As Snowbirds Return Locals Lose Celestial Status

This summer whenever we walked into a restaurant in Punta Gorda, the smiles came on and are mere mortalness was swept away by the attentiveness of wait staff, managers, and frequently owners. Specials were numerous. Two for ones, abounded. Exceptions were the rule. "Oh, you would like a side of rice with your eggs this morning, no problem." Frequently our preferences were noted and automatically addressed without our even asking.

Then the restaurants were often empty or at best half full.

Times are a changing. The snowbirds are back, and most of the restaurants are packed, for which, by the way, I am very glad. The restaurant owners need the business. And we love our Punta Gorda dining out spots, and know the crowded seasonal months are important to their survival. But..... Hey, we are here all year around. We were here when you needed the business, any business. Why are we starting to lose our celestial status.

The smiles are mostly gone (not all). A barmaid miserably asks in an exasperated tone "Can I help you?" Owners are no where in sight. Exceptions are disappearing. "Side of veggies, instead of rice and beans -- you have them right?" -- sorry no exceptions. "Cup of soup instead of fries -- you offered this a few months ago?" -- again no exceptions. Waitresses sometimes frown and apologize, sometimes just stick to the policy without so much as any explanation of it. Welcoming smiles, preferences noted...already forgotten I'm afraid. Want a cake for a friend's birthday -- "we can bring a slice and put a candle in it." That's not a birthday cake. How about if we bring the cake -- "$1 a slice." I understand you need to make money on desserts -- then have cakes or have one service charge for our bringing one -- not a $1 per dirty plate charge. I am feeling less divine by the minute.

Sorry for being a curmudgeon, I know I know, we live in Florida. But, please local restaurants remember when we were special this summer....don't you want us "special" people returning to your restaurants next year. Even if you can't be there to say hello with a warm smile, remind your staff to. Even if you can't provide as many deals or exceptions, find some ways to make the locals who support you year round feel like more than part of the traffic. Maybe you can't raise us to star quality, but a more human touch will do for now.