UPDATE
We had approximately 17 people show up at Matt Denny's tonight. We sat outside on their smoking patio, which was empty. There were only two other small parties outside along with us. Everyone in our group purchased drinks, and several people purchased food as well. It was a Thursday evening, and the restaurant (patio especially) was very quiet. Please be aware that Matt Denny's patio is, and has been for 8 years, a cigar friendly patio. Every time we meet at Matt Denny's, it's always either a Wed or Thurs evening (which is always quiet). Plus, it's winter, and very few people want to sit on the patio...
Towards the end of the event, Matt Sweeney (owner of Matt Denny's) pulled me aside to bitch/cuss me out about how we are no longer allowed to patronize his establishment. Matt stated that we "smoked out his patio" (mind you, we were primarily the only party out there), and that we have to "knock this shit off" and "find a new place, I can't have this shit here". Matt continued to cuss at me, and was quite pissed; his anger clearly got the best of him. I responded to him in a very professional and calm manner, not using any cuss words, yet he continued to repeat himself and cuss at me about how "this shit needs to stop" and how he doesn't want us there anymore. He stated that we only spent no more than $150-$200, and that wasn't enough money. I can guarantee we spent quite a bit more than $200. Two people alone who I sat next to spent over $60 tonight. I was quite shocked by Matt's behavior and continual use of "shit" and "fuck". Our group has herfed at Matt Denny's only 3 times over a 3 month period; each time spending a considerable amount of money on food and drinks.
Unfortunately Matt is an uneven tempered individual, who has a lot to learn about customer service. Matt advertises his restaurant as being "cigar friendly". He acted as if we took up his entire patio, and spent nothing on food/drinks. Ask anyone who was there on Thursday, and they'll tell you that we all patronized the restaurant quite fairly. I would have never expected to be spoken to in such a poor and demeaning manner in which Matt spoke to me.
If Matt decided he didn't want our group visiting his restaurant any longer, he really should approached me in a more professional/respectful manner than in which did. There was absolutely NO reason for his irate behavior.
As an 8 year patron of Matt Denny's, I will never support this restaurant again. We will find a new place which actually appreciates the business. It's quite ironic that Matt is in the hospitality business - he sure has a lot to learn about being hospitable. We'll move on to something bigger and better, stay tuned...
Rod
Outback across the street is cigar friendly. I'll search some places out in the meantime...
