Jackson Jambalaya

Eaten at Biaggi's once. Will not be back. $100 for two people, and I could've eaten better at home on a Lean Cuisine. Gag.

Sounds like a win-win situration. I can't blame Biaggi's. I wouldn't want a bunch of teenagers in my establishment disrupting the more established customer base. I'm sure they didn't miss the business, plus Chokwe and Big Ken need the tax revenue to pay roto-rooter.

Seconding 7:46. One visit was enough for us too. The food and service was dismal for what we paid. Not surprised to hear how they treated your son, but thank goodness Julep was able to still make it a memorable evening for them all. Kudos to Julep.

Biaggi's isn't that good IMHO, but some people like it, and -- of most relevance to this post -- they're usually full. They don't need extra business.

If Julep's business has been falling off like Mint's has, I have no doubt they were happy to see a 16-person party.

But yes, the food's overpriced, the service is uneven, and I don't even like the menu much. Alas, Amerigo's has also gone down in recent years. Fratesi's is the best Italian place I know around here.

Good for Biaggi's. If I am dropping a C-note for dinner, I expect the restaurant to keep loud obnoxious groups out. I have a 16 year old and I know what ensues when you get a group of them together. Again, good for Biaggi's, its what I expect from an upscale restaurant.

Beginning to wonder about the restaurants in that shopping center, first the fiasco at Ruth's Chris Steak House, now Biaggi's, and we ate at Five Guys a couple of months ago and it was terrible, the hamburgers appeared to have been crushed by a truck, all the ingredients just fell out of the very soggy buns. We won't be back there. Ate at Biaggi's recently, it was good but price was a nightmare.

My point is if Biaggi's didn't want the group, they should never have taken the reservation in the first place, and let the kids go ahead and schedule somewhere else.

I have no problem with a restaurant choosing not to host a prom group, but I DO have a problem with a restaurant taking a reservation then not honoring it.

Chain vs. locally owned. No contest.

This is all bad satire. Right?

Shame on Biaggi's and high fives to Julep.

I think the rush to judgment on the teens is also laughable. If you don't want the business, just say so up front. Don't play coy.

What Biaggi's may have forgotten was that these kids often get recommendations from their restaurant-going parents. For the 16 kids that Biaggi's inconvenienced there are 32 parents who might not ever eat there again. Sure, they might have kept the killjoys like 7:58 and 8:17 happy, but who knows what kind of money those parents have that they will be taking to Julep's in thanks?

WAY back in the day, when I went to my Sr. prom, my date's parents were very well-liked by the owner's of Sundancer (where Bravo is now). His parents had both personal and business dinners there, and I think even used them for catering. As a result, my date and I were treated ROYALLY for dinner. At the same time, we knew that we were there on his parents' good will and behaved ourselves accordingly. The only disruption we caused was to those fellow eaters who couldn't quit wondering if I knew my self-tanner had turned me orange, or where my date found a bright pink bow tie and cummerbund the exact same color as my bright pink mermaid dress.

If the group of 16 were acting like idiots, then ask them to leave -- don't assume behavior that you don't know for sure will happen. Restaurants need to be careful turning down customers, no matter their age. Goodwill means A LOT in that business.

I have always had good service and good food at Biaggi's; the prices do run a little high.

If they lost a reservation their manager needs to start drastic action with those who take reservations; he/she also needs to drastically improve their phone manners if they are being rude to someone who the restaurant has really screwed over.

I ate in NOLA Saturday night and was impressed with how well-behaved the prom kids were in two restaurants. No reason to expect any less from our kids here. I also hosted a birthday party at a Jxn restaurant yesterday for about 20 kids celebrating my daughter's 15th birthday and the kids were well-behaved.

Why is there the assumption that the young people would not be well behaved?
I love seeing groups of young people all dressed up ..the young men often awkward and the young girls just glorious. And, I've yet to encounter even one ill behaved table . I know it's possible but were it THAT common, surely I'd have seen ONE badly behaved group in all these years.
I'm also a one time only Biaggi's customer. I think it's typical chain restaurant fare and I don't pay that kind of money for " factory food" and " assembly line" service.
Losing reservations and not being apologetic is unacceptable, but hardly surprising given that " good will" is no longer regarded as a financial asset. The customer is seen as a " mark" these days.
The attitude of most businesses is that they are doing the customer a favor rather than the customer honoring them with their business.
.

