Relatively new to the bloggin world, this post actually sparked a chain of thoughts in my never-so-empty head. The comment related to the minimum OMR 5/- cover charge applied by Kargeen's Bun Bun. Do I agree or do I disagree??
In this specific case, I must say that I agree. Why?? Its a filtering mechanism.
The Bun Bun is a new age, very up-tempo, younger crowd kind of place. Its fully air conditioned and the host to an amazing 100 inch+ screen (in addition to 2 smaller screens) viewing the games. We got there about 915 or 930 when it was still over an hour an a half before the start of the Brazil game. Therefore it wasnt really packed. When did everyone start walking in?? More around 1045. We werent asked or informed about a cover charge or anything like that!! Is it because we were six lone girls?? I dont think so.
We asked a waiter and he informed us that because we came well in advance of the game, we were not required to pay the cover charge. But others might be. This forces people to actually buy something off the menu instead of taking the space of others that might want to eat but cant find a table.
Dont get me wrong, Im totally NOT in agreement with cover charges. Especially that implemented by Trader Vic's. An avid fan of beef cho-chos and the virgin strawberry daiquiris there, I was horrified when after sitting there for a few hours, we were informed that the kitchen is about to close and we HAVE to order a minimum of 1 main course per person in order to secure the table we were sitting at otherwise we will be charged a whopping OMR 12/- per head. I mean come on. That was ridiculous. Awain its new policy!! So why doesnt anyone say anything when I called to make the reservation?? And why do they only bring it up when were almost ready to leave??
If I had my place, I would have a "pay cover charge and eat and drink for free" kind of cafe / restaurant. Keep out the non-serious customers that are there for the ambience and the air conditioning and not buying anything.
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5 years ago
15 m3andeen:
I'm a regular at Kargeen ever since it opened, even before it became a popular place. There are times when I go daily and more than that we often go in big groups. The other day my friend, who is even more regular there than me had sheesha and coffee in the tent for like an hour and then asked if he can move to the new place for the game. They said it's ok. He paid his bill and they moved his sheesha for him. He watched the game with us and ordered a meal from the new menu. I think his food was RO. 3.5. When the game ended and we asked for his bill he was charged 5 rials as per the minimum. And my brother who only showed up for the last 30 minutes of the match was also charged the 5 rial minimum.
Filtering mechanism, you say? Between us we each spend at least 30 to 50 rials at Kargeen every month. If they're filtering us, who is it that they are looking for?
This reminds me of Blue Cactus. It used to be one of the best hang outs in Oman. Then they went and implemented a 5 rial cover charge that applied on even their regulars who came every day. Within 6 months they were out of business.
Unfortunately I’m not in Oman, but as it sounds the 5 R.O fee might not be high enough!! If the place is packed, then obviously a lot of people don’t mind and Kargeen will believe they have a new business model.
Is this a temporary fee imposed for the world cup? Or is it for the “Bun-Bun”?
Muscati- If your going to impose a fee, then everyone should pay. Regular is subjective, and as you said in your comment, your friend is “more regular”, and obviously this indicates the difficulty in calculating the discount regulars should receive.
Please do inform me if I have misunderstood Kargeens Cover policy I’m learning about it through the Omani Blogs.
3anooda- welcome to the blog world.
pyr- as coffeeshops go in Oman, Kargeen is the most expensive. Sheesha is usually around 1.5 rials in other places but in Kargeen's new place it's 3 rials. It's obvious Kargeen spent a lot of money on the new place. The cheapest thing on the menu is around 2.5 rials. So if a person has a smoke and orders a sandwich s/he will pay over 5 rials. Very few people would go to Kargeen just to watch the match on their screen.
The cover charge is written right there on the menu. THere's no mention that it is only charged during football matches. THe fact that they didn't charge the girls, like 3anood said, means that they do choose who charge it to. In which case it's unfair.
Anyhow, I usually go to Leewan, where they don't even have a kitchen and allow you to order food from other places. Last night I saw a guy come in with his KFC take out with him :)
Thanks for the info.
The reason we werent charged is because we were there NOT for the game and left half way through the first half. But as u said, Muscati, that u specifically requested to move inside FOR the game.
Bun Bun is a new place that as the manager said "think outside of Kargeen". U cannot order something from the Kargeen menu and have it brought inside. And vice versa.
And another point that I beleive that u have misunderstood Muscati is that this is an event specific cover charge. Its only during the World Cup month. The menu that u refer to is also an event specific menu. This is not what it will be like after the World Cup.
PS. I have this inside information as Kargeen is owned by my uncle.
PPS. Dont tell anyone. LOL
Maybe thats why you were not charged the cover charge...Just Kidding.
If its a specific event charge then it is acceptable.
However you should be charged the cover charge whether your there for the game or not. As long as the game is going on, and your there then your are a customer of the special event. In realty your paying for all those people that take up a seat with out ordering enough food to cover the cost.
Im all for it. the cost of real estate (the seat) is much higher at kargeen than most other coffee shops.
Trust me, family priveleges are not THAT good. We got over-charged 27plus Rials yesterday for our meal. We almost paid it thinking "nah they wouldnt do that here" then decided to play it safe. They had accidentally tripled every single order, on paper only.
Muscati, BETWEEN u, u might be spending about 50 rials a month there while there are people I know who spend at least 5 rials per day per person and they go at least three or four times a week. So an average of four times a week, thats 80 rials per person.
Ur not a regular. LOL
This cover charge business is very stupid, mithl ma qal Mr.Muscat especially when it comes to regular customers..
C'mon u know who ur regulars are.. U charge them like that.. they will start goin to a place where they get/find more respect..
dont blow what u got for 2 rials.. its better for u in the long run..
A friend of mine came from Bahrain n thought it was ridiculous.. he couldn't believe it..
G
As per your request put it so well, what determines a regular??
More than twice a week?? Can the twice a week customers be classified the same as seven times a week?? Of course not.
Additionally, the "good" regulars are the high spenders. Whats the point of going five times a week and ordering only water?? Should that person be treated better than the guy that comes once a week with a minimum of 8 or 10 people on the table all eating, drinking and shayashing??
Its all subjective
Degoat- as you said people who dont like the cover charge will go other places. If Kargeen loses all its customers to other cafes than it will change the policy. However if people are interested and still go to kargeen then why should they change their policy. As long as Demand is there, the incentive to change their practices is minimal. Given the high demand, I say Kargeen has implemented a great business model.
5 rials is too much..
3 rials would have beenmuch better..
I go to this coffee shop next to my place, if you dont oreder a shisha then they charge u like 500 baiza for the drink you take.. and about 500 baiza for the sandwich if u take one..
I think this is reasonable..
Or maybe I'm just a stingy fart :P
G
I change my mind..
was there yesterday and the place deserves a 5 R.O cover charge
G
see!!! its the atmosphere. i mean if mermaid was charging 5 rials cover charge i will tell them to shove it where the sun dont shine
The new place is just fabulous ! I go there to watch the World Cup whenever I can.
The only thing Kargeen probably needs is a lot of attention to the toilet ! I cant believe that its not taken care of properly ! It misses all the basic needs most of the time ! Besides they need to upgrade it ! It doesn’t match the Kargeen ambience !
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