Lilac Blossom

Owner Said He Did Not Care My Family Had a Bad Experience



I would not recommend that anyone visit the Lilac Blossom on East Dunstable Rd. in South Nashua, New Hampshire. We were long-standing customers, but from how rudely I and my family were recently treated by Harry (the owner), and worse yet, what he said to me when I called to calmly explain my disappointment at our bad experience on Christmas day, it is clear to me that he does not care about his customers. I will not be returning. Here is a transcript of my conversation with Harry (I wrote it out before calling so that I could clearly state everything I wanted to say) and his response. I think it’s appalling, but you decide. By the way, I spoke calmly and never once did I speak rudely to him, use any colorful language or raise my voice.



“Hi Harry. I believe it was you that I spoke with last night. I wanted to call and speak with you about a bad experience my family and I had at your restaurant yesterday evening. We came in and did not realize that you were taking reservations last night, so we came in as walk-ins and were told you were unable to seat us until after 6:30p, which was fine. We understood and decided to wait. When we were called, we were taken to a table near the entrance on a busy isle. We told the hostess we did not care for the table location because of the traffic and cold air from the door. Looking around, we noticed no fewer than 10 open tables near the table we were given and by that time, it had cleared out and we saw no one else was waiting for a table. Asking the hostess and you to change our table several times, we were met only with resistance, and finally, angry at that point, we just walked out after having waited nearly an hour.”



“We live right around the corner from you and have been loyal patrons since you opened. It is not uncommon for us to dine there or take out a couple times a week, but I can honestly tell you that when we left, we were not happy with the way we were treated and were not sure that we would be coming back. I am a small business owner as well and wanted to share this with you since I am not sure you understood how upset we were.”



Harry started arguing with me and telling me that the restaurant was busy, it was Christmas day and that the waiters wanted to go home and that the waiters could not take any more tables. I tried to respond but was cut off. Finally, I asked him whether there was a waiter for the table I was given. He responded, yes, he was standing right there. I told him that with so many tables open right near the table I was given, it would have been nice and simple for them to accommodate our request by moving us to one of them and then having the waiter serve us there. Harry’s response was to argue more and tell me that my family should have been more accommodating to him. I reminded him that I was the patron and that I only had a simple request.



He kept arguing and I finally said to him, “You are just arguing with me. It really seems to me that you don’t care that we had a bad experience at your restaurant.” He said, you’re right --- I don’t. I was floored. I told him that I did not feel that he was a good businessman and ended the call.



I don’t know how you all feel, but when a business treats me poorly or unfairly I do not feel compelled to give them my money. When a business, that is there to provide a service for patrons, mistreats patrons, I believe it is the responsibility of the patron to bring this to the business’ attention, because many times it is just a misunderstanding. This is what I tried to do. I was not asking for Harry to give me any kind of compensation mind you --- some understanding and an apology would have been enough to keep us patrons. His sheer lack of concern for me or for my concerns sealed the deal. Do not give this man your business or money.

The food is consistently good. Service is fast and efficient. Prices are reasonable. Atmosphere is lovely.