In February of I dined at Bertucci's in Springfield, VA. I placed my suede sports jacket (less than a month old) on the back of the chair (a reasonable thing to do, as it was in the center of the restaurant, open table area, and not a booth where they have hooks to hang the jacket). They also do not have a coat check available.
They were training a new waiter in my section, and after placing my order, he brought bread and olive oil to the table. He was carrying too much in his hands, and fumbled the small dish with the oil. The oil dripped onto the back of the suede jacket. He seemed very nervous, and I told him I understand it was an accident. He then said he would take the jacket to the back, and clean the oil off.
The meal was brought to the table by a second waiter, during the time my jacket was being cleaned. I finished the meal and paid, and my jacket was returned to me. It was clear that the oil had set into the suede leather, and I notified the manager (Terry). The manager looked at the jacket, and the waiter that spilled the oil admitted that he damaged the jacket. The manager and I agreed that I would have the jacket cleaned professionally, and the bill would be submitted to them to be reimbursed by their insurance company. It was also stated by the manager that if the cleaning could not remove the oil stains, they would reimburse me for the cost of the jacket as well.
I had the jacket cleaned at my local dry cleaners. I had to sign a waiver, because the stains would most likely not come out, and the jacket could possibly be damaged in the process as well. The jacket was returned to me approx a week later, still stained by the olive oil, but not damaged by the cleaners. It was apparent that cleaning had been done on the jacket though, and not just looked at and returned. The bill for cleaning came to about $40.00
I then proceeded to bring the reciept for the cleaning, as well as the reciept for the jacket itself to the manager at Bertucci's in Springfield. (I did make copies for my records). He took down all of my information, and said he would submit the claim to the insurance company, but it could take up to 6 months! I thought this was a bit outrageous, but I know how insurance companies work. I told him once the claim was paid, they could take possession of the jacket if they so wished. (Since they were to pay for the cost of the jacket).
I waited about 3 months, and contacted Bertucci's again. I was told that it had been submitted to the insurance company, and I would hear something from them soon. Another 3 months went by, and I again inquired about my claim. The manager did not remember anything about it, but took down my information and said the store manager would call me. Of course, I never received any follow up calls. Every time I call now, I am told they don't know, but they are sure the insurance company will call me. After 11 months, I highly doubt it.
As of Feb 1st, I have filed a small claims suit against Bertucci's, and they should be getting notice here shortly. They agreed to pay for cleaning, as well as for the cost of the damaged jacket if it could not be cleaned. That is the right thing to do, nothing more, nothing less.
(Also, I really don't need Steve from Bradenton, Peter from Pony, or Robert from Jacksonville to add their two cents, as their information is usually wrong anyway. Thanks)
0 comments