Diner upset over $400 minimum spend at Boat Quay restaurant on National Day
A diner has accused a Boat Quay restaurant of poor service after she and her family were told about a $400 minimum spend for a prime riverfront table only after they had been seated.
Stomper Thea said she and her family visited Three Amigos on Aug 9 during the National Day celebrations. They were first seated at an outdoor table but requested to move to one by the river.
However, she claimed that each time a riverfront table became available, it was given to new customers instead.
"My mum eventually just sat down at one of the riverfront tables," said Thea. "The waiter told us the other tables were reserved, but we saw them still taking in new customers."
She said that when they finally moved to a riverfront table, the manager told them there was a $400 minimum spend.
"I asked him to show me the policy because we were never told this to begin with," Thea said.
"The manager then said, 'Ok, eat fast and then go.'
"So rude to their customers."
She added that she asked the diners at the next table if there was a minimum spend and they said there was not.
In response to a Stomp query, Three Amigos said the minimum spend applies only to riverfront tables on special occasions such as National Day and New Year's Eve due to high demand and very limited seating.
The restaurant said it only has three riverfront tables and confirmed that the minimum spend for such tables on National Day is $400, which may vary depending on the number of guests.
"In this case, the group had eight guests, and we acknowledge that we should have communicated this more clearly before seating," the management team said, adding that the policy is applied 'equally' to all guests, including regular customers.
"At Three Amigos, we always aim to provide a warm welcome and great service to all our guests.
"We regret if this customer's experience during National Day did not meet their expectations."
They explained on busy nights, they cannot alway accommodate requests to change tables, especially to the riverfront as it causes 'complications' and prevents the restaurant from seating new customers who are willing ot meet the special-even minimum spend.
"This can be unfair to both the business and other guests who have planned ahead for these seats," the management said.
"We understand that everyone wants to enjoy the best view, but when a table is occupied for several hours with a low spend, it impacts our ability to sustain operations. Our goal is always to strike a fair balance between customer enjoyment and keeping the business viable, especially given the challenges the F&B industry faces.
"We apologise if the policy was not communicated clearly in advance on this occasion, and we will work on improving our communication.
"We are proud of our reputation as one of Boat Quay's authentic Mexican restaurants, known for our quality food and friendly service, and we remain committed to ensuring every guest leaves satisfied."