I got sick prior to the last time I ate Biaggi's. They used way too much garlic on the oily salad. The waitstaff is lame, unattentive, and shows what you get when there is a racial quota to be met. The last time I went there, the black waiter ignorned us so much we walked out. PF Changs also suffers from a waitstaff that could give a shit.

A few years ago, we managed to run into promgoers at every restaurant we dined in that month. I wouldn't have noticed them (they weren't loud or disruptive) except for the fact that the girls were almost all wearing midriff-baring dresses. We had a lot of fun critiquing the fashions.

"Fratesi's is the best Italian place I know around here." Are you kidding me Anderson? It's terrible. There are NO good italian restaurants in Jackson or the surrounding area.

Amen. the closest good Italian restaurant is Gino's in Baton Rouge. Period.

There is one chain I do like: J Alexanders. Damn good prime rib.

My girlfriend and I dropped in for a drink at Mint Saturday after browsing the art festival, and were surprised when we couldn't get a table. We were told a big prom crowd was coming in, which must have been your son's crew. Long story short, we bellied up to the bar and when the prom-group arrived they were well-dressed, well-mannered and well-behaved. Any restaurant in town would have been thrilled to have patrons that classy. Screw Biaggi's.

i wonder if there were any prom goers at Biaggi's that night???

9:47, Mint and Julep are two different restaurants. As is often the case, the subplots to the whole discussion is Northeast Jackson vs. the suburbs and chain restaurants vs. non-chain. Won't be long until the door lockers vs. the non-door lockers go head to head and the gloves come off.... :-)

Big Group at BoneFish in madison also- very well behaved. No issue.

In this economy, I'm surprised that any restaurant would alienate customers. Either the manager is unaware of the actions of his(her) staff, or doesn't care. In either case, I blame the management.

9:24, you got sick when?

I went with a group of 5 adults and 4 tweens/teens to Biaggi's two weeks ago. We had a very good experience.

The snobs on this forum are ridiculous. You dropped a couple of "c notes"? Who talks like that? You are an idiot.

I would have been extremely mad about this. Prom is a very important time for teenagers and they deserve to be able to go wherever they want- as long as reservations were made. I think the management at Biaggi's should have stepped up and made room for them since one of the employees obviously screwed up....
Not surprised about Julep stepping up to the plate- comes down to the excellent management at both Julep and at Mint. My reservations at Mint were messed up once and they were promptly fixed- small things like that make all the difference in the world. Mary and Patrick have 2 VERY incredible restaurants which is why we frequent both.

And once again, to the person who used the term "c notes'....you are a douche

One thing in Biaggi's favor is that they provide agluten free menu. For those of us who have to avoid gluten it is godd to be able to order and not worry if we will be sick for a week.
I have had no problem with the food or the staff.

I've always had good food and service at Biaggi's. Never had any trouble with the reservation process or the prices either. Always had the same at Julep. I haven't found the menu or atmosphere at Mint to be all that appealing and wasn't thrilled with the service either and don't care to return. Gave it a couple of chances but both visits were about the same. Went to Amerigo for the first time in a couple of years a few weeks back. Food was good and the service was great, but it was hot as hades in there. That being said, I have to give Char the nod as my favorite restaurant in the metro area.

I've been in business in Mississippi for forty years and this makes us all look bad. What type of business person would lie to a group of sixteen who each will tell eight people who then will tell their 1000 Facebook friends. Another business to shut doors and probably not soon enough.

11:46- you have a good point. Not only will they tell their fb friends, but their parents. Those are the ones you don't want to make mad because they are the ones footing the bill. Prom is a special time and they should have made room for them and taken responsibility for messing up a reservation. They should also be honored that prom goers considered their restaurant to spend their prom night there.

I also don't consider it all that upscale...no more than Amerigo. it's a nice place, don't get me wrong, but not exactly "upscale"

This just in...Prom group spotted at Chili's in Madison, rumored "good behavior" observed...developing...

I really, really, really want someone from Biaggi's to come online and respond to all of this!

I am a Mom to one of the "16". My office workers and I up until this point always took our out of town guests/speakers to Biaggi's. Never again. Our group of kids are mostly Juniors in high school and are well behaved.

