On Saturday night May 29th I chose to have dinner at Longhorn steakhouse in Brandon. I arrived 20 minutes earlier than my guests. I have a disability and by no means does it change how I live my life. However some people seem to want to make assumptions about all people in wheelchairs are dead beat government sucking leaches. I received an attitude from the moment I went in. Meanwhile others were being greeted and seated. I went up to the hostess and asked for a table or booth for 3 adults and let her know my 2 guests were going to be here in 20 minutes. After they arrived others patrons were being seated still. Then the hostess notified my guests(not me) that they were trying to figure out the wheelchair situation. Needless to say this is stupid as I work full time and go out often. I have been to many different establishments and never been treated this way. There was no situation. As a young man who lives life to it's fullest I felt as if I was being grouped with a bunch of old people from nursing homes due to being in a wheelchair. Not all people in wheelchairs are inept people who require the assistance of others. I drive a car(not a van) and I work full time and live independently. I only asked for a table or chair for 3 adults. Then to be ignored and for the hostess to speak to my guests not me as if I was deaf, dumb, and blind was more than I could take. I then spoke up to them and told them of this and what did they do? The manager then brings more hostess's and they make an even bigger ordeal out of nothing. I appreciate others trying to make me comfortable but there is such a thing as being subtle. They knew nothing of this. They made a spectacle out of me being in a wheelchair. By the time we were seated the evening was ruined. It is sad that management can't just treat everyone equal. After all money spends regardless who it is from no matter what race, religion, stature, disability, etc. Thanks a lot Longhorn. Twice I have dealt with this from Longhorn establishments. Next time I will go elsewhere.
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