Table 42 Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (Boca Raton)
Table 42 Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, 399 Southeast Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 826-2625.
In recent months a number of people have been telling me about how terrific the food at Table 42 Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar in Boca was.
So…last night, I, Mrs. Jeff Eats and our dog Jiggy “went” to Table 42 planning on trying the food on the joint’s outside patio.
To make a long story short, the hostess and manager refused to seat us- raising “questions” about what a SERVICE DOG “is”. For right now, I’m not going to get-into all kinds of legal mumble jumble—what I do know, is that the manager HAD ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT TO INSIST THAT HE HAD THE RIGHT TO SEE STATE ISSUED PAPER DOCUMENTATION proving that a dog is a service dog. When this young man was advised of this, he became a “real wise guy” snotty jackass.
Trust me on this…I and my wife do a “ton” of eating out with our dog. Now- we know that Jiggy isn’t what most would classify as a service dog—but we also know, that a restaurant has no right whatsoever to make a customer produce written documentation proving that a dog is a service dog.
Just a small footnote, Jeff “Eats” is a graduate of The Brooklyn Law School class of 1973–and a member of the bars of New York, New Jersey, Florida and the Supreme Court of the United States of America (yeah! that’s the same one currently deciding the Obama Care case)…so just maybe, I know something about the topic at hand or at least know how to read a statute, regulation or law.
For the record,
Take a look at Paragraphs #1 and especially #3 contained in a Directive issued by the US Departartment of Justice:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS IN PLACES OF BUSINESS
1. Q: What are the laws that apply to my business?
A: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed.
3. Q: How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?
A: Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. However, an individual who is going to a restaurant or theater is not likely to be carrying documentation of his or her medical condition or disability. Therefore, such documentation generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you may not insist on proof of state certification before permitting the service animal to accompany the person with a disability.
Anyway…Jeff Eats won’t be eating at Table 42 real soon.
Finally, to Table 42’s owner, folks like that manager and hostess can ruin an owner’s business-real fast.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/table-42-boca-raton
Jeff: Pulled up YELP on this one. Noticed one really bad review on customer service.
Jeff:
Go to the bank on it, a restaurant can’t request to see proof on the service dog. When I go to Fort Lauderdale airport to pickup up my son I always bring my dog. The staff in baggage knows not to ask anyone aboud service dog qualification. I will tell you that years ago, a hostess at airport asked me and I just said service dog and she walked away.
Table 42 better watch this issue.
I live in Boca Raton.
I have never had a problem eating outside with my dog.
Mizner Park and the Pink Center are very pleasant to dogs.
Like you, awhile back Table 42 would not let me sit with my dog in the main outdoor pation.
They wanted me to sit in another patio which has a couple of hi tops and some low couch like seats that are very uncomfortable and not enjoyable.
Table 42 isn’t a dog friendly place.
On your service dog issues, no question they can’t ask for proof. The mgr was way out of bounds.
My home state Indiana has the following law.
‘Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal, or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform. They cannot require special ID cards for animals or ask about people’s disabilitieses.’
Ben A.
Jeff Eats:
My wife and I have eaten several times at Table 42. Its burgers and salads are very good. The place use to be Coal Mine Pizza and the new owner has really made it into a really good place for a casual meal.
We have lived in Boca for over 20 years and have commented numerous times as to how dog friendly the town is. For example the Dubliner in Mizner has water bowls for pets outside of the bar.
Table 42 apparently isn’t the most friendly dog restaurant. Now you know that’s their call unless a dog is a service dog.
What gets me interested here is that the manager apparently tried to match wits with you. His job is to be nice to people, not to try and confront them. No question he had no right to ask you to prove service dog or no service dog.
Well, 1,000s of readers now know that Table 42 is really not for them.
Maybe the owner should re-examine its policy on patio seating for dogs. I can only imagine how much business he is giving up.
Jeff,
I have eaten a number of times at Table 42. Food is good and the prices are right.
The restaurant is run by KIDS.
I got underwear older than everyone who works there.
