From all the comments I’ve seen on other forums, there are two things that seem to scream out loud: PRICE and TASTE. Fixing the taste issue is obviously a chef/recipe issue. The one thing I can tell you about the diners in America…their food is quite tasty, meaning that they use spices, salt, sauces, etc.

The PRICE issue is one that I’ve noticed as a trend here in New Zealand. For example, when I was in Taupo, I saw a whole line of breakfast-serving establishments. All of them were empty except one…the one with the lowest price. The others served breakfast for around $12, which included eggs, bacon, and some kind of potato. Then there was this one restaurant that charged around $8 for the same thing. That place was packed with business, while all the others sat wondering why they were empty. In America, we have learned well the lesson of volume sales and pricing. If you give people excellent food (good taste) and a good price, there is no way you can go wrong. I’ve seen lots of restaurants here go out of business because when the owners see they aren’t making enough money, they raise the prices. That should only ever be the last resort, and almost never works. It is far better to make less money per customer and have a packed restaurant, then the other way around. More customers means more buzz, which means more positive reviews and word of mouth.

Anyhow, I too will come to your new location to see how things have improved. Also, if you want, I would be happy to talk with you personally to share with you some of the finer points of what I know about true American diners, and how they differ from what you are doing. As one more key point, all the American diners I’ve been in have something for everyone’s pocket book. They have simple grilled cheese that sells for around $4.50, to full-blown steaks for around $18. Anyhow, I’m sure we would have tons to talk about if you were interested.

Best Regards,
Ken

8-10 Officers arrive, most are liaising, interacting and doing their job in a responsible and sensible fashion while Smith is posturing, arrogant, ignorant and rude AND after leaving (with no evidence and empty handed) we feel as though we have been violated and that we are the bad guys.

We teach our (500 or so) kids that the Police are the good guys but this example of bad manners and ignorance does nothing to serve the motto emblazoned on their vehicles – Safer Communities Together. Nothing he did stood for “Community”, nothing he did stood for “Together” and the group of people (non-drinkers, by the way and all professionals) were left stunned and angry – the teachers amongst us were moved to comment “How could you hold your hand on your heart and tell your kids that THAT is a good example to look up to,” and if we can’t do that then the community is definitely NOT SAFER!

All present that evening (and many were International visitors) were left with a very bad taste in their mouth at the very worst example of our Police force. Smith has single handedly undermined the good work that our local community Police do – they are magnificent by comparison. Many of us volunteer locally with Police / Community initiatives – we are seriously considering voting with our feet. Several of the clubs we are involved with have created the environment for the Police to interact with our children – again, we are seriously considering voting with our feet.

Mr. Smith, no one begrudges you doing your job but we are not criminals and it costs nothing to smile and nothing to introduce yourself. We work hard to achieve the same ends you do and make our environment safe so why do you treat us like criminals?

We had a visit from several schools recently and each kid said hello to every adult they met. Perhaps you need to go back to school! Get in touch or get out – this community doesn’t need the angst you are creating – we have enough of it from the so-called bad guys so to get it from you disengages us from the very ethos that your superiors promote and leaves the whole community exposed!

It is a full 7 days since Smiths visit and people continue to speak to me about how angry they are at what he did and how he did it. I also feel embarrassed for the other Officers who had to stand by and watch it.

I fully expect that the ranks will close BUT so too, don’t be surprised if the wider community becomes less inclined to help when asked.

He needs to be censured in the strongest possible fashion.