We purchased a Groupon for this restaurant and knew it couldn't be applied to Happy Hour. No problem. However the evening of our dinner reservations, I thought it would be nice to have drinks at the bar during happy hour-which would be separate from using the Groupon. Any drinks we bought during happy hour would be paid for separately & in entirety before having dinner. \r
\r
My husband called to check what time happy hour was. The person who answered asked him if he had a Groupon. When she found out he would be using one for dinner, she informed him that diners using a Groupon could not have any of the happy hour sprecials/pricing. Even when it was explained that the Groupon would be used for dinner only as per the deal. The hostess/receptionist advised that did not matter, anyone using a Groupon is not eligible for happy hour. She said this policy came from the owner of the restaurant.\r
\r
Not believing this policy when my husband told me, I called Equinox as well & spoke w/the hostess/receptionist. I told her we had dinner reservations & would be using a Groupon, but would be coming in to have drinks during happy hour. She advised we would not be eligible for happy hour pricing because we had a Groupon. I clearly stated anything purchased during happy hour (&at happy hour pricing) would be paid for separately before dinner. She said we wouldn't be allowed to do that. I told her the policy wasn't fair & she said this was what the owner told her to advise diners with a Groupon. She also said we were not the only diners that felt this policy was wrong.\r
\r
I canceled our dinner reservations. I refuse to eat at a restaurant that discriminates against a customer (potential or returning) because a discount coupon is being used. Groupon tried to intercede on our behalf, but received no cooperation from the restaurant.\r
\r
The restaurant is getting away with enforcing this discriminatory practice. Hopefully enough of you who have experienced what we have will also write a review so the restaurant gets the negative feedback it should.\r
more