We got an Applebee’s coupon in the mail, so DW went out to eat with her brother last night. When she tried to pay the bill, the waitress refused to accept the coupon, saying that she had been supposed to give it to her in advance. She said she actually gave her a short lecture (though I’m sure from her perspective it was just information) about it.

My thoughts:
1. How weird. We’ve used coupons at lots of restaurants and never seen that policy.
2. Why is it so important? Does knowing about the coupon in advance affect the service and/or food they give the customer?

Here’s the funny part: When seeing DW’s confusion (DW doesn’t even send back badly cooked steak, so I know she didn’t argue with her), she gave her the discount but REFUSED TO TAKE THE COUPON. Essentially, she gave randomly gave her a discounted meal.

My thoughts:
1. Huh?

Anyone work for Applebee’s or a restaurant with a similar policy and have any light to shed on this?