I know that the owner has a few other restaurants in the area. I have been to Rack in Mizner and enjoy that one as well.
What I do know is that I wouldn’t trust my livelihood to a bunch of KIDS. But then again, maybe that’s what the pay grade can only attract.
Now I’m not saying it applies here because it probably doesn’t, but I think that not providing service to a person with a service dog is a 2nd degree misdameanor in the State of Florida.
I have been a Jeff Eats fan and reader for years. For you to be this pissed off is not your MOB. Apparently this mgr really crossed the line in talking to you.
Betcha a pizza that these guys are losing a Sh@t load of money not playing it up with Boca’s dog crowd.
Every time I walked by Villagio’s it’s got dogs galore sitting with their owners outside. Same for The Dubliner, Julio’s, Saquella’s, Matteo’s Tucci’s, just to name a few.
Table 42 to should have better policy on this.
hey jeff, the food is good when they have 5 buck burger specials. at full price the food is just fair at best.
i see that on 9-18-10 you gave the owner’s other restaurant Racks a very nice rating.
well i guess based on table 42 he went from batting 1000 to batting 500.
The way to solve this one.
Go to Tucci’s Pizza. They love dogs and their pizza and food runs circles around 42.
I think if the manager were to read the Americans With Disabilities Act he would find:
“It is illegal to ask for any special identification from Service Dog partners.”
Time for HR to teach its staff the LAW.
Jeff, I don’t blame you for being irrate.
Stan:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
This morning, I called and spoke with a woman in the main office. Forgive me, but I don’t recall her name.
I advised her about last night’s events and despite my quoting all types of statues, laws, rules, regulations she told me that a customer has to present WRITTEN proof that a dog is in fact a service dog, in order to be allowed in the main patio area. I asked her to have the company’s owner call me and she told me that she would give him the message and if he wanted to call me he would, if not, not.—I hate when someone cops an attitude–instead of remaining cool, calm and collected.
As of 2:20pm today, I haven’t heard back from the company.
On a final note, I know that if this was my company and I appreciate that it isn’t, if I was the owner I would definitely have called “me” back and see what I could to do to make things right.
Thanks for reading…
Jeff, people cop attitudes either because they are right, or so wrong that it isn’t even funny.
the law is real simple on service dogs, no written proof is required. how do i know, i had a problem with a hotel and eventually they figured out that i was right. to its credit, the hotel apologized, ate the bill and gave me and my wife several nights on the house.
the owner of Table 42 should be on the phone to you seeing what this is all about and getting you happy.
i recall your calling Hurricane wings out for having a customer loyalty card that didnt work and that Hurricane tried to get you happy.
the smart business owner moves fast to stop negativity. the foolish ones ignore the problem and just do nothing and hope it passes.
what i have found when i read yelp, trip advisor, jeff eats etc, the negative comments stand out. i really discount the positive ones but the negative ones are probably legit.
i never counted your readers but i’ll bet you got loads of them.
Table 42 owner be a smart guy and get this matter taken care of.
Thanks Jeff for a really interesting blog.
You never pull punches and cover a load of territory in your reviews.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34088-d1880542-r120333059-Table_42-Boca_Raton_Florida.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Pulled up Tripadvisors’ reviews. All in all pretty decent opinions.
Wow! Jeff, I can’t believe this. I’ve been an avid read of your blog for some time now, and also frequent many local haunts in the Boca Raton, FL area. I find myself questioning if this was a one-time-negative-experience at table 42, a ‘hiccup’ if you will. I only say this because I notice too they have a younger staff, and the management has been replaced a few times lately, however, there’s this one manager, the GM, that has been there for some time now, and he always goes above and beyond our expectations. Especially on our regular weekend visits for lunch on the East side patio with our dog (which is not a service dog). Again, I really enjoy reading your blogs, I find them informative and to the point, and I also favor Table 42, now I’m torn. I’ll be returning to Table 42 this weekend (with pup) and see what happens for myself… I’ll keep you posted Jeff.
james:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
As you pointed out, they put you on the “East side patio”… They didn’t seat you in the main patio area.
