Buffet restaurant discounts

My husband likes to eat at buffet-style restaurants, such as Ponderosa, Ryan's, Country Buffet, Chinese restaurants, etc. At these restaurants I have always explained that I have had bariatric surgery and asked for and received either a child's price or a half-price discount, since the amount of food I now eat at one sitting is so small. Even at a lower price they still make a profit on me, so I am not taking advantage of them or causing them a loss. Two weeks ago, for the first time, a discount was refused by Ryan's in Effingham, Il. The manager said a company meeting had been held and it had been decided to discontinue allowing gastric bypass patients a discount. We left and went to another restaurant for our lunch. Can anyone else tell me what their experiences have been in this matter?

My DH and I who also had WLS usually do not frequent all you can eat type places. Actually the manager was fully with in his rights to do this. Most of the other restaurants were just being courteous in giving you a discount; they really do not have to do that. You could go to the corporate level and right a letter to Ryans. Of all the buffets that you mentioned, Ryan's in my opinion is one of the best. My DH's mom lives in Cedar Rapids Iowa and we have gone to them (pre op) and they are really nice. I am not sure what else to tell you on this. We have always felt that if we do go to an event that has a buffet already planned we just eat the good protein and we basically are eating (dollar wise) the amount that the meal cost. We pretty much zero in on all the good protein and let it go at that. Sorry that I do not have anything more to say. Hope some of this helps. Chris

I used to love Ryans in Effingham. We had one here but it was never as good as the one in effingham. I would just not go or really just eat protein.

My husband and children enjoy the buffet also. So far, I have received child's pricing at all of the ones I have shown my "Medical Request" card provided by my surgeon. One chinese place also suggested that I could use a carry out container and pay the "to-go" price. I elected the child's pricing, because I still can not count on being able to eat all that is on my plate. The Ryan's that we had in Rockford closed, and it will not be missed, as that facility was pretty dirty. If Ryan's does not want your business, by all means, go somewhere else. I would write a letter to their corporate office and point out that they have not only lost your business, but your husband's and any others that you might have a notion to dine out with. It probably won't do any good, but at least you will have had your say. (I will remember not to stop there this summer as we are driving through Effingham on our vacation.) Christine is correct in saying that they are within their rights not to offer you a discount, but it really IS in the best interest of a resturant to allow this, as there are SO MANY choices of where to spend your money these days. With my new plumbing, I would hardly ever go out to eat as the small amount that I eat is just not worth the trip, but I do enjoy my family and friend's company, and do not expect them to change for me! Have a great day! Dawn

I think my opinion won't be to popular but I don't ask for the discount, no one forced me to have the surgery it was my choice, I dont expect the world to change the rules because I did this. I order off the menu and take what i don't eat home. I do get strange looks at times from wait staff because of how little I ate, I usually just tell them the food was great I am just not that hungry tonight. I know many people use the cards and thats great for them, to me its like buying a hummer and expecting gas stations to lower the cost of gas because I choose to drive a gas guzzler.. weird analagy.. Good luck !!!

I feel the same way.......all those years i would go back for 4.5.6 times they never charged me extra. So why should i ask for a discount. They never forced me to have the surgery............ LOL i kinda wish they had tho a long time ago!! lol

LOL