling food on people, and breaking dishes all over the place. I would have to practice talking with a French accent to get bigger tips....what a mess that would be.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If there weren't Mitt Romney's around giving money to Bain Capitals of the world they'd probably would have already had their life end already.
The only way Rite Aid is getting off the blacklist is if they send me a check for about $8 plus about 15 years interest @8% per year.
Chrysler isn't getting off the blacklist without sending me a check for the MSRP of a '95 Neon Sport (I'll waive the interest since 1995).
I thought renting water heaters would be common in the U.S. too, but, my wife tells me we own the one in the Florida house.
I thought Americans would catch on to this scam quickly, what an easy way for the gas companies to make huge extra profits. Most people probably look at the monthly payment and don't realize they could have the water heater paid off in 3 years and get another 10 to 15 years more use out of it.
Builders love to install rental units, it saves them a bundle of money. Then when we took over we agreed to keep the hot water in place....most people don't want to deal with dumping a hot water heater and buying a new one when you move in to a new home, that was the last thing on our mind.
We have bought and owned hot water heaters in the past. I am sure we will do that when this one no longer works. But, I am sure there will be a big charge to drop the program.
I just checked to price water heaters. They vary from about $500 up to $1100. The first name I came to on google for installation was the same company who did the drain pipe. I'd hate to see what they would charge to install a water heater!!!! :mad:
By the way, the beams in the basement are about 5 feet apart, and they alternate between wood and steel. The steel ones have a space at the top so that pipes and wires can go over them...no need to drill into them.
The guy did make a larger hole in the wood beam to fit a larger pipe, but there is still a lot of wood around it, I don't think that could weaken the house at all.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Water heaters seem to be about $500 to $1100. Of course, installation fees plus removing the old one could add a lot more, say it comes to $1200 to $1500 total. You are correct, after about 5 years you would be ahead of the game if you owned.
Let's face it though, most people just think about the low monthly fee. That's why people rent TVs or furniture.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think I would side with your wife on this one...I'll take grilled over fried for health reasons.
But, we don't have Chic-Fil-A in Canada, maybe I should look into getting one up here. I have seen them in Florida but thought it was just another junk food kind of place. Now I can't wait to go back to Florida to try one out.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just don't hold your breath waiting for your refund andre. I don't think Rite Aid is hurting too much since your boycott....they are still in business. Same for Chrysler.......any other companies on your restricted list? :sick:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Lowes and Home Depot have installation companies which will do the installation for a fee. Home Depot and Lowes stand behind the installation should there be problems. Of course you can install one yourself after trucking it home in a rental truck for $29 for 75 minutes of time from HD or L.
I see gas heaters do cost more.
I think if my home had gas, I'd look into the instant hot water setups that don't store a volume of hot water. See This Old House and the other show they have for info on those.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Chick-Fil-A not only has great chicken, their ice cream (they call it ice dream) is also tops. All in all, a very well run and admirable company.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
While the water heater my have been the last thing on your mind it was one of the only things that actually cost you real money on the purchase of the house because of the rental charge. As for hauling away an old water heater, that is included in the installation cost where I live and it’s probably like that in most places. Where I live if you do it yourself (who would do something like that
The guy did make a larger hole in the wood beam to fit a larger pipe, but there is still a lot of wood around it, I don't think that could weaken the house at all.
Technically, any hole that is put into a beam, metal or wood weakens it. How much it’s weakened is a function of how large the hole is in relation to the size of the beam. Now, will your house fall in because of it, more than likely not. Reinforcing a wood joist is very easy via ¾ inch plywood, the full size of the joist, glued and nailed/screwed to both sides of the joist where the hole is. Even one side would probably work in most cases. I’ve seen it done both ways but you can’t say a beam isn’t weakened when a hole is put in it. Plywood for its thickness is very strong because of the layers (plys) alternating which way the grain of the plys go. Want proof? How many karate guys have you seen try to break a 2 inch thick piece of plywood OUCH.
Call ‘dino’, I think he’s a structural guy. He can get into stress forces for given materials, moments, other bending and twisting thingamabobs better than me. He drives a BMW too, so I know you’ll believe him.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
It is but it's better junk.
I know the grilled version is better for you than the fried but if you're eating junk, eat the real junk. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Jmonroe, I laughed at your response above for almost 5 minutes. Couldn't stop laughing. After all, what's better than junk? BETTER JUNK!!!
Great line!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Driver, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee!!! I've eaten KFC, Browns, El Pollo Loco, Popeyes, etc, but Chick-Fil-A is the best of the best. As jmonroe puts it, it's junk food, but better junk food!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Chicken strips are my favorite! And everything is made fresh. I had to wait 5 minutes for a double order for me and my friend, so they gave me 2 coupons for a free chicken sandwich. The coupons state, "...sorry for the delay in getting your order completed in a timely manner!". Now that's classy!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The salad amounts vary at the subpar store; that's our one irritation. Most of their operation works on the WOW principle, but sometimes the salad amount in the side salad doesn't look like the picture at one local store.
Oh, try the chicken noodle soup too.
