I've continued to try to get some information on Cook Out restaurant. It might be easier to get through to George W. Bush.
I mentioned a while back that we had a new fast food restaurant in town - Cook Out. My boys love it. The food really is good, and the employees are always friendly.
I called the NC office and left a message. After several weeks, I decided that they probably weren't calling back.
Today, I called the headquarters down in Florida. The first girl needed to know EXACTLY why I was calling in order to let me talk to someone in public relations. No problem. I explained that I wanted to get some information to write an article.
The second girl told me that they could not give out ANY information but that I could call the owner. I understood and thanked her.
I did call the owner. I told him that I love the food, that my boys are big fans and that I wanted to write a piece about Cook Out. He wanted to know who I write for. That's fine as well.
I named a couple of places where I write. With 15 years and over 1000 publications, I could provide him with a host of references. I didn't plan to bend his ear for long.
The owner cut me off after I quickly named two outlets where I publish. This was perhaps 7 seconds of his time.
"Send me a fax with the companies you write for," he said. The request wasn't a huge deal. His tone was though. He clearly did not want to be bothered. There was no doubt that he thought I was not worth his time.
I don't have a fax machine, but I said, "OK."
He hung up. Click.
A restaurant owner does not owe a writer any information though most do appreciate a free plug. In fact, I've never spoken to a company that was so stiff about basic data - even companies that do not give out data.
It wasn't like I wanted the recipe for his secret sauce. I just thought it would be helpful for readers to know the locations and perhaps interesting to find out how the restaurant got started. I was excited about doing a piece - or I was before talking to the owner.
If the owner of Cook Out is opposed to coverage, that's fine. It does seem, however, that he could treat a regular customer with some respect. It wouldn't take but a couple of seconds to say, "I'm glad you like my products." Would that cost him anything? Would that be too much effort?
Frankly, this left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not even sure I want to continue to frequent Cook Out. The locals associated with the chain are terrific and the food is really good, so I may. There are plenty of other options, so I'll have to think about it. It is kind of hard to swallow that the owner would be so abrupt when he's the one who would benefit. I tell my friends to check out his restaurant. I wanted to tell onliners about his business. I'm not so sure I want to spread the word and help line his pockets.
