TEXAS ROADHOUSE POLICY PUTS YOU AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT
So..... apparently, Texas Roadhouse has chosen to ignore customers who have basic data plans that charge for text messages, or patrons who don't carry a Smartphone. The manager at this location claims the only way to be seated is to provide them with a phone number so they can text you when they have your table available.
By providing a phone number to this corporation, you are giving them tacit permission to flood your phone with ads, promotional text messages and they can even sell your info to other marketing firms. This policy is not explained or spelled out anywhere in the restaurants. This can cost you money as a per text charge or waste of your limited data. Why are they trying to "force" you to carry a smartphone, to spend your hard-earned money at their steakhouse? (Because they make money by selling your info) Let's not even talk about identity theft and hacking. Do you know how much info can be obtained simply with a phone number and a membership to a reverse # look-up site?
During high volume times and with the pandemic, they want to "social distance" people and prevent the vestibule from getting overcrowded. I UNDERSTAND & AGREE WITH THIS POLICY ..... BUT .... are they seriously not smart enough to offer an alternative means to accomplish the goal of safety without stealing or monetizing my personal info?
My party of 2 entered, followed by another couple. It was 3:15pm on a Saturday, with no other guests waiting near the hostess desk. I gave my name and declined to provide my phone number. (I will not give tacit approval for the theft of my confidential information.) The couple behind us gives them a phone number and also steps into the waiting area. Within a couple minutes the other party of 2 was led away to a table. I was stumped and went over to the hostess and asked why they were seated before us. She said that they needed a phone number in their system to seat us.
I asked for the manager and while waiting for him, other parties entered and were seated. (Again, no wait list) I explained my issue, and he told me it is the POLICY to get a phone number. He then told me I could go wait in my car and periodically come back in to check if a table was available. ????? How does that work? He then explained they don't use reservations or Guest Paging Systems and I would be required to provide a phone number to be seated. With this absurd POLICY in effect, I turned and left, and I will never return to Texas Roadhouse.
Without a written statement explaining your company's security plan and legal liability, I will continue to refuse your reckless demand for my info.
I will admit, I am extra sensitive to ID theft, but as a past victim who took almost 3 years to correct all the damage done, I refuse to give companies access to my info. read more