The whole story is below if you'd like to read it. But instead, let's focus on making the Improv on March 28th a night to remember. I'll be there with some fantastic comedians. And the Improv treats both it's customers and performers with the utmost respect. So, let's get together there on March 28th.
Phil Johnson
Roadside Attraction
http://www.RoadsideAttraction.com
THE NITTY GRITTY
After finding out that Ron's Farmhouse was closing, I approached one of Omega Restaurant's owners with the idea. I told him I couldn't rent the room but that my friends and fans would certainly be buying food and drinks. He told me he'd been burned by that before and requested a guaranteed amount. I said I could guarantee him $100 and that it would probably be more. But that was all I was comfortable guaranteeing. As it was, the previous venue was paying ME to do the show.
He haggled with me of course. I told him that was all I could offer, and if he didn't want to do it, I'd go find somewhere else. He responded that they wanted to do it. They didn't have anything scheduled for the room on Friday anyway. Some money is better than none. I gave him a $50 deposit and he wrote the reservation in their book. Done deal.
Two days later I get a call telling me that they've got another party coming in Friday night for more money and they have to cancel me.... unless I want to pay their regular $150 an hour rate for the room. Then he says that he told me originally that he would cancel the event if they had a better deal come in. He didn't. That would have been a dealbreaker for me. I'm not dumb.
So I go down there to get my $50 back and the other owner starts telling me that I can't tell them how much to charge and how to run their business. (Business 101 - The customer's always wrong? - Good job...) He accused me of forcing them (?) to do the deal. I reiterated that I offered it to them because I liked their place and wanted to bring them the business. If they didn't want to do it that's fine too. Doesn't sound like force to me.
Then I told him that I had already told over 400 people about the event. Really it's been closer to 2000. He flipped out and pointed at their "Max Occupancy 100" sign. I had to explain that I only expected 10 percent or so to show up. Normal stuff.
Then I told him that I now had to tell those 400 people to never go to his restaurant. Not to mention, my family, who have patrons of the place for 20 years, would not be going back. And, of course, I had planned on offering them a weekly comedy show that would net them 1000's of dollars over the long term, but that's not going to happen. He told me I was lying. Really. He said everyone tells him that. Really? To quote my girlfriend, "How many times has he had this argument then?"
I said "Screw you then." Starting to lose my cool a little after being yelled at and called a liar. Then as I'm walking out, he's behind me yelling "Get outta here! We don't need your business!".
So I go from offering a win-win situation to a place because I like them, to being accused of lying and bum-rushed out of the place. Nice. Some people's businesses will never grow. Omega restaurant is located at 90 S. Park Victoria Blvd in Milpitas. Phone number is (408) 946-8748. I encourage you never ever go there.
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