My daughter was heartbroken when she thought they would have nowhere nice to have dinner before prom. Thank goodness it all worked out.

Kids that save their money for tuxes, prom dresses and limos, with the rest kicked in by parents, rate just as much consideration as anyone else.

Yes, the word has been spread, from the 16, to the 32 parents, their friends and co-workers, and on and on.

Julep is my new place of choice for guests of my company.

Sounds like the Snowflakes didn't melt. But maybe I am old and cynical.

Just don't go back to Biaggi's then. Problem solved. Everyone has an opinion toward just about every restaurant around here. I like Biaggi's for lunch. No clue about dinner or how they manage things. Julep is fine too although I know several people who don't care for Julep. It's goes both ways. As for kids being disruptive, you just never know and it's not fair to say they all will be that way. However, it sounds like pictures were being taken left and right which can be annoying if you are sitting nearby. But that is nowhere as annoying as people who bring young children to these type of restaurants. That is a whole other topic though...don't even get me started on Papitos in Madison...aka the Playground from Hell.

OMG!!! You(1:43) are so correct! Just when is one fo those unattened kids going to fall off that 'back area" and crack his head...no parental control...those parents just let them run wild...guess they are too busy getting drunk on those Margaritas to Care!!!

Don't forget that other children's haven, The Mermaid on Lake Caroline. Most adults don't want to be surrounded by obnoxious kids when going out to dine on Friday or Saturday. Get a sitter!

hey 8:03am - you must not have tried cerami's or franco's (the old mario's from cook center)

biaggi's was ok 1st time - 2nd time inedible....there will not be a 3rd time

mint and julep are tops - they will let you "customize" your meal....so will bravo

I was at Biaggis Saturday night and it was FULL of prom goers, mostly large groups. I have no idea what some of you are ordering, but I couldn't spend $100 there if I wanted to? Food and service is always good.

Cerami's is pretty awful as well. I think Fred has lost his way!. Haven't tried Franco's.

Are you kidding me Anderson? It's terrible.

Well, perhaps I have low standards.

... Concur that the automatic hating on prom groups is unjustified. And never mind those kids' parents. Funny thing about high school seniors ... they tend to become adults pretty soon, and they don't experience memory wipe about what restaurant was an ass to them.

My money is always on nick's or walkers when I am in Jackson. I did go up to Renaissance last time I was in town and I think I ate at biaggis. Is it on the right front in a free standing building. It was good but nothing like Nick's or walkers. To each his own. Also did the brunch thing at bravo on Sunday. Was quite good. My business associates the trip before are still talking about nick's two years later!

Yes kingfish! J alexanders is quite good and I like the fact that the menu is small. Means they prepare and cook it all right there.

The food at Cerami's needs a serious, serious upgrade. Nothing like it used to be.

I can't believe the tone of some of these posts. The entitlement! The self-importance! How dare you prom teens with your cameras and flashes, how dare you eat in my restaurant?! You know I eat here on Friday night, and you may cause me the least amount of distraction. God forbid I should be in the same room with a large group of prom teens. Someone I know will see meeeeee.

Deliver me, please. Who in this podunk place is that important? Get over yourself. It's basically ONE NIGHT out of the year, more or less, okay? If it's that big of a deal to you, circle the date and stay home that evening.

Yep! Just went to web site. It was biaggis. It wasn't bad. I ate at the bar and had a great conversation with the tender. The dining room was crowded. After dinner I noted the activity in the parking lot around the ridge land police cruisers. They don't take to people who look out of place! I got to walk around Renaissance and found it to be top drawer! I don't think we have a nicer life style center here in atl. Very well detailed and finished.

Amerigo is still our fav. Time tested, impeccable service and delicious. Always a value.

All of this is much too wordy. Nick's, Mayflower,Parker House, (Newer): Pan Asia (Sushi is a match for anywhere, rest is real good), Char, Bon Ami, new Ding How Asian bistro.

