I would like to report an incident that took place at the Milpitas Flames Restaurant on Friday December 23rd, 2011 at 6:00 pm in the evening. I had an old gift certificate for $45.00 to be redeemed at the Flames (99 Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035). We went as a family with my wife and grown up children who had traveled from different parts of the United States for the holidays. We, as a family, decided this would be an excellent opportunity for the family to dine at the Milpitas Flames and utilize the gift certificate; as these are tough economic conditions since I am now retired.
We let the Milpitas Flames Manager know ahead of ordering that we intended to use the gift certificate, as it clearly stated it was issued by Flames at the Calaveras Address. Sunny Baines, who was the Manager on duty said that the owner Paul Dhaliwal was not accepting any gift certificates as he was the new owner and implements his own business rules. We kindly told them that it was not ethical or fair, as the business is representing the Flames chain. Sunny informed our family to try some other Flames within the county. We were disgusted and disheartened as we have been Milpitas residents since 1980. To witness the Flames restaurant shoot down our family dinner in flames, literally during this holiday time and day, where there were not that many customers was very annoying!
We called the San Jose Flames location and spoke to employee Denny. They were very kind and accommodating and were willing to honor our gift certificate. We had a pleasant dinner and enjoyed great service in a different city. It is very disappointing that Milpitas Flames does not value customers; they have no consideration for customer service, and of having a good relationship with the residents of Milpitas.
I would highly discourage customers from dining at the Milpitas Flames as the management and owner do not respect their customers and do not even support their own gift certificates. They must learn that they have to do the right thing, even though it is hard or painful at times.
Disheartened Milpitas resident,
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