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Asked to stop nursing at Chilis *updated post 46 - Page 3  

post #41 of 55
5/31/08 at 8:47am
I think jumping to "nurse-ins" is the wrong thing to do. It makes us look like irrational "breastfeeding Nazi's". Is that the image we want to give? We want to make positive change for breastfeeding not demonstrations and rallys that could turn out to be something minor. I used to work for Chili's and the training although supplied by corporate definitely takes place on the local level. Chili's is not a franchise. It's owned by the same people who also own "On the Border" and one other that I can't remember the name of.

The first step is to contact the local manager and discuss the issue. If it turns out that there is training for this and that one server just didn't get that part or was just being rude, then problem solved on the local level. If there is no training then you move to the corporate level to discuss adding it to the training manual for all their locations. Don't necessarily assume they don't have a training section because it happened once.

Nurse-in's should be reserved for when the public really needs to become aware of a particular company and when they are just not willing to change. When all resources for change have been exhausted then you begin talking about nurse-ins.

This is what First-Right is there for. THey make the calls for you and be your voice for change. They are prepared with all the right questions and now how to proceed with helping initiate appropriate training for employees. If emotions are high, it's best to leave it to those that can really fight for you.
post #42 of 55
5/31/08 at 9:31am
Thread Starter 
I still havent heard back from Chilis so Im gonna email First Right today.
post #43 of 55
5/31/08 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shllywlly View Post
I think jumping to "nurse-ins" is the wrong thing to do. It makes us look like irrational "breastfeeding Nazi's". Is that the image we want to give? We want to make positive change for breastfeeding not demonstrations and rallys that could turn out to be something minor. I used to work for Chili's and the training although supplied by corporate definitely takes place on the local level. Chili's is not a franchise. It's owned by the same people who also own "On the Border" and one other that I can't remember the name of.

The first step is to contact the local manager and discuss the issue. If it turns out that there is training for this and that one server just didn't get that part or was just being rude, then problem solved on the local level. If there is no training then you move to the corporate level to discuss adding it to the training manual for all their locations. Don't necessarily assume they don't have a training section because it happened once.

Nurse-in's should be reserved for when the public really needs to become aware of a particular company and when they are just not willing to change. When all resources for change have been exhausted then you begin talking about nurse-ins.

This is what First-Right is there for. THey make the calls for you and be your voice for change. They are prepared with all the right questions and now how to proceed with helping initiate appropriate training for employees. If emotions are high, it's best to leave it to those that can really fight for you.
I realize that you put this phrase in quotation marks. However, I have to state that even in this context, it perpetuates the usage of the term, which is a disservice to all of humanity. Please don't accept that label in any way, shape or form, including trying to create fear in others about being labeled with it. If someone calls me that, I am going to do what I can to help them understand their own problem and ignorance. I won't sit around letting my behaviour be dictated by whether or not some yokel might call me that.

That said, I think that the concept of First Right is wonderful!
post #44 of 55
6/4/08 at 2:31pm
Still no news, Jokerama?
post #45 of 55
6/4/08 at 4:01pm
I have nursed at Chilis 2x and never had a problem but I always wondered what I would do in that situation
post #46 of 55
6/4/08 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
Sorry I meant to update yesterday.

I got a letter in the mail on Monday from the corporate office that basically said "we're sorry for your negative experience, we strive for a great experience, yadda yadda yadda, we'll contact your area director to furthurt address the situation please take this $15 gift card along with our apology" I really hope they follow through! Knowing the law can only help their workers.
post #47 of 55
6/4/08 at 5:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jokerama View Post
A friend and I went to Chilis for dinner last night. DD was really cranky and took forever to get latched on. When she finally got latched on our waitress came up to our table and said:

"We've gotten some complaints about what you're doing so could you please stop or turn and face the wall at least?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justthatgirl View Post
I agree. I've never had ANY problem nursing my kids in Chili's and we've been faithful patrons of the chain since my oldest was born 8 yrs ago. In those 8 yrs we've eaten at 4 different locations (in 3 different cities) and I've nursed each of my 3 kids at every one of them on a very regular basis. I have NEVER had an issue.

Keep us posted, though. I'd hate for this to become another Applebee's. : And I'd be very disappointed to have to boycott them because I really like their turkey sandwiches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by meltf View Post
i don't post here often but read regularly.

I frequent Chili's with my DH and 4 children b/c it's one of the very few family restaurants that is willing and able to accomodate my DD's food allergies. i have nursed in Chili's many many times over the past few years, children of various ages and various locations. I even nursed while having a conversation with one of the managers about DD's food allergies. you know how sometimes they will squat to eye level, poor guy, in his case he was boob level and i could see that he was a tad uncomfortable once he realized that i was nursing, but he smiled and we continued to chat about DD's menu choices. I have never been put out by Chili's.