Unless I’m mistaken, there aren’t any full tables on that patio. Just some hi-tops and cocktail tables.
Thanks for reading…
Bet you that they don’t let you sit in the good patio which has real tables. Bet you they stick you in the other area which has those little cocktail tables. Now do you think that’s fair? You are paying full price aren’t you? But you are relegated to an inferior setup.
jeff eats:
i ate at table 42 with my dog. they didn’t allow me to sit in the main patio area. instead i was put in another area where there are no real tables and chairs. a few hightops and small little cocktail tables. it was very uncomfortable eating and my wife said never again.
these guys are not very accomodating.
by the way my dog is just a plain old loveable pet that goes almost everywhere with us.
i really don’t need table 42.
there are plenty of boca restaurants that welcome our business.
glad you stood your ground and called this little pipsqueak out.
I couldn’t agree more that a manager and staff can ruin the taste of good food.
I really can’t believe that the manager didn’t know that you can’t ask someone to provide written proof of service dog status. Also can’t believe that office woman compounding the probllem with her insistence that the restaurant could require written documentation.
Jeff, don’t blame you one bit for being furious with this restaurant company.
What a beautiful thing.
Your blog actually stimulates the brain.
so jeffeats, why are you pretending your dog is a service dog when it isn’t?
do you also park in handicapped spots?
Jason klazinsky:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
What has always amazed me about people like you is that you really don’t know how to read.
Re-read my article–and show me where I wrote that my dog was a service dog or that I even claimed that he was. Go for it–but you won’t find that anywhere.
The issue that was raised with the hostess and manager was. “if our dog was a service dog you would have to seat us with him on the main patio.”
At no time, did I or Mrs. Jeff Eats ever claim that our dog was a service dog.
In response to the above the manager said people with service dogs are required to provide written documentation if requested by management. I told him that he was 100 percent wrong and that such a request violated Federal Law.
By the way, yesterday at 4 pm I received a call from the restaurant’s GM who apologized for the manager and agreed with me that the restaurant is barred by law from asking anyone for written documentation to prove that a dog is in fact a service dog.
Thanks for reading…
Hey Jeff,
At least the GM had the good sense to call you.
My daughter has a Bon a Fide service dog. The dog has tags and vest and my daughter has various documentation which she carries. Despite that in Baltimore she was refused seating. That matter is now the subject of a civil lawsuit.
I know 42’s layout. They apparently just don’t want dogs in the patio area.
All I know is that if that manager was blind or handicapped he would fight his ass off to make sure that some jerk like himself didn’t violate his lawfully constituted rights.
Your review hit the nail on the head. There are folks running restaurants who have absolutely no idea about the rights of others.
Thanks
CC
You totally missed the issue raised in Jeff’s article. He wasn’t discussing whether his dog was or wasn’t a service dog but rather the manager ‘s claim that he was entitled to see written proof about the dog.
Jason:
You misread what Jeff was doing.
As for parking in handicap spots how do you know that Jeff doesn’t have a handicap placard?
Jeff’s the man!
The bottom line, is that no one who is spending their money and time at ANY restaurant should be treated with disrespect and deceit. All restaurants have licenses that need to be renewed yearly. If they have issues, like lying to their customers about requiring to see documentation for a service dog, these restaurants should be forced to close or change their policies. Table 42 will never see my face or my credit card again.
Jeff,
No ifs or buts the restaurant has no right whatsoever to ask a customer to produce proof that a certain dog is a service animal.
The manager on duty should have known better.
I am not exactly sure how I would have handled things but from what I have read he became confrontational with you. I also read that a woman in the corporate office did the same thing.
Glad guys like you exist. You call thing exactly as you see them with no punches pulled.
I’ll bet that Table 42 is losing a lot of customers because it doesn’t allow dogs on the patio. Seems crazy to me, but Boca especially in that area is very friendly towards pets.
Hey Jeff,
I have never eaten at 42.
Last night I ate at Biergarten so I walked over to 42 which is right down a bit.
