Complaint Review: Italian Pie Restaurant

I'm a gastric bypass patient. I CAN'T physically eat as much as I did. I was told in my support group that when eating out, certain restaurants permit adults to order off the childrens or senior citizen's menus. Yes, it's cheaper, but more importantly, it's a better sized portion for me (and most Americans). I've taken that advice to all other restaurants I have frequented since the surgery including "upscale" restaurants and told them that I simply cannot eat as much as they provide on a normal adult portion. I ask if I may please order from the childs menu, a senior menu, a half order of an adult portion, or an appetizer as my entree. All restaurants have been more than accommodating and do not charge extra. And why shouldn't they? They fed me when I was on my way up the scale, they should help me by feeding me less on my way down the scale.

I'm a gastric bypass patient. I CAN'T physically eat as much as I did. I was told in my support group that when eating out, certain restaurants permit adults to order off the childrens or senior citizen's menus. Yes, it's cheaper, but more importantly, it's a better sized portion for me (and most Americans). I've taken that advice to all other restaurants I have frequented since the surgery including "upscale" restaurants and told them that I simply cannot eat as much as they provide on a normal adult portion. I ask if I may please order from the childs menu, a senior menu, a half order of an adult portion, or an appetizer as my entree. All restaurants have been more than accommodating and do not charge extra. And why shouldn't they? They fed me when I was on my way up the scale, they should help me by feeding me less on my way down the scale.

I'm a gastric bypass patient. I CAN'T physically eat as much as I did. I was told in my support group that when eating out, certain restaurants permit adults to order off the childrens or senior citizen's menus. Yes, it's cheaper, but more importantly, it's a better sized portion for me (and most Americans). I've taken that advice to all other restaurants I have frequented since the surgery including "upscale" restaurants and told them that I simply cannot eat as much as they provide on a normal adult portion. I ask if I may please order from the childs menu, a senior menu, a half order of an adult portion, or an appetizer as my entree. All restaurants have been more than accommodating and do not charge extra. And why shouldn't they? They fed me when I was on my way up the scale, they should help me by feeding me less on my way down the scale.

I'm a gastric bypass patient. I CAN'T physically eat as much as I did. I was told in my support group that when eating out, certain restaurants permit adults to order off the childrens or senior citizen's menus. Yes, it's cheaper, but more importantly, it's a better sized portion for me (and most Americans). I've taken that advice to all other restaurants I have frequented since the surgery including "upscale" restaurants and told them that I simply cannot eat as much as they provide on a normal adult portion. I ask if I may please order from the childs menu, a senior menu, a half order of an adult portion, or an appetizer as my entree. All restaurants have been more than accommodating and do not charge extra. And why shouldn't they? They fed me when I was on my way up the scale, they should help me by feeding me less on my way down the scale.

"Telling someone the truth is not an attack."

You are absolutely correct in saying the above statement. Telling the truth is the way things should be. Think how much easier life would be if everyone everywhere upheld the truth. There would be none of this lollygaggling around situations, letting people believe they are right when they in fact are not, accommodating people's false beliefs of entitlement, blah blah blah. "Telling it like it is" simplifies things and cuts out all the crap in life. If people don't want to hear it? Well then too bad ... may I suggest they associate only with other mythical-preferring individuals so they can continue living in their fantasy world.

I am glad that I am not the only one on here who believes in truth telling .. it's nice to have some support!!

Why thank you. And I agree with you, there should be no need to define "children's menu" for adult customers who believe they should be allowed to order from it. Unlike you though, I have seen more than a few restaurants that do not provide a stated age limit on their children's menu. But still, whether it says "for ages under 10" or not ... "children's menu" should be self-explanatory in society.

The reason so many people in this site hate Peter, is the same reason those same people hate me.

I read on MSN, 90% of the people in this country want to be lied to, as long as it's what they want to hear. They don't want to be told the truth, if it's going to make them feel bad.

When someone like Peter, or I, tell them the blunt honest truth about something, they get mad. They cannot refute the statements made, so they attack.

I've been surfing through this site for a few years, and so far, I have never been the first one to attack, with ONE exception. I did attack a woman who was whining about her destitute mother being ripped by a repair shop. She and her siblings had no problem with Mom being penniless and incapable of handling her finances. God forbid any of them actually get their mother and take care of her in her aged condition.

I've never seen Peter attack first either. Telling someone the truth is not an attack.

I think you get a bad rap on here, Peter. But I like your "tell it like it is" style, even if I don't agree with you most of the time.

