Jan
8
What a night
January 8, 2008 |
I’m really not sure how to begin this so I apologize if it’s a little random. Let’s start a couple weeks ago…
A former customer of mine at Ruby’s got into a fight. It wasn’t his first. He already knew he was on thin ice. Suffice it to say after this fight he was/is no longer welcome in my bar. He tried to come in one night about a week ago. I told him to leave. He wasn’t happy about it but he left. End of story…or so I thought.
Tonight the same customer came in with Steve, the owner of Lincoln’s. Apparently Lincoln’s is the last place he’s allowed to drink in town. I told both Steve and my former customer that he, the former customer, was not allowed in my bar. The individual knew he wasn’t allowed. He turned back toward the front door to leave. Steve tried to defend him. Steve asked why I wouldn’t let him stay and have a drink.
I said to Steve that I didn’t have to explain my reasoning and as a bar owner himself, he should know and realize this. I told him this individual has had multiple opportunities and has failed to live up to his word more than once. At this point Steve threatened not just once to kick my ass, which I thought was fairly comical. I don’t care how drunk or high I was, I would never walk into someone else’s establishment and threaten them with physical harm. I asked Steve point blank if he was threatening me and he replied “if that’s what it takes.” At this point another customer pulled Steve back and for the moment talked some sense into him.
The other individual left and Steve stayed for one drink with the customer who calmed him down. After the drink he left but remained outside in view of my other customers fighting with the guy that I’d kicked out. A different customer tried to get them to leave and move on down the road but was told if he wanted him (Steve) to leave he’d have to punch him (Steve). I came outside and after being threatened again finally got them both to leave. I thought maybe the drama might be over for the night, but stupid me, I was wrong.
Not too much later guess who’s back in front of the bar arguing? That’s right, it’s Steve and his new best customer. From that point I wasn’t taking any chances so I called the local cops. Officer Reha got them away from my storefront and at that point I really didn’t care where they went. At least they weren’t making any of my other customers nervous.
My first six months at the bar have been good. I can understand some jealousy from the other bars. But I’m not taking any business from Lincoln’s. As far as I can tell there isn’t much business to take, and after tonight I’ll be damned if Steve gets any more business from me. I’ve given him my last dollar. If he wants to threaten me with bodily harm he’s more than welcome. I’ll heal. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to continue to support him and send him customers.
I ask this of you, the Good Egg Gazette reader. Do not eat at Lincoln’s. Do not drink at Lincoln’s. Go to the Country Kitchen or the Cyclone. Get a burger from McDonald’s or Burger King or a sandwich from Subway. Go to the Duck in Dexter or the Diner or Harry’s in Redfield. Do not spend a dime with Steve and Lincoln’s. He doesn’t deserve a cent. This type of behavior is absolutely completely unacceptable.
Comments
33 Comments so far
-
Stuart's KCCI Webcam
-
Subscribe
Steve is a moron. His big hot headed mouth and poor food just keeps driving people away. I agree, stay away. Maybe he can sell to somesone who can bring the place back to what it used to be. It is truly a shame he has driven so many people away.
Ohhhh Nate… your story makes me laugh (nervously)! I think you’re opening up a big can of worms here…but like you said, who cares! You’re 100% right. Steve is hot-headed, paranoid, and treats his employees like crap. He probably is jealous of you, but guess what, his food sucks and his service (if you call standing around ignoring customers and drinking beer service!) sucks even more. I feel sorry for Missy who works her butt off all day every day and then has to come home and deal with the mess that Steve has made that day. She’s a bigger woman than I am for putting up with him!
Nate, old boy, the first thing you should know as a business owner is that no matter what you don’t trash another business owner personally or otherwise. It isn’t in good taste and looks tacky. Steve is a loser, for sure, and by his antics, and the shape of his business, people have already formed an opinion, and don’t go there for the most part, unless they are traveling down the same road. I’d say, zip it, and don’t let your blog turn into another gossip rag like the ones who tried it and failed a year and a half ago. It is beneath you and the crap some of his pals will throw you won’t be worth it. Have a nice day.
Under normal circumstances I would agree with you 100%. I would’ve kept my mouth shut and let things work themselves out. But last night was not normal, far from it in fact.
harry’s pizza will not get any of my money!!!!
Steve’s a nutjob. I have a few stories, too.
Actually Nate, I was hoping your Mom’s brother (your uncle) would’ve purchased Lincoln’s. He’s a good man!
I already don’t eat at Lincoln’s. The last few times I have I’ve gotten sick. Pretty sad when food at an actual restaurant makes you sicker than McDonald’s or Burger King. I wish the Lincoln family had it still. I never got sick when they owned it.