There are 2 patios.
The one where they allow dogs is a much smaller area and isn’t really setup for real eating. A handful of very low to the ground tables and a few hi tops. IMO no one would would really enjoy eating a full meal in that area.
From what I saw this tells me that 42 really doesn’t want people with dogs.
I don’t have a dog but I know that I’d I did I sure as all hell wouldn’t pay good money to eat like a second class citizen.
Thanks for the interesting dialogue.
By the way, Biergarten last night around 10 was doing some great business and their potato pancakes, schnitzel were delicious.
I never knew that Jeff Eats at so many places with his dog. I have eaten at Trulucks (Mizner Park) for many years in Boca with my dog outside. She is in a stroller so that becomes her seat. They no longer allow dogs. My dog is quiet and well behaved. We should list all the dog friendly places in Boca,Coral Springs etc. I can understand how there can be issues, however most of the dogs I see at these places are well behaved. My dog is also not reactive to other dogs.
robertw:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
Mrs. Jeff Eats and I literally eat out with our dog Jiggy all the time. To be perfectly honest with you, Table 42 was the exception to the “norm.”
Other than Table 42 we have never been to a patioed restaurant where the folks with dogs were segregated from the general non dog patrons.
Table 42 even goes one step further than that, in that those with dogs aren’t even given the same setup as those without dogs.
To be honest with you, the area that the staff wanted to seat us in, isn’t fit for a dog. There were no full sized tables, just a handful of small cocktail tables. Talk about uncomfortable.
Based on what I saw, Table 42 really doesn’t want the dog “crowd.”
Personally, I think that the crappy setup could be changed overnight and made dog friendly by changing the seating setup…and everyone would be happy.
On your idea for a list of good places for dogs to go…You and others should send me your favorites and I’ll get the names out there.
Thanks for reading…
To All:
I had a similar incident as Jeff did at this restaurant. They wouldn’t let me sit on the real patio but wanted to seate me and my husband on the other patio which really isn’t meant for people to sit eat a meal.We left and ate elsewhere.
Table 42 use to be called Coalmine. It failed. From what others have told me 42 is pretty good. Unfortunately our first outing has left such a bad taste that we wouldn’t even consider eating there even when we are not with our dog.
Someone else here said it first but 42 must be losing a lot of potential customers with this absurd policy.
Jeff,
I work in the same center and walk past the store several times a day.
No ifs and or buts but the east patio looks rundown and dirty compared to the other patio. The main patio has great table decorations and looks really cool. The east patio has nothing. I for one would never eat on the east patio. Disgusting.
Hopefully your raising this dog issue with the powers that be gets them to change their policy or at the least make the dog patio as nice looking and as clean as the other patio.
So let me get this one straight, the manager thinks that a customer has to show him written proof that a dog is a service dog.
As a practicing Florida attorney who specializes in disability matters, this manager is dead wrong.
What I think would be really cool, would for this manager to pull that crap on a person with a legitimate situation who would like a nice sized legal monetary recovery.
If 42 keeps this kind of crap up, it’s only a matter of time to Showtime
This would be as close to a slam dunk case as you can find.
while working as a Duffys manager for the past few years this issue came up within the past year and it was made VERY clear in numerous memos that staff were never to ask for documentation regarding service animals. Its discrimination. I have had to explain this to customers before who were unhappy seeing dogs around the restaurant and questioned whether or not they were service animals.
That’s why Duffy’s is a large successful chain and Table 42 and the couple of other sister restaurants are nobody’s. You were trained at the corporate level to respect people’s rights and Table 42 got a manager and a home office person who don’t know dick about the law.
I also bet You that You wouldn’t confront a possible customer or became a wise ass as happened to Jeff.
My thoughts are that Table 42 and Rack’s will fail because the guy who owns it isn’t teaching his employees the right things.
Love it love love it!
A second rate joint in a crap location pissing off desperately need customers.
Sounds like these guys should be teaching at Wharton not!
Jeff,
Between Table 42 and La Stella who’s more fu@ked up?
