Please allow me the opportunity to respond to the March 1-7 Bayside Times letter “Dogs should not eat off tables.” I understand that it does not wish to engage in a “he said, she said” between two parties, but since the reputation of a respected business in the Bayside community for almost 20 years is at stake, I think it is fair I have a chance to respond to the allegations presented in the letter.
I respect Krystle Long’s opinion of what took place on her last visit to Ben’s. I also feel the need to answer what appear to be some inaccuracies. The two ladies whom you described showed me the papers which authorized the dog as a service animal. They told me the dog needs to sit alongside the elderly woman while she is eating.
Although you may have forgotten, I did approach the table after you brought your concern to my attention. I later informed you that the woman assured me she would never allow her service dog to eat off dishes in a restaurant. I also told your mother that since I did not see the incident, I would dispose of the dishes — as a precaution — from that table when the ladies were through with their meal.
In fact, after all the parties left the restaurant, I checked our security camera’s DVR and saw no evidence of the dog eating from Ben’s dishes.
Please realize that the reputation of a business with 20 years in the community and the livelihood of more than 40 hardworking people is at stake with these inaccurate details. I take exception to your letter without being accurate in your account of the events. It is unfair and disturbing.
Hal Simon
General Manager
Ben’s Deli
Bayside
