Dear Restaurants: Here's Why We Don't Come Back

In this candid episode of Daily Detroit, host Jer Stays and guest Randy Walker dive into the growing disconnect between restaurants and their customers, exploring why people are choosing not to return to dining out. Drawing from listener feedback and personal experiences, they outline a series of critical pain points: inconsistent or inaccurate digital information (hours, menus, parking), overreliance on social media without a stable web presence, confusing or excessive gratuity systems, poor acoustics, and the rise of performative 'stunt dishes' that prioritize visuals over taste. The hosts emphasize that trust, consistency, and respect for the customer experience—especially for solo diners—are foundational. They advocate for restaurants to control their own digital narrative through a reliable website, maintain accurate and transparent operating details, simplify menus, and design spaces that prioritize conversation and comfort. The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to share their own grievances, framing it as a modern-day Festivus for the restaurant industry.