TaT:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
If I forget about the “food” part of the equation and just discuss management/staff behavior, La Stella’s, Table 42, Brewzzi’s, Capital Grille stand-out as the biggest losers.
Now, for the record–Table 42, Brewzzi’s, all reached out to me, to “right the wrong.”
To date, Capital Grille has never ever been heard from.
Thanks for reading…
Capital Grille is a Darden restaurant, so they’ll never call you. They have a coporate policy that applies to the Olive Garden, Red Lobster and all of their other restaurants.
To me, restaurants should be allowed to decide whether they allow dogs or not. Just like they should be able to ban cigars even outside. Such things bother other customers. Real service dogs, like for blind people who can’t do without them, are a different matter. Every old lady in Boca has a “service dog” and a handicapped parking card. It’s become such a joke that I really don’t blame restaurants for being suspicious
Ronny,
I get where you are coming from.
On the level you discuss it makes sense.
Now try it on a higher level.
If we do it your way, you would allow restaurants to bar cigar smokers, dogs etc even though the current laws allow them. You argue that its the restaurants right to decide.
Now take it a step further and lets assume restaurants could do that, then why not allow them to say they don’t want balcks, jews, midgtes, handicapped etc?
get it?
That’s why we got laws.
You may not like them but they protect various classes of people.
How about, I own a restaurant and i want to refuse service to guys name RONNY how’s that sound?
Unfortunately your logic is mired in ignorance. Dog owners and cigar smokers are not protected groups. Blacks and the handicapped are. I can refuse to serve loudmouths or bald people, but not hispanics.
The current laws allow restaurant owners to decide if they want to allow cigar smokers or dogs on their patios. Jiggy is not a service dog, so there’s no sense talking about laws that don’t apply.
I was thinking, if 42 really doesn’t want dogs I’ll bet that Racks which also has outside seating is pulling the same crap on customers. Time to avoid both restaurants.
Hey Jeff,
Just a guess that Mr. Rack who owns both Table 42 and Racks isn’t too pleased with his manager’s and office lady’s interpretation of the Disability Act.
ROTFLMFAO.
The guy probably put his heart and soul into these two restaurants and two schmucks make waves for him.
I think the guy also has a racks in Miami.
Instead of people talking about food, drink, service,
And decor, he has people talking about how his employees violate federal laws against the disabled,
Obviously you don’t knowMr Rack
Ronny, bet you that Rack would love for guys like you to stop writing about this dog issue.
It will eventually quiet down as Jeff writes new columns on other joints.
You guys should know that this guy Racks isn’t as clever as you think. The original concept was called Coal Mine Pizza and apparently it bombed so he revamped it and renamed it Table 42.
He should have a long talk with every employee and explain to them like the guy from Duffy”s mentioned awhile ago that it is illegal to ask someone for documents that a dog is in fact a service dog ,
Don’t you have anything more importand to do other than bash a manager who made a mistake. This is why our society and country is screwed up. All everyone sys is litigate, sue etc. It’s a dog in a stroller. I have dogs, 3 of them and yes I love them. But dogs are dogs and if it’s a service dog than thats great. They have an area that dogs are welcome.
Is this really about a service dog or is it about you being told something you diddnt like to hear. Restaurants are for people to eat, share memories and have fun. Not for dogs on the tables, in chairs or in strollers being talked to because he or she can’t stand the person they are dining with.
Dog Lover:
You are entitled to your opinion.
What I think you are missing here is that most here are talking about “rights” of the disabled. We aren’t talking about a bad meal, drink or a check that was added wrong.
If you have read Jeff Eats carefully, there is no claim that the dog was a service dog, just the fact that manager said that if the claim was made he, the manager was entitled to see written proof.
I think if you also read some of the comments you will find that those with dogs are relegated to eat in an area which isinferior to those without dogs. Why should that be? Aren’t those with dogs paying the same price?
Sorry my friend,
This argument is a lot bigger and important than some manager who as you said made a “mistake.”
they should at least have a patio for the dog patrons as nice as they do for non dog patrons. fair is fair.
i agree, same facilities for all.
