The Mustard Seed Restaurant

Company states: This consumer brought in a piece of paper which just had their name on itIf the gift card was issued within the last years it should have a background on it but regardless of when it was issued, they should have a signature and date on itThe paper they presented did not have
any of that informationWe do want to let the consumer know if they would like to bring it back, we would be glad to look at it again and explain to them in person

I am rejecting this response because: California statute does not require that gift certificates be issued in the last 3 years. I was told that the business changed management in the last 3 years, but this does not release the business from their obligation to honor gift certificates issued by the previous management. The new management kept the name of the restaurant and assumed the clientele. They are responsible for the obligations as well.

Review: I was given a gift certificate to use at this restaurant for $125. I made a reservation to dine in, but was called by the restaurant after my online reservation that they could not accommodate my party of 3 because they could not accommodate my toddler who required a high chair. I then asked if I can use the certificate to order to-go food. They asked me if there was a date written on the certificate. I told them there is nothing written on the gift certificate annotating an expiration date, only initials ("RMF") written on the back of the certificate. They then informed me they cannot honor it because it has expired based on those initials, despite no expiration date written. They told me there was nothing they can do to honor it as it is their policy. Despite me telling them there was no date written on the certificate and specifically no explicit expiration date, they persistently impressed on me that they could not honor it. I asked to speak to a manager, but was told there was no available manager in-house, nor anyone who could address my concerns. I left my name and phone number for a manager or owner to call me to address my concerns and frustration. I asked for a manager or owner to call me the same evening, but the girl on the phone told me she cannot guarantee someone would return my call. This is fraud. This restaurant has treated me as a customer very poorly. Moreover, this restaurant has taken money from a customer while rendering no product.

Product_Or_Service: Gift certificate

Desired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Other (requires explanation)

To honor the gift certificate.To provide an explanation and apology for rude and poor customer service.

Review: I have a gift certificate for the restaurant that the management would not honor. The certificate was three years old, but had no expiration date.Desired Settlement: I and my guests were charged $83.55 for our meal. I paid with a credit card when the management refused to honor my gift certificate in the amount of $75.00. (I have the gift certificate and a copy of the credit card receipt. I would be happy to provide copies.) It is my understanding that California statute does not allow gift certificates to expire. I would like a refund of $75.00 by check or by credit to my charge card.

Business

Response:

Company states: This consumer brought in a piece of paper which just had their name on it. If the gift card was issued within the last 3 years it should have a background on it but regardless of when it was issued, they should have a signature and date on it. The paper they presented did not have any of that information. We do want to let the consumer know if they would like to bring it back, we would be glad to look at it again and explain to them in person.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: California statute does not require that gift certificates be issued in the last 3 years. I was told that the business changed management in the last 3 years, but this does not release the business from their obligation to honor gift certificates issued by the previous management. The new management kept the name of the restaurant and assumed the clientele. They are responsible for the obligations as well.