Susan Wagner is a nut job also. I heard you got canned there Sue
I have gotten sick, too, when I’ve dined there! I wondered if it was just me. Now I’m curious.
Typical nowadays of the Stuart mentality. Don’t do business with another businessman if something upsets us and diss them. The worst person to put Lincolns on the downhill was Mrs Lincoln herself and many people in town have never even tried to help give the new owner a chance or keep them in business. I could tell you stories of other businesses doing the same. What a community!
When my husband and I went in to Lincolns about a month ago to use a gift certificate, which was about 6 months old, but didnt have an experation date down, Steve was really very pissy about us useing it. It had our names on it from very good friends. Geez what a jerk. He finally lat us use it, but we are not going back in!
Let’s just face it… most people think Steve is a prick
i don’t
Steve told me the insurance man caught Susan stealing from Lincoln’s cash register.
“I hate my Mom because she’s a whore!” That came from one of Susan’s sons! HAHA!
Hey Nate, you mentioned quite a few places to eat, but you forgot one of Stuart’s up and comers. Tradition’s Sports Bar & Grill at Stuart Bowl serves lunch specials and has burgers, steaks, many other selections and full-service bar. Hometown Foods also has daily specials and food service from the deli ! Some times business decisions/statements made by an owner aren’t always the right ones, but from what I have seen, you have a very loyal customer base and will be able weather the storm.
also we have a new catering service comeing up in Stuart. It will serve everything from small groups to executive lunches, weddings, and your own personal Thanksgiveing or any dinner that you would rather be spending time with your family, rather than slaveing over a stove. More details later!
I apologize. I should have remembered those. Try the hot wings at the bowling alley. They’re incredible.
Terri’s is actually really good!
move on. we all have our faults. Leave susan alone. get a life. do something positive. most importantly remember those less fortuneate.
Nah. Welcome to capitalist America.
Nate, next time either of them come in, just use this line from our favorite politician.
I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street.
-Arnold
And if they come in again…remind them that contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Chucktatorship.
We know how bad that is…
I’m pretty sure I saw Nate eating food from Lincolns tonight in his bar. Bet he had someone go get it for him since he is scared to walk in himself…
Oh the small town! Are we forgetting our amendment rights here? Nate has every right to be upset and state his opinion. As far as I am concerned, Nate’s one of the best young entrepreneurs in the town. It takes a lot of guts to do what Nate has done and said, and I applaude him! GO NATE! I love Ruby’s pub!
The bar mentality just goes so far. People who are “regulars” at bars as a rule don’t get favorable remarks.
Welcome to capitalist America where no one cares. Do you people want a dictator to rule you all? If not, then shut up and allow freedom of speech.
Hello dumb. Sole prepurership means you can refuse service to anyone at anytime. As far as challenging a business owner to some form of manly man contest, one can never be sure where the competitor may have been in his life or whom may be sitting from the outside looking in on this picture that may be willing to help. The name Lincoln reminds me of a penny, a bad one at that, and they are always seem to come back. In fact, it is the smallest demonation in the money food chain. Hmm, is there irony here?
Having owned a few businesses of my own, customer service and protection is key to success. Obviously, attempting to disrupt someone else’s business out of jealousy is the lowest form of gratitude. So, we will thank you Lincoln and company if you don’t disrupt the good people of this community’s good times. Please don’t forget, you don’t know who I am, but I am watching you. I may be the mushroom cloud you haven’t been expecting. Keep your chin up Nate, you have friends in many places.
Are you shitting me? Have a drink and stay out of each other’s way. I would just prefer to drink at Nate’s…
Hey, can’t we all just get along?? Personally, though, i think nate and ruby’s are GREAT!! Keep bringing music to this small town!!
Last time I was in Lincoln’s my steak was forgotten and never put on the grill, came to me still mooing and taken back to cook longer. Everyone else was through eating when I finally got my meat. Steve insulted me and I haven’t been back since. He also needs to remember to slow down between Stuart and Menlo. The highway isn’t a race track. Almost called the cops the last time he flew by me.
Lincoln’s and Ruby’s are very different places. I choose to support both.
Remember, it no one chooses to patronize the small town businesses, they will go away.
I would hate to have to drive to a bigger city to have a steak or beer.
[...] Iowa, and how it will affect his business in the months to come…if he even lasts that long.http://goodegggazette.com/stuart-iowa/what-a-night/Restaurants in Stuart, FLCasa Bella Restaurant - 512 SW 3rd St, Stuart, FL - Italian Restaurant … [...]