Went by 42 to this evening. Same crappy patio for dog lovers. Guess they couldn’t give a rat’s ass about what many of you people have been writing about.
Personally I think as big an issue is the width of the walkway. Looks to me it may not conform to code.
Something has been bothering me about this post and I haven’t been able to figure out why until now.
I’m trying to figure out why the restaurant management would ask to see the service dog paperwork if your dog hadn’t been represented as a service dog. If there hadn’t been that representation made then they wouldn’t have asked the question.
In your response to Jeff Klazinsky earlier in the thread you write:
“Re-read my article–and show me where I wrote that my dog was a service dog or that I even claimed that he was. Go for it–but you won’t find that anywhere.
The issue that was raised with the hostess and manager was. “if our dog was a service dog you would have to seat us with him on the main patio.”
At no time, did I or Mrs. Jeff Eats ever claim that our dog was a service dog.”
I’m not sure I understand what “if our dog was a service dog you would have to seat us with him on the main patio” even means.
You may not have said in the post that you represented your dog as a service dog, but unless Table 42 asks every person with a dog for their paperwork, which I doubt, there has to be something that you said that prompted that question.
.
Rick:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
Real simple, when the hostess attempted to seat us in the “inferior” patio, Mrs. Jeff Eats said ” if he was a service dog you would have to sit us in the other patio.” The hostess replied. “I know he isn’t a service dog because you would have told me that right away.” The manager then joined in and said to me “If this was a service dog you have to show me a card.” I told him that he didn’t know what he was talking about, asked for the owner’s card and gave him a Jeff Eats’ card. I told him that I would be calling the owner the next morning.
Be a smart guy, if the manager hadn’t said what he said, why would I waste my time and thousands of readers’ time talking about this?
As I discussed , at no time was there ever a claim that our dog was a service dog.
The manager did something wrong. Just so you get it, he didn’t ask to see proof, he said that he had the right to see written proof if he demanded it.
End of story.
Thanks for reading
Rick: I live a two minute walk from Table 42. I also have a dog that I walk at least 4 times a day in the area. Every patioed restaurant in the center except Table 42 has never ever given me or my husband any problem about eating outside with our dog. Only and I repeat Only Table 42 has a 1patio for dogs and another only for people. I have no problem with the separation if the dog one was of the same quality as the other one but it’snt. The dog one doesnt have full tables and chairs and is very uncomfortable to dine at. Really very simple Table 42 isn’t dog friendly.
We don’t eat there. There are loads of terrific restaurants that want us and our dog.
Jeff,
You are a 1000% correct in that 42’s dog patio isn’t suitable for someone to eat a full meal .
No doubt in my mind they don’t want the dog trade.
Hank R
I have a question. Is Jiggy actually a service dog? Or were you just trying to pull one over on the owner because you knew the law would allow virtually anyone to claim that their dog was a service dog?
Table 42 is owned by Gary Rack. I’m not sure who the posters are here, but the place is mediocre at best. You didn’t miss much.
As one who doesn’t care to dine with dogs, the argument that you’re losing the dog crowd isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You gain the people who don’t want to eat with a bunch of dogs running around.
Jeff has already said that Jiggy isn’t a service dog and that he or his wife ever told mgt that he was.
Man! you got to learn to read.
I agree the food is mediocre at best.
Well that’s pretty stupid. Who is going to read 56 comments? It doesn’t make much sense to rant about service dog ADA laws when it doesn’t apply, now does it?
It’s a bit psychotic to demand to speak to an owner about a law that doesn’t even apply to you. It’s sort of like going on a tirade about there being no senior citizen discount when nobody in your party is a senior citizen.
Ronny you really dont see the whole picture here.
Jeff has a food blog.
He has 1000s of readers.
He isnt just some guy questioning a manager.
As for questioning a manager about a law that doesn’t apply to him,
Assuming you aren’t black, what would you do if you saw a black couple refused seating on an airplane?
With your thinking, you wouldn care?
Get it!
