Parish valet woes
July 28th, 2008 by Besha Rodell in RestaurantsThis email just in from Brian:
Read your review. My wife and I recently tried to go on her birthday. However upon arriving, the valet told us that the parking lot was full and to “come back in like 15 minutes”. Given valet is the only option, we left. I wrote a letter to the restaurant, but in true concentrics style, I’ve not heard back. It’s too bad because it’s now on our ‘no go’ list.
I have always refused to use the valet at Parish. I’m happy to find parking the old fashioned way — driving around the neighborhood until I find a street spot. The strange new condo neighborhood directly across the street from Parish often has street parking. But isn’t Brian’s point a funny Atlanta conundrum — when your valet parking situation dictates your restaurant’s viability, there’s no real winner. If all your tables are full, that’s one thing, but empty tables and a full parking lot are not good business.
July 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Good thing you didn’t make it there. I ate there one night and the service was so bad because, as I was told, my server had “just thrown up” so they were trying to find a replacement. When asked what he’d eaten, they told me (kid you not) that he had been trying a few things from the menu. Granted, I think he was allergic to something, but STILL!!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I work in the strange new condo neighborhood, and yes you can often find parking within a short walk of Parish, just watch out for the territorial neighbors, some of them think they can attack you for parking on the street in front of their townhome.
I have had good food from the market at Parish, so I would recommend going back and trying it and/or the main restaurant.
I did have an irritable experience at TWO Urban licks some time ago. I wrote and felt that I at least deserved an acknowledgment of my experience of the awful service and snarky manager; but I got no response. I get the impression emails to Concentrics restaurants go directly to the trash folder.
Anyway Parish really is worth a visit.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Parking is just one issue at Parish. Find that neighborhood spot and hope the friendly folk will leave your car untouched while you have a fairly decent meal inside. But don’t expect to hear your date’s conversation! It’s soooo loud inside and the servers are so unable to help with the menu!!! It’s ridiculous that they can’t tell you what’s in the food1
July 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
All of this sounds a bit snoody and overworked. I personally enjoyed my experience at PARISH and feel like the valets are doing a wonderful job in that neighborhood. Just the first impression by driving through Inman Park I was praying that there was a valet service setup. I seriously doubt a valet would tell you that their lot is full and not be discouraged. the more cars they park, the more money they make. simple. no valet wants to turn away a customer. I valeted a bit during college and those guys really do work their tails off.
As far as the restaraunt goes. I highly recommend PARISH. I thought everything about it was phenominal…. including the valet service.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I have always had fantastic experience at PARISH for dinner, brunch and market and have heard nothing but positve feedback from around town.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hello. My name is Ron Reyes and I am the owner of Corporate Valet Systems, who handles PARISH, among many other restaurants in Inman Park and throughout Atlanta. I am surprised and dismayed to hear of your experience at PARISH. Our team prides themselves on offering the best possible service at the start and end of your restaurant experience and I truly trust if you return you will be treated with the utmost care. I encourage you to visit Parish and enjoy all they have to offer and do not hesitate to reach out directly to myself if you should have any further questions or concerns. Thank you!
Ron Reyes corporatevaletsystems@yahoo.com
August 7th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
This is “the Brian” who the incident happened to – and yes it’s true. I was shocked at being turned away, too. I thought, just like the previous poster, a valet would never want to turn away another tip/car. We went around the corner to Sotto Sotto after getting turned away at Parish, and ironically when we came out after dinner, the same valet guy was there. And sure enough, he confirmed that was the first night they had filled up thier lot. And Opentable sent out the requisite auto email the next day wondering why we were a “no show” for our reservation at Parish. That was the insult to injury…