A representative for the City Attorney just called to inform us the they have decided NOT to pursue legal action against The Linkery!
The representative, Tricia, was extremely gracious and appreciative of all the extra light that was shone on the issue by our supporters, so a HUGE thanks to all of you.
In fact, the CA would like to form an industry group to come up with ways for policies such as ours to be implemented fairly and openly.
Jay’s on his Friday morning bike ride (not actually a fixie), so I’m sure he’ll post a follow-up this afternoon when he gets in, but we were so excited by the news that we wanted to share our extreme gratitude to all of you that supported us over the past few days. Muchas gracias!
I knew this was never about MONEY, as much as people were trying to make it be about that.
It was about the discomfort of a well-received restaurant expanding and having its own, unique business model. I think the whole buying a restaurant down the street probably pissed off some envious business owners in the community. People willing to go to the City Attorney’s office and make this a legality issue.
@ Jay: I am glad to hear the Linkey won’t have to waste it’s time with lawyers. But let some dissent enter the conversation after all the responses from some patrons.
I really enjoy dining at the Linkery. I have brought friends, family, and special occasions to your restaurant. However, I have seen some lackluster wait staff. Whether the guaranteed 18% tip makes them complacent, who knows. But as a regular, I would be embarrassed to complain to upper management for the service fee to be waived. Even though you are a successful, community restaurant, there is always room from improvement. I feel the Linkery has the capacity to do keep getting better beyond the food! There are always two parts to a beautiful dining experience…
Cue the enraged haters in three…two…one…
Fantastic!
Thanks for everyone’s support, it means the world to us.
Jay — I totally agree with you, we definitely have room to improve. We are constantly working to improve both our food and our service. One thing you can do to help us is, if you ever receive less than great service, even if you don’t want to speak to manager at the time, just drop an email to me or Michael with the details of the issue. No one will get punished for it, it just lets us know where we should focus our efforts and training.
Thanks again -
Jay
That’s great to hear! After reading the entire blog, I just have one remaining question: Where does ‘cult Porter’ meet, and what are the dues?
I thought “Cult Porter” was going to be the new house ale!
Congrats and what a great way to start the weekend!
Excellent news!
Congrats, guys. This is the best-possible outcome.
I’m selfishly disappointed that I hadn’t had the chance to pen my missive to the City Attorney before they decided to drop this. You should have SEEN the note I never wrote. It was to be subversively professional, well-informed, witty, appropriately vulgar, yet convincing.
I think you should wear this whole incident like a badge of honor. Frame the letter, sell bottles of Cult Porter, build a Linkery meme around the number 18 (vintage #18 soccer tees, anyone?), and name one of your lunch specials the Third Rate Grifter.
And MJJ, if you’re reading this, I apologize for using the word “fucking” in response to your comment on this blog yesterday. I’m sure you’re a nice person.
Congratulations! Hey, I even saw Jay ride by me on his bike about 2 hours ago.
Super news!! Am gonna go have a locally crafted brew — and christen it “Cult Porter” (thanks, Office Goat) — and toast you
guys all the way from Inside the Beltway!!
Blessings,
Dave
Glad to hear it. Still not sure about an establishment using tips/table charge to pay servers, staff AND floor managers. But I respect your right to operate as you see fit. Certainly it would’ve been a waste of City resources to pursue this for another minute.
Count me among those sad to see Apertivo go away, but if you actually bought them out I won’t hold it against you! I assumed Linkery met a higher lease price.
I’m not thrilled about the “tip included” thing either. Personally, I don’t view it as a good business model. Last time I was at Linkery I had to send out a rescue party to find our server and the server got an 18% tip for her poor service? Doesn’t seem fair. Probably why I very seldom go to Linkery.