In this instance you're exactly right. Why does a CHILDREN'S MENU need a statement to the effect that it is not for adults?

Beyond that, I'll bet anyone dollars-to-donuts that the menu DID have an age limit. I worked in restaurants for twelve years, raised three kids, and became a fat b*****d by going out to eat all the time. And I have NEVER seen a children's menu that didn't have an age cap on it.

In a previous post ... "if it is not written on the menu that adults cannot order from the childrens menu, then who are you to tell them that they cannot order from it?"

Because IT IS A CHILDREN'S MENU. That alone implies that it is for CHILDREN. Not cheap adults who want to save a few bucks (and likely tip less) while holding up an entire table. Does the restaurant really have to define on the menu what constitutes a CHILD? Of course not.

Donna, if you truly feel that you should be allowed to order a children's pizza at a nice establishment, may I suggest that you change your choice of restaurant to Chuckee Cheese? There you may order a children's cheese pizza with no problem, as I believe that is the only thing on their menu anyway.

I have been in customer service postions my whole life and the owner of a successful business for over three years. Too bad someone is available from IP to set the record straight on the policy of adults ordering children's menu items.

In any case, I think it is in poor taste to habitually practice this type of ordering. lunch is not dinner. Lunch is usually a shorter time period and allows for more turn over, etc. The bulk of servers make their tips in the evening. Perhaps the restaurant tried to accommodate this woman but seeing that she was placing this order once a week, felt it was not cost effective to continue with this practice. the customer isn't always right. Not in the real world.

Economics does come into play. I certainly do not view IP's decision as bad business. Also, comparing a FAST FOOD restaurant of the status of mcdonalds, is not a fair comparison. Mcdonald's does not have waiters relying on tips. No one brought up that point.

MANY restaurants have the policy that adults can not order off the children's menu. IP is not unique. Pony up the lousy $2 and get on with life. This is petty and childish...maybe hence the child's portion. :> There are plenty of LEGITIMATE complaints against the restaurant industries. This just doesn't happen to be one of them. Kudos alex, you told it like it is...

We are neighbors. Small world. I highly recommend the mighty kids cheeseburger meal...pungent yet sassy w/ little or no fat. Have a good one neighbor.

Donna: Boycot that Pizza place, hit em in the wallet!

I tried to post a response but it did not show up, so if it repeats this info then that is why. I live in Marietta, work in Kennesaw. Yes I think we will have go seperate ways with differences of opinions. I think we care more about it than the author at this point. Have a blessed life and enjoy your occassional kid's meals.

My intentions were not to insult, rather my personality tends to be alittle rough around the edges. This is probably derived from being one of five kids, military school, and a long stint in the army. Regardless, we can agree to disagree on a mature note. Have a good day.

My intentions were not to insult, rather my personality tends to be alittle rough around the edges. This is probably derived from being one of five kids, military school, and a long stint in the army. Regardless, we can agree to disagree on a mature note. Have a good day.

My intentions were not to insult, rather my personality tends to be alittle rough around the edges. This is probably derived from being one of five kids, military school, and a long stint in the army. Regardless, we can agree to disagree on a mature note. Have a good day.

My intentions were not to insult, rather my personality tends to be alittle rough around the edges. This is probably derived from being one of five kids, military school, and a long stint in the army. Regardless, we can agree to disagree on a mature note. Have a good day.

Sorry Alex...but I will not change my mind either. If you refer to my prior rebuttal, I did indeed wait tables and know the ups and downs. I eat at Mcdonald's on rare occasions, and when I do, I order the Kids meal w/ no harrassment from management. We must agree to disagree. Its up to Donna now, who by the way has been silent on this issue. I wonder what she has decided to do?

Alex: where in Atl. do you live? My office is in Atlanta and I reside in Smyrna...small world.

Why are you eating at McDonald's in the first place. You are eating a small amount of crap to justify eating a large amount of crap? No insecurties here buddy, just making a point and all you are doing is trying to insult and skirting the debate. I feel I made my point and have not seen any intelligent rebuttles from you, other than bone head, get your head out of your a*s, and you must be really insecure. Atleast have some original insults man.

Who is the angry one? All you do is swear at the people who have a different opinion than yourself. You just have said absolutly nothing to back up you point. Making pizzas and fighting a war, and cleaning toilets does not give you experience waiting tables. I am simply showing the flip side of the coin. No chip here, I enjoyed waiting tables when I did it and was good at it. I am just giving rebuttal to what I consider a silly complaint and welcome educated rebutals back. By the way I do respect soldiers and do thank you for defending our country but my opinion remains the same about kids menus.

