Nasty experience at the Boardwalk Bayside Pantry

Dear Madam/Sir,

On the 24 April 2022 three of my friends and their wives as well as my wife and I, our daughter and her husband a party of ten went to have lunch at Sun International's Boardwalk Bayside Pantry in Port Elizabeth to celebrate our long friendship. This year being the sixtieth year since the four of us were in Matric in 1962. We ate and drank and enjoyed each other's company. Unfortunately during that night five of our party had the runs, upset tummies. None of us had any stomach problems before we had lunch. So it was obvious to us that it was something we had eaten at the restaurant which had caused the problem.

I contacted Mr. Patrick Carty the food and beverage manager and informed him of our bad experience. He said that he would investigate and have food samples sent for testing. Having not heard from him for a few days I contacted him again and he said that they had to follow protocol and wait for the test. Days later went that was not forthcoming I contacted him again. This time he sent me and email which I consider to be a disclaimer offering me a meal for six of the party once the attached disclaimer had been signed by me and returned to them. In the email he stated that they had not received any other complaints. My response was that that did not indicate that no one else got sick. I once more emailed him and said that that is not what I expected. What I expected was an apology and a refund for all ten of us as my friends would not want to have a meal there again. In his reply he once again sent me the disclaimer saying that as far as the Boardwalk was concerned it was a closed matter as I declined their offer. To me the disclaimer that he would like me to sign is to exonerate the Bayside Pantry from any liability. I think that is unfair. My judgement is that they know that they have fallen short and are trying to save face. Why not just admit they are at fault and do the right thing instead of trying sweep it under the carpet. Their attitude leaves a bad taste (excuse the pun) in my mouth.

Regards,

Lawrence Augustine.