It was thinking like yours that let Hitler kill 6,000,000 Jews.
They weren’t Jews so there was nothing to get involved with.
Real simple.
Jeff learned that the mgt thinks it can demand written proof of a service dog. And he called the company out on it.
Really that simple.
I don’t think I’d call the owner of the airline and ask to speak to the ceo. The black people have brains. They can call the authorities and complain themselves.
And Jeff IS just another guy. A guy with a blog. He’s not Mike Wallace. It’s fine for him to mention that the restaurant doesn’t properly apply the ADA laws. It’s a bit over the top for him to get all riled up over something where he has no standing.
It seems impossible that Jeff was forthright with the restaurant; why would a restaurant ask to see a random dog’s service papers unless there was some implication that it was a service dog? The “long story short” leaves out the details that cause the story to make sense. My guess is that they tried to pass the dog off as a service dog, at least by implication, because why else would a conversation about a service dog even begin? The “only service dogs are allowed on the main patio” rule had to be brought up, so it would be Jeff’s obligation to say that his dog was not a service dog.
As for the Holocaust, you trivialize it by applying it to everything and anything; if you really think that someone who disagrees with you about doggie laws is equivalent to a genocidal movement then you really aren’t worth listening to about any subject large or small.
Ronny,
Bet you that Mike Wallace wishes he was Jeff, because Wallace died last week.
Jeff has already told how the service issue came up.
As far as his blog, I did some checking and there are close to 90,000 visitors a month.
Talk about riled up, look at the number of your comments, length and time you put in talking about this issue.
Obviously Jeff hooked you as I suspect he planned.
Ronny Ronny Ronny, look how worked up you are.
Why waste so much time writing because you have nothing to do with the matter?
I will have to side with the manager on this one. It sounds more like a basic pi#$ing contest to me. Jeff and his wife wanted to eat in a place were dogs were not allowed so his wife said what if this were a service dog and the manager said prove it. At that point Jeff should have just left knowing this is a free country and the restaurant has the right to have its own rules but instead he argued the law. Personally I have never understood why people want to take their dogs out to dinner nor do I understand why they take them shopping and make the store employees clean up after them. My partner used to work for Niemans so i know what they have to do.
The LAW IS THE LAW.
Without laws there is anarchy.
The manager didn’t violate the law because Jeff Eats didnt claim that the dog was a service dog.
What Jeff Eats knew was that the manager was wrong in his thought that he had the right to demand proof.
I dont blame Jeff Eats for bringing this to home office attention as well as the public’s attention.
Mark:
You are a 100% wrong here.
The manager has absolutely no right to ask a customer to prove that a dog is a service dog.
From what I have read, Jeff didn’t eat there.
You say he “argued the law”, well that’s what he should do. The law is what it is.
The law is clear that a restaurant can’t ask for proof. That’s the law.
I guarantee because of Jeff the managers and the staff of that restaurant won’t be asking anyone for proof in the future. Now isn’t that a good thing? Afterall I think someone noted that it’s a second degree misdameanor.
Yes this is a free country, but you are wrong, restauarnts dont have the right to make their own rules when it comes to service dogs.
I have a dog.
When I am out with him and want to eat I can’t sit inside. Now that’s a pain because most restaurants don’t have outdoor patios.Personally I think he should be allowed to eat with me inside, but the law is what it is.
Sorry guys your missing the point. Using this argument anyone can bring any dog anywhere the want they just have to say its a service dog. There has to be a middle ground. Mrs. Eats come in with a fluffy snicker doodle and John Smith comes in with a Shepard with the vest and bridle that most service dogs wear. who do you think a manager is going to ask for proof that the dog is a trained service dog? If Jeff has his way your next fine dining you will sitting next to me with my 2 pit bulls drooling on your shoes as i said when i got there they were service dogs so the manager has to let me in without proof. Then the heath dept comes in an see this who is going to get the fine?
mark, baby—you dont get it, do you? its not jeff’s way, its the L A W.
jeff didnt make the L A W.
the manager indicated he didnt know the L A W.
end of story.