Your rebuttal wreaks of insecurity. I work out and watch my weight. Its insane to consume a combo meal which contains over 100 grams of fat and 500 calories. Can you say heart disease? My wife is a dietitcian, I should know.

Now, stop skirting the issue, put your insecurities aside, and accept the fact that that customer service is number one. Again, I reiterate, Donna should have been served the pizza.

cleaned toilets, swept floors, fought in a war and made pizzas at Ken's Pizzareia in Atlanta...can you say the same? I think not. Customer service my friend. Pleasing the customer is # 1. We did at Ken's and you know what?...the customers always came back w/ large tips because of...you guessed it, customer service. We catered to the customer. Continuous patronage = profits. Your verbage is that of an angry former waiter with a huge chip on your shoulder. Donna should have been served the Pizza, period.

One more thing, You are a "Citadel Graduate" a pretty extreme military school. So I would be inclined to think you are not a 90 pound weakling. Knowing this you can not handle an adult size portion at Mcdonalds and must order a kids meal to be able to consume it all. I find this highly unlikely, Does anyone else find fault in this logic? Maybe you enjoy the toys that are intended for kids. Who knows? Either that or your hazing must have been hell if you are truly that small.

You graduated from the Citadel? Does that make you the expert on kid's menus or something? Yes the company as a whole will not go bankrupt because she is ordering a kid's pizza, however she is taking money out of the servers pocket by taking up a table for thirty minutes for probally a dollar tip if she tips 20 percent. If you are the type of person that is going to boycott a reataurant because you can not order a kid's item then you are not the type of person who tips twenty percent. Servers do not get paid by the hour unless you count the two dollars and whatever cents that all goes to taxes. If you are a server, then you are counting every dollar to make ends meet. Leave the table open for someone who wants to eat a real meal, get real service and leave a real tip.

You graduated from the Citadel? Does that make you the expert on kid's menus or something? Yes the company as a whole will not go bankrupt because she is ordering a kid's pizza, however she is taking money out of the servers pocket by taking up a table for thirty minutes for probally a dollar tip if she tips 20 percent. If you are the type of person that is going to boycott a reataurant because you can not order a kid's item then you are not the type of person who tips twenty percent. Servers do not get paid by the hour unless you count the two dollars and whatever cents that all goes to taxes. If you are a server, then you are counting every dollar to make ends meet. Leave the table open for someone who wants to eat a real meal, get real service and leave a real tip.

You graduated from the Citadel? Does that make you the expert on kid's menus or something? Yes the company as a whole will not go bankrupt because she is ordering a kid's pizza, however she is taking money out of the servers pocket by taking up a table for thirty minutes for probally a dollar tip if she tips 20 percent. If you are the type of person that is going to boycott a reataurant because you can not order a kid's item then you are not the type of person who tips twenty percent. Servers do not get paid by the hour unless you count the two dollars and whatever cents that all goes to taxes. If you are a server, then you are counting every dollar to make ends meet. Leave the table open for someone who wants to eat a real meal, get real service and leave a real tip.

You graduated from the Citadel? Does that make you the expert on kid's menus or something? Yes the company as a whole will not go bankrupt because she is ordering a kid's pizza, however she is taking money out of the servers pocket by taking up a table for thirty minutes for probally a dollar tip if she tips 20 percent. If you are the type of person that is going to boycott a reataurant because you can not order a kid's item then you are not the type of person who tips twenty percent. Servers do not get paid by the hour unless you count the two dollars and whatever cents that all goes to taxes. If you are a server, then you are counting every dollar to make ends meet. Leave the table open for someone who wants to eat a real meal, get real service and leave a real tip.

I for one order the "kids Meals" at McDonalds and Burger King as the Combo meals are too much to consume in one sitting. The management of the aforementioned have no problem whatsoever as they know this satisfies the adult consumer, and a satisfied consumer continuously returns to their establishment; thus, making profit for the company.

Come on folks, get your heads out of your asses, the kids pizza should have been served to Donna from Columbia SC.

From: An Irmo High School and Citadel Grad

"Kids" menu for......you guessed it, kids!!!! Not cheap adults. Order off the adult menu like the rest of the adults. If it is too much food then get this thing called a "togo box" and have yourself lunch or dinner for later.

I have a suggestion. If they serve the same size pizza on the lunch menu for $2 more than the child's menu price, why can't they offer it at dinner also? If they make money off it at lunch, they'll make money of it at dinner.

