Hoping to gain some 'clarity' or perspective on a recent situation I found myself in.
Went to dinner ~1 week ago with my brother to a restaurant I've never been to. We were the only customers there - the owner was sitting down eating with someone. We sat down, the owner was very welcoming and warm, brought around a young waiter (maybe mid-late teens) and told us the waiter was new and tonight was his first night. The waiter brought some menus, and my brother and I chose our food (appetiser, two meals, some bread). Food order was made based on both price and appetite.
Our food came out on time, and was really good. Upon payment/leaving, the overall bill struck me as being slightly higher than I expected. We went home, and I calculated the total based on the menu we were given being ~50 dollars, however, was charged 70 dollars (total different came to just shy of twenty dollars). Although the service was kinda dodgy (waiter was obviously very new/had never worked, no eye contact, no manners, very awkward), the food was really good and the owner was polite. I thought I would message them to let them know I had been overcharged, hoping they would credit me the amount owed (which I would happily spend on a second meal there).
Upon messaging them on Facebook, this is the exchange I had:
Me: Hi, I came in last night with my younger brother and I believe I was overcharged. I just did the maths on my order:
1x Chapli Kebab @ 7.50
1x Kofta Korma @ 15.99
1x Chicken Karahi @ 21.90
1x Afghani Naan @ 3.00
1x Garlic Naan @ 3.00
By my calculation this comes to $51.39 and I was charged $70. I understand that is was the waiters first night at work and I know mistakes happen - what is the best way to rectify this?
This is the reply I received:
Hi, (brokeunikid)
Sorry, for the late reply but thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. However as you mentioned above our waiters is new and unfortunately on that night he accidentally handed you the old menu with the old prices. Additionally, due to Covid we have added an increase of $2 on our entrees and $3 increase on our main dishes which we have placed a notice in the front of the store.
Thus, you order total would be:
1x Chapli Kebb: $10
1x kofta korma: $ 19
1x chicken Karāchi: 25:90
1x afghani Nana: 5
1X garlic Nana: 5:50
Hence, taking in-regards the new prices you’re total would be $65.50. We, will happily refund you the 4.60 that you were overcharge if any form you would wish. We sincerely apologise for the confusion and any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Thank you
So, here is the issue. The menu given to me in store, and the one on google maps/facebook are the same, listing the lower prices that I based my meal choices from. I think it's poor form on the owners behalf to blame his new staff member for 'giving out the wrong menus.' As for the sign saying the prices had increased, I did not see it (it was probably there, just not very obvious whatsoever).
Part of me wants to leave a scathing review and initiate a credit card chargeback. I spoke to my bro, he says they were busy and might be struggling, and I should just let it be (as a way of showing my support for local businesses). OzB community, what would you do?
TL;DR - Went to dinner with bro, was overcharged based on a menu I was never given with prices I never saw. Owner does not want to refund the discrepancy.
My time is worth more than the $19 or so, I just wouldn't go back.