IMHO, one server at one restaurant. The manager should be contacted and corporate regarding the training.

i'll be watching this thread to see what happens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shllywlly View Post
I think jumping to "nurse-ins" is the wrong thing to do. It makes us look like irrational "breastfeeding Nazi's". Is that the image we want to give? We want to make positive change for breastfeeding not demonstrations and rallys that could turn out to be something minor. I used to work for Chili's and the training although supplied by corporate definitely takes place on the local level. Chili's is not a franchise. It's owned by the same people who also own "On the Border" and one other that I can't remember the name of.

The first step is to contact the local manager and discuss the issue. If it turns out that there is training for this and that one server just didn't get that part or was just being rude, then problem solved on the local level. If there is no training then you move to the corporate level to discuss adding it to the training manual for all their locations. Don't necessarily assume they don't have a training section because it happened once.

Nurse-in's should be reserved for when the public really needs to become aware of a particular company and when they are just not willing to change. When all resources for change have been exhausted then you begin talking about nurse-ins.
I agree that it was terrible that this happened, but I also agree with those that said a nurse-in shouldn't be the first step. For example, I nursed at Chilis just yesterday and no one said anything. Our server even told us to "take our time" paying the check, since I didn't start nursing until we were pretty much done eating. This sounds like a local issue to me. The manager should be the first contact.
post #48 of 55
6/4/08 at 10:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jokerama View Post
Sorry I meant to update yesterday.

I got a letter in the mail on Monday from the corporate office that basically said "we're sorry for your negative experience, we strive for a great experience, yadda yadda yadda, we'll contact your area director to furthurt address the situation please take this $15 gift card along with our apology" I really hope they follow through! Knowing the law can only help their workers.
A $15 gift card? What a lame gesture. I mean they should have sent one that would cover the meal of a family of 4 or something for a situation like that.
post #49 of 55
6/4/08 at 10:40pm
You know what would be interesting? To see the response from them if someone wrote to corporate and said "I saw someone breastfeeding, it was disgusting and ruined my meal, and the manager wouldn't stop them". See what gift card that gets!
post #50 of 55
6/4/08 at 10:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishmommy View Post
You know what would be interesting? To see the response from them if someone wrote to corporate and said "I saw someone breastfeeding, it was disgusting and ruined my meal, and the manager wouldn't stop them". See what gift card that gets!
You should do it!! I'd be tickled to see what happens.
post #51 of 55
6/4/08 at 11:06pm
I'm in Canada though, and I don't believe they are up here.
post #52 of 55
6/5/08 at 12:23am
There is at least one Chili's in Edmonton.
post #53 of 55
6/5/08 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishmommy View Post
You know what would be interesting? To see the response from them if someone wrote to corporate and said "I saw someone breastfeeding, it was disgusting and ruined my meal, and the manager wouldn't stop them". See what gift card that gets!

I would guess............................ a $15 gift certificate and a letter about how it won't happen again
post #54 of 55
6/6/08 at 4:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justthatgirl View Post
I agree. I've never had ANY problem nursing my kids in Chili's and we've been faithful patrons of the chain since my oldest was born 8 yrs ago. In those 8 yrs we've eaten at 4 different locations (in 3 different cities) and I've nursed each of my 3 kids at every one of them on a very regular basis. I have NEVER had an issue.

Keep us posted, though. I'd hate for this to become another Applebee's. : And I'd be very disappointed to have to boycott them because I really like their turkey sandwiches.
My thoughts exactly. I hope you get a response.
post #55 of 55
6/6/08 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unoppressed MAMA Q View Post
I realize that you put this phrase in quotation marks. However, I have to state that even in this context, it perpetuates the usage of the term, which is a disservice to all of humanity. Please don't accept that label in any way, shape or form, including trying to create fear in others about being labeled with it. If someone calls me that, I am going to do what I can to help them understand their own problem and ignorance. I won't sit around letting my behaviour be dictated by whether or not some yokel might call me that.

That said, I think that the concept of First Right is wonderful!
I understand your concern, and I feel labels are not positive either. I actually kind of took that to be the posters point though. That when we jump to a radical action right away, we embody that radical prejudiced view people have. When the goal is to encourage and support and spread breastfeeding in the mainstream, jumping in and taking an extreme position right away most likely deters more than encourages people.
I do think it's often necessary and important to take radical action to bring change. I just think it's not always necessary and that using it as a de-facto solution can unintentionally harm more than help.
I am glad they sent the letter, though I agree it was kind of lame. Hugs mamas! May our future public nursing experiences be good ones....
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Mothering › Forums › Breastfeeding › Lactivism › Asked to stop nursing at Chilis *updated post 46