Donna, go back and make this suggestion. If they are truely customer service oriented, then they should have no problem with the suggestion. If not, there's always a competitor out there with better service.

I have been a waitress for many years and have to say, if it is not written on the menu that adults cannot order from the childrens menu, then who are you to tell them that they cannot order from it?

Also, a sale at Penneys is not the same. The sale is understood to be for a period of time as advertised, so the next week when you go back you already know you cant get clothes for the same sale price, unlike going to a restaurant.
If I go to a restaurant and have been ordering an item and they change it on the menu or have it posted with the changes then fine, I will accept the changes, BUT, if the rule stood that I was not to order from the child's menu and it was never mentioned or posted or on the menu then you still have to serve me food cause you did in the past and you made the exception every other time and of course you have nothing in writing stating an age limit on who can order that pizza.

I have to deal with that in my job all the time, I cannot tell an adult they cannot eat off the child's menu when its on the menu and there are no age requirements stated. If I serve it to one customer I have to serve it to all. And I am almost sure that Italian Pie does not have it stated that if you want to order a child's meal you have to supplement it with an adult sized item or a side item.

So basically your responce to the first poster is saying that I could not order my child a meal and leave my kid home with my hubby while I go pick it up cause I am not the child and I am not going to be eating? I mean how do they know if its for a child or me? That is just unethical business to make an adult buy an item to supplement a child's mean price. Change the price to a reasonable price that wont send the comp. into debt and accept that not all adults are pigs and eat large meals or they may pick the meals up for the kids and are not eating the same thing, or put it in writing the so called rules of the company about ordering child plates.

I have been a waitress for many years and have to say, if it is not written on the menu that adults cannot order from the childrens menu, then who are you to tell them that they cannot order from it?

Also, a sale at Penneys is not the same. The sale is understood to be for a period of time as advertised, so the next week when you go back you already know you cant get clothes for the same sale price, unlike going to a restaurant.
If I go to a restaurant and have been ordering an item and they change it on the menu or have it posted with the changes then fine, I will accept the changes, BUT, if the rule stood that I was not to order from the child's menu and it was never mentioned or posted or on the menu then you still have to serve me food cause you did in the past and you made the exception every other time and of course you have nothing in writing stating an age limit on who can order that pizza.

I have to deal with that in my job all the time, I cannot tell an adult they cannot eat off the child's menu when its on the menu and there are no age requirements stated. If I serve it to one customer I have to serve it to all. And I am almost sure that Italian Pie does not have it stated that if you want to order a child's meal you have to supplement it with an adult sized item or a side item.

So basically your responce to the first poster is saying that I could not order my child a meal and leave my kid home with my hubby while I go pick it up cause I am not the child and I am not going to be eating? I mean how do they know if its for a child or me? That is just unethical business to make an adult buy an item to supplement a child's mean price. Change the price to a reasonable price that wont send the comp. into debt and accept that not all adults are pigs and eat large meals or they may pick the meals up for the kids and are not eating the same thing, or put it in writing the so called rules of the company about ordering child plates.

Your report speaks to a larger problem that was the bane of my existence as a waiter for many years.

Let me put this in terms of an analogy. Let's say you go to JC Penney and they have a half-off sale. You go back next week and there is no sale. Are they now ripping you off because you're not getting your clothes at half price?

This restaurant allowed you to do something that was, most likely, against their policy. Moreover, they were probably losing money on the deal. Children's menu prices are lower because, the theory goes, children aren't coming in by themselves, and the money their folks spend makes up for the loss. When an adult is ordering from the children's menu, however, the theory doesn't work, and the loss isn't cancelled out by an adult meal.

So, then, these people did something nice for you for a while, again, something that was probably against their policy in the first place. Now that somebody has wised up and realized that this is a bad business decision, a pre-existing policy is being enforced and you are no longer getting a benefit that you really weren't entitled to in the first place.

So what your complaint really boils down to is not so much that somebody has done you wrong, but that they are no longer skirting company policy to give you something that you are not entitled to. Now, instead of remembering that these people were kind enough to let you order from the kids menu for a while and accepting the fact that your free ride is over, you complain as though they have somehow done you wrong. The reality is that they went out of their way to do you more than right in the first place, and they can no longer do that.

If a business takes unusual steps to make you happy, be glad that they did that for you. If they can no longer do so, don't go crying that you're being ripped off, because you aren't. You're just not getting the good bargain you did before.