Frustration With The Applebee's Lunch

[blueeyedmanda]

So once again it is someone's birthday and I have decided to stay behind. This coworker has picked Applebee's. We have had discussions before on why I cannot eat at Applebees. In fact, our office decided against going there once because of my allergies. We have many other nicer places to choose from, all that can make me food and not make me sick.

Applebees has no idea what any allergies are! The service is horrible. I am just all around upset. Maybe the part that is upsetting me the most is this woman is a friend who baked me gluten-free birthday muffins....she knows I cannot eat at Applebees but yet chooses to go there...

I am sorry I have had a few bad days, and I think it all caught up with me today! Sorry for the rant.

[Michi8]

So once again it is someone's birthday and I have decided to stay behind. This coworker has picked Applebee's. We have had discussions before on why I cannot eat at Applebees. In fact, our office decided against going there once because of my allergies. We have many other nicer places to choose from, all that can make me food and not make me sick.

Applebees has no idea what any allergies are! The service is horrible. I am just all around upset. Maybe the part that is upsetting me the most is this woman is a friend who baked me gluten-free birthday muffins....she knows I cannot eat at Applebees but yet chooses to go there...

I am sorry I have had a few bad days, and I think it all caught up with me today! Sorry for the rant.

I don't blame you for ranting! How insensitive of your coworker. Sometimes people just don't get it, and can't think past their own needs/desires.

Michelle

[tarnalberry]

Ok, I'll play... (Dons flame proof suit.)

It is her birthday. And sometimes, it's alright for other people to get what they really want on special occasions. In situations like these, rather than begrudge your coworker their favorite, I'd say go along, socialize, and either brown-bag it when you get back, or bring your brown-bag with you. Sometimes, we're not going to get to go places we can eat; such is life until everywhere offers gluten free options.

[Phyllis28]

I agree with Tarnalberry strategy. I have been gluten free so many years that I have come to disassociate food with social events. I let my co-workers make whatever plans they want and I adapt as needed so I can join them.

I am sorry that this upset you.

[Michi8]

Ok, I'll play... (Dons flame proof suit.)

It is her birthday. And sometimes, it's alright for other people to get what they really want on special occasions. In situations like these, rather than begrudge your coworker their favorite, I'd say go along, socialize, and either brown-bag it when you get back, or bring your brown-bag with you. Sometimes, we're not going to get to go places we can eat; such is life until everywhere offers gluten free options.

Perhaps I misread the original post, but I thought it was a group decision to go to Applebee's.

Michelle

[lonewolf]

It is understandable why you'd feel upset, but Tarnalberry is right. I've been working at the same school for 10 years with many of the same people. Everyone knows about my "allergies". In all those 10 years no one has EVER thought about what I can and can't eat for teacher appreciation days, staff lunches or snacks or twice yearly restaurant trips. I've been presented with birthday cake and other treats numerous times. My teaching partner finally caught on and bought me Pamela's gluten-free cookies this year when it was my birthday month so I wouldn't have to look at the delicious cake. I've decided to make the best of it, realize that they're NEVER going to get it or even think of me before planning food events and bring my own food, even to restaurant gatherings. I'd rather go socialize than be left totally out.

[blueeyedmanda]

Update.

I did go to lunch and had a good lunch at Applebees...surprise! My coworkers were begging me to go so I gave in. The waitress came and we explained I had allergies and I told her what I wanted. She brought all the packages for what I wanted. I verified the ingredients and ordered. They brought the manager out to meet me and she asked if I needed anything. She also said they have a lot of customers come in with different allergies.

The meal went good, my salad came out with bread on it, I sent it back and I got a new salad. It was steaming when it came out. They did apologize alot for that.

Do I trust Applebees yet??? not sure, although I had a good experience there, it has not been that way for me at other locations.

I did enjoy my lunch out.

I am glad you guys also helped me see the light too, I had a few bumps in the road this week and I think everything came out with the lunch date.

I feel better.

Lunch was over 2 hours ago and I still feel great, although fellow coworkers who went do not

[Tritty]

Just out of curiousity - what did you order? I am so new at this and we used to go there after our girls night out volleyball league and get appetizers and a drink. I've been once since and I only ate the chips - it was all I could figure out that was OK without getting so frustrated. I'm still working on learning everything I need to ask...

[happygirl]

yes, what did you order?

I used to work there, and there was not a single thing there I could eat. Interested to know what is safe now.

Happy to hear it worked out well.

[blueeyedmanda]

I got the ceasar salad, I don't use dressing. The chicken had corn starch, phosphate, salt, sodium. I had a baked potato with cheese and sourcream on the side.

I still wouldn't reccomend Applebee's I have had previous bad experiences at other locations, this was the first time I ate at this one (Hershey) It was not at a busy time. They actually wanted to help me find something to eat.

Would I eat at this location more? Only for these birthday dinners when someone chooses it as their place of dining.

I prefer Isaac's anyday, they are great with allergies and have multiple salads to choose from.