Mike your not getting it if you were the manager of a and someone with a poodle told you Its a service dog would you let the dog stay? The law states they dont have to carry paperwork but he was smart enough to be able to tell this was not a service dog. If you have never seen one look here.
http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/
Notice the vest. If the dog had a vest he would not have said prove it as that is the proof.
This does not pass the smile test.
Mark,
Mgr was WRONG.
Mgr should have known better.
is this dog hating place out of business yet?
A friend of mine has a service dog which is a chewahwah. He has all the necessary papers to take this cutie pie anywhere. He lives in a very big condo complex in Hollywood and never had a problem. Any kind of dog can be service dog.
Seems to be quieting down here just a bit.
Walked by 42 yesterday and the area for dog owners is very unappetizing. There are no full tables there, so it would be hard to enjoy a real meal. Based on what I saw it is obvious to me they don’t want these kind of customers.
Jeff:
I own a very successful restaurant here in Boca Raton.
Let me start by saying, that 42 does a nice job on its food, service and pricing.
You are 100% right that a restaurant can’t question anyone about what is and what isn’t a service dog.
I have a friend who is involved in various organizations that deals with people with disabilites. In a heartbeat, many of these organizations will take action to get restaurants who violate the law fined or closed.
Hopefully 42 from this incident has learned that its manager was playing with fire when he told a customer that 42 had the right to see paperwork.
In my restaurant no matter, no one is questioned. I know that a load of the service dog claims are nonsense but there is no way that I’m going to ruin my livelihood making the wrong call.
Shame on you 42.
I’ve been there a couple of times for their $5 burger nights. Food is pretty decent.
Hopefully that manager has learned a valuable lesson.
Jeff was in boca town center this pm. Mall was busy guess because it was raining like crazy. I must have counted at least 20 dogs in carriages and 4 in the brand new food court. Nobody getting hassled no nobody having problems.
I guess that little pipsqueak 42 knows better than giant REIT Simon properties about whatthe law is. That’s the reason that Simon malls is worth in the billions and 42 has to beg you to come eat 5 dollar burgers.
RK:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
This is a real simple deal. The law is the law. No ifs or buts, likes or dislikes, pros or cons…organizations like Simon know the law, Table 42’s manager and office staff didn’t.
To be perfectly honest with you, the manager’s and office worker’s attitudes when talking to me were very confrontational and condescending. Here we had two people who didn’t know “dick” about the law talking to a member of the Florida Bar like I was a freaking moron. Now I will tell you that 42’s GM did call the day after the initial incident and did his best to smooth things over. What I do know is that retail businesses like 42 need retail customers not the other way around.
Suffice it to say, a retailer who pisses off customers ain’t gonna be around too long.
Thanks for reading…
This past weekend I was in Boca Town Center and the Festival Flea Market. No fooling around, I saw more dogs in strollers than I saw toddlers. From what I could tell, no one seemed to have any problem with the dogs being in the malls.
jeff,
folks at att on yamato rd in boca dont know the rules either.
but when i told them, they backed off real fast.
thanks for telling us that no one can demand written proof of service dog status.
Jeff just read in sun sentinel how 2 stickup men held up 42 last Saturday night and got away with $1598. Two observations 1 if that amt was the gross for the night 42 isn’t doing so hot 2 maybe if there was a dog on the premises his barking would have alerted the mgt that stickup guys were coming in through the back door. But one thing we know for sure there werent any dogs there. Surprised the mgr didn’t ask the the robbers for written proof they were real stickup guys
Glad no one really got hurt.
Maybe 42 should buy a guard dog
HG Wells:
Just had a chance to read your comments.
I get the dark humor here.
I’m glad that no one at Table 42 was seriously injured . I and members of my family have been robbed and I appreciate how scared the victims must have been.
Thanks for reading…
Now that’s some funny stuff.
Hey Jeff,
Bet you a buck the mgr in question will never ever ask a customer anything about their dog.
I agree that mgr will never ever ask for written proof unless he is a moron.