Well, that's what you get with a corporate owned restaurant. They don't care or at least they usually act like they don't care. It's also usually over priced and many corners are cut in an effort to save $$$$ in food preparation. A restaurants main cash cow is of course....wine, liquor, and beer sales. They do everything they can to control their plate costs because they only make about 2% per plate. Combine that with the fact 16 and 17 year olds can't drink and you have a large table you won't make much $$$$ on. That being said, the point was obvious and well taken. You don't accept a reservation for 16 kids on one of the most important nights of their lives and then turn around and pretend like you don't kow what they are talking about when they call to reconfirm. My wife and I have eaten there probably 5-6 times...it's definitely not our favorite and now....I will pretend they don't even exist!

Remember the sitcom's of the '50's...there was always a grouchy old busybody in the neighborhood.
She never could tell the difference between an inconvenience and a serious neighborhood concern.
Somedays it seems that June and Ward and Andy and Aunt Bea are outnumbered in this neighborhood.
One would think some of those who are " put out" by having to dine with prom groups around were never children, never teens and sprang from their mother's womb as perfect adults who never inconvenienced or annoyed anyone. I expect instead, they didn't get asked to the prom because they are grouches.

way to go Patrick Kelly

I think there is more to this story than meets the eye. My son had reservations with a party of 20 for prom Saturday at Biaggis. They were treated wonderfully and had the best time. Clearly, Biaggis does accepts large prom parties and treats them well. We have always enjoyed Biaggis and will be back.

Walkers is the best restaurant in town. No one else is, consistently, that good.

There are plenty of other restaurants in town with great dishes, though.

I think Biaggi's just screwed up. Probably someone forgot to put the reservation into the system, and then the person on the phone was defensive because they were booked up.

All they had to do was say, "I'm so sorry we made a mistake and overbooked. Can we assist you in finding another venue?" or, "We've made a mistake and your reservation did not get placed. Please let me know if I can help you find another restaurant".

Biaggi's is currently going through a "clean-house" phase since some of the staff, primarily staff in charge of taking reservations, have proved to be incompetent and can't do a few simple tasks correctly.

This happens in any business but especially the restaurant industry. There are always employees or management that doesn't do an ideal job and the business has to fix the problem and move on.

If someone was rude to these kids it doesn't mean the restaurant is crap, it means one or two individuals were doing a bad job and I guarantee that person was either let go or sent home.

For anyone who thinks they will find one perfect restaurant out there, you will be looking forever. Being ordered around all day and being treated badly if you can't seat someone within 5 minutes of them walking in the door gets old. If you've never worked in the industry you will never understand.

Before you go beating up someone for a mistake or for not being as nice as you would like, think about bad days you've had at the office or with your kids and a few things you've said or done that weren't ideal. Would you want people bitching about it all over the internet?

Unfortunate the way the reservation was handled by Biaggis and I get that, but table for 16, table for 20, gimme a break.

If the people at Biaggi's don't want to be discussed on the internet, then they need to get out of the customer service business. It's 2011! NOTHING happens that's not dissected on the internet!

Small errors become crimes against humanity, and notorious = role model. Welcome to the new world.

I asked someone from Biaggi's: "After a thorough investigation I really believe his daughter (not son) forgot to make the reservation and then called at noon on Saturday to "confirm" her reservation. I can tell you we were full of prom reservations that night, parties of 12, 15 and even a 20 top - all prom reservations and none of them called that morning to "confirm" their reservation. I believe the daughter just didn't want to tell her dad she forgot."

2:49 That possibility was always in the back of my mind.

Nobody goes to Biaggio's anymore.
It's too crowded.

Don't know about your standards Anderson. But I do know you don't know diddly about Italian food.

Haha, Billy Joe! Obviously, SOMEbody goes if it's too crowded :-)

LOL @ 5:36.

and kingfish....went to J alexanders ATL Perimeter for lunch today.....don't order the carrot cake with warm cream cheese icing....don't....it will ruin your life. it should be called Carrot "crack" cake. one bite your doomed........OMG......

12:33....Biaggi's is currently going through a clean house phase? Are you kidding? You are a real comedian! I was in the restaurant industry for nearly 10 years from the time I was 15 years old. In most restaurants, particularly chains, employee turnover is as rapid as the changes in the weather. So, to say they are cleaning house is a joke! I agree that there is no "perfect" restaurant or perfect person for that matter. The point is, after mishandling the situation, they were not even apologetic or remotely concerned with what happened or how it happened. They made themselves look bad! Public scrutiny is part of the deal in the service industry.