As for Driver100, look for ChickFilA on your GPS in various cities. A few are located close to interstates. You can look up the proximity on their locator map on ChickFilA.com to see those close to the interstates. Georgia and 196 stores. you won't have to wait until you hit Florida.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I had not heard of Cick-Fil-A all my life. Then I was watching "Morning Joe" a few months ago on MSNBC and they were talking about the franchise and how great the chicken was. I had not seen any stores in or around North Broward or South Palm Beach Counties. So I figured they were not here.
Then, when they remodeled the Boca Towncenter Shopping Mall, I noticed that a Chick-Fil-A was opening in the food court. When they opened several months ago, I had to try it out. I was really awed by the taste of their chicken and their chicken strips and sandwiches. Their service is outstanding and the employees really care about the customer. Definitely worth the $5.00 - $8.00 you spend, depending on what you order.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I agree and that’s the way chains operate. I’d like to see the mop/pop places do that but they don’t. Sure, all the restaurants ask, “how is everything sir/madam” but do the mom/pop places really care. Not where I live. They ask the right questions but if/when you tell them something is not to your liking, you just get a stare like, “and what do you want me to do about that” and nothing is done? Maybe mom/pop restaurants are different in other parts of the country but in general I’m not impressed with some (too many) of the mom/pop places in the Burgh area.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Thanks for the tip. I think I did see some at stops just off Interstate 75, and of course they have those signs with all the eating places posted. Sounds like a good deal.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Same here until I moved to SC in ’92. Surprisingly I never went to the one in the food court of the local mall down there and neither did Mrs. j. Don’t have a reason why but we didn’t. Sub consciously we might have been thinking like ‘driver’.
When we moved back to the Burgh in ’97 Chic-Fil-A was now at the food court at the local mall that Mrs. j has kept in business and at the recommendation of a friend that she was with they got lunch there. That was the start of her friendship with Chic-Fil-A. The surprising thing about that place at the mall, it closed months ago and Mrs. j was shocked because they always had a line that was much longer than the pathetic national sub shop right next to it or any of the other food court shops. She’s still trying to figure that one out.
A Chic-Fil-A moved into a large place at a local shopping center close to our house that was originally built as a Krispy Kreme. When that place folded and for good reason as far as the way I judge those fat-pills, Chic-Fil-A moved in and there is always a crowd there. They have a play center for the kids so that doesn’t hurt their draw either.
You know what? Since this is a car forum we could at least say what car we drove to our favorite Chic-Fil-A. The last time for me was in Mrs. j’s Subie. :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Could have fooled me!!! Just kidding.
Lots of posts about mom and pop restaurants not being sensitive to the needs of their customers. I believe you mentioned Pittsburgh, am I right? If so, I remember one restaurant there I would frequent when we visited my wife's brother when he was interning at Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital - and that was THE PARK SCHENLEY. Great food, great service. Someone mentioned to me that they went out of business. Too bad - great cheesecake!
Down here in Soith Florida, we have hundreds of mom and pop restaurants, mainly Italian. I have experienced the opposite - very warm, caring and great food. The family run restaurant businesses are some of the very best down here. The chains do well, but so do they.
BTW, I drove the Lexus to Chick-Fil-A.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Or, I could ask, "Do they have a drive-thru window?"
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, you are correct.
THE PARK SCHENLEY
The Park Schenley was very, very good but they are gone now. Maybe too much service...take a sip of water and they're filing it up again. But that's a lot better than acting like you're trying to hale down a cab to get refilled.
Down here in Soith Florida, we have hundreds of mom and pop restaurants, mainly Italian. I have experienced the opposite
I should have mentioned that. When I visit my Delray Beach brother ALL of the restaurants down there seem to be very good. In talking to my brother the competition is so fierce if you're not good you're gone. Like everything else, competition is good for the consumer, for sure.
I especially like the deli's down your way too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The one by me that is a stand alone shop has a drive-thru. I don't think places like that can survive without having drive-thru's. People today are way too lazy to get out of their car for almost anything. Sometimes I think they have toilet paper in there too. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Circuit City was on the black list, they went bankrupt, and didn't get bailed out! Yippee!
AT&T is on the list, but they are bigger than God and own everything, and somehow they bought the company my significant other was with (Cingular), and we ended up with AT&T family plan for cell phones that way. I'd never buy an AT&T product or service by choice though.
Right now I can't think of any others on the blacklist.
I suppose there's a brown list, companies I hate, but not quite enough to fully 100% boycott:
1) Best Buy
2) GM & Ford guilty by association being the Big 3 American Car companies and having owned a Chrysler product firsthand that was worse than terrible.
3) Bank of America
Due to my ANTI bailout position:
1) GM gets on the blacklist.
There are lots of Rite Aids and for that matter Walgreens in Florida....what a great market for them! I haven't noticed much difference between the two, both seem quite competent, but, then, I have never tried to return a watch without a receipt.
What happened to your 1995 Chrysler Neon? I know one person who bought one and she said it was a "throw away" car...meaning you use it for a few years then throw it away. Cheap to buy initially...but won't last very long.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250