Bhubaneswar: In an attempt to lure more customers, a few restaurants here have latched on to the idea of ‘Happy Hours’ (HH), a recent marketing strategy during which a restaurant or bar offers services at reduced prices. However, a few restro-bars are duping customers taking advantage of the rush.
According to sources, items like appetizers are also often served during HH at discounted prices. This is a method adopted by bars and restaurants to boost sales before or after peak business hours.
However, some unscrupulous businessmen have been deceiving customers. “I had been to such a restro-bar in Patia today (Tuesday) and I noticed the way they deceived me with different menu cards which had contrasting prices. The price of the veg peri-peri pizza that I ordered from the older menu was Rs 70 less than what was mentioned in the bill. Upon asking the waiter to bring the menu, he gave me different menu that looked similar but the arrangement of the pages in the menu book was different which was distinguishable. The waiter was reluctant to admit throughout,” said Mandeera, (name changed) a concerned customer.
Mandeera also confided about another disagreement of a waiter in the same place with a lawyer, the heated argument was about hefty service charges which were applied during billing. The lawyer confronted them saying that he will file a case regarding the misinformation. After a few minutes of discussion with the waiter, the lawyer wanted to meet the manager. The matter was resolved later.