Super week but a question....

[Beach Runner]

I have always received friendly and helpful service at Publix. Never had rude treatment at Red Bar ... and the fish sandwich there yesterday was awesome.

 

[audie]

we have been to the publix in watercolor and the one in sandestin so far this week, and the watercolor one is much much nicer in our opinion. the people working there have been super nice all week long.

 

[Lt. Dangle]

Long time lurker here, but I wanted to respond to this post as this is something that I have noticed as well. I've been coming to the area for approx. 15 years. My fiancee's family has multiple properties in both Seagrove & Santa Rosa, and while they know lots of people in SoWal and I visit quite often, I suppose I would still be considered a "tourist." Although I think most of the people on this board are very appreciative of the booming tourism industry, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed.

I understand exactly where tumules is coming from. I love SoWal, and always thorougly enjoy my time down there, from beginning to end. However, there sometimes seems to be a certain attitude from some of the locals on certain occasions. I suppose you could find this anywhere, but it feels like there is somewhat of a "disdain" for the families in SUV's that descend on the beach every spring and summer. Are they irritating at times? Of course, I'm sure they can drive you crazy! But, as all of you already know, it is because of them that many of the great SoWal businesses continue to thrive.

Not to badmouth any certain businesses, but I can think of a few places that are guilty of this. We love to go to the Tarpon Club at Bud & Alley's. However, unless you are a local or on a first name basis with the bartenders, don't expect overly-friendly service. Same with Smiling Fish Cafe. My point is, many of us who don't live there in SoWal but enjoy visiting would appreciate a bit more hospitality. After all, you are all lucky enough to live there year-round, so share the joy with us.

 

[steele mama]

Long time lurker here, but I wanted to respond to this post as this is something that I have noticed as well. I've been coming to the area for approx. 15 years. My fiancee's family has multiple properties in both Seagrove & Santa Rosa, and while they know lots of people in SoWal and I visit quite often, I suppose I would still be considered a "tourist." Although I think most of the people on this board are very appreciative of the booming tourism industry, it is definitely something that needs to be addressed.

I understand exactly where tumules is coming from. I love SoWal, and always thorougly enjoy my time down there, from beginning to end. However, there sometimes seems to be a certain attitude from some of the locals on certain occasions. I suppose you could find this anywhere, but it feels like there is somewhat of a "disdain" for the families in SUV's that descend on the beach every spring and summer. Are they irritating at times? Of course, I'm sure they can drive you crazy! But, as all of you already know, it is because of them that many of the great SoWal businesses continue to thrive.

Not to badmouth any certain businesses, but I can think of a few places that are guilty of this. We love to go to the Tarpon Club at Bud & Alley's. However, unless you are a local or on a first name basis with the bartenders, don't expect overly-friendly service. Same with Smiling Fish Cafe. My point is, many of us who don't live there in SoWal but enjoy visiting would appreciate a bit more hospitality. After all, you are all lucky enough to live there year-round, so share the joy with us.

Lt. Dangle (we won't even talk about your user id!)

I think you are right about the attitude regarding "tourists". Back in the 60-70's we called them DDTs. Dumb Damn Tourists and back then there was noone to wait on anyone anywhere. There was no where to be waited on except Zeals grocery store or the Butler Store. We just like to make fun of people with hawaiin shirts and cameras! I guess anywhere you go you take the good with the bad. There are many friendly, nice people in sowal and surroundings area.

 

[Rudyjohn]

That's the first rule in any business or organization is to be at least welcoming if nothing else. It's critical to hire the right people. But I'm sure it is hard because of the turnover in the area.

 

[florida girl]

SoWal has always been a hodgepodge of different people trying to live in the same area. I don't know if they have ever agreed on anything! I guess it all depends on what has gone on previously, to make their day! Keep in mind too that the labor force is scarce, most of the jobs available are low paying, and that gets real old after a while. Especially for the bread winner who is trying to support their family on one income. Also, many of the tourists are rather grumpy to say the least! Some act like they just came into money and are going to work it for all it's worth!

 

[ShallowsNole]

Lt Dangle! Love your 'tar!!

 

[Paula]

Sorry about the treatment, Tumules. Regardless of the reasons, there's a lesson for business owners anywhere. Great service and treating customers as though they matter (even simply looking the customers in eye with a smile, asking how they are, saying thank you) is a competitive advantage because it's not as common as one would think. And if you go the extra mile and do something small -- nothing that takes too long or seems over the top -- they'll remember you and your business forever and tell their friends. If you don't, they'll tell their friends, too.

Anyway, come back to 30A Tumules. You're likely to find some people who treat you special (that could have been just an odd week) and the sunset always treats people special!

 

[TNJed]

As a business owner here I love talking and meeting all the different folks who visit these shores every year. It's the best of both worlds to me. Meet and greet 8 months of the year and then chill by the seaside during the beloved offseason.

The only thing I see ruffle the feathers of locals are the "big city" stresses and 'tudes that some vacationers haul down here with them. Unfortunately for them, by the time those issues have subsided it's late Friday and time to pack that dang ole SUV. Y'all come back now, ya hear! :clap_1:

 

[Seabreeze]

I would agree about the bartenders at B&A's -- one in particular who carries himself as somewhat of a celebrity for some odd reason. He'll yuck it up one minute with people he obviously knows then, if you can get his attention, not even make eye contact with you. And with the price of drinks @ B&A's, one might justifiably expect eye contact and some politeness. I'm in the area every two weeks (a semi-local) and he's certainly seen me enough times and received a healthy tip or two from me but he still strikes me as being cocky and arrogant. So much for healthy tips ...