The Soul Train Lounge Formally Paradise Entertainment Center Continues — Restaurant in Memphis

I recently visited this establishment for the first time to enjoy a few NFL games and fellowship with my fan club. Prior to entering, I had a clear hard plastic NFL cup with orange juice. The security advised it was not allowed so I took the cup back to the car. Then another security personnel said I could bring in the NFL cup, it just needed to be empty. I return back to the car and when I got inside again, I was informed by another man standing with the two security guards confirming the cup, regardless of contents was not allowed. I took the cup bag. When I was finally inside, I located where my fan club was seated and I placed an order immediately for an item on their menu I was interested in trying. The server assigned to our area was extremely sweet. My total was a little under $18. I used a card to pay and no receipt was given. I then went to the bar as instructed by our server and purchased a drink. The young man was pleasant. I again paid with a card and received a receipt (attached to the review for reference). I could not imagine that would have been the extent of any pleasantries thereafter.

About 45 minutes into my visit, I noticed that everyone around me had their orders including the people arriving after me (I was the first patron in my section to place a food order). I asked our server to inquire. She comes back stating the order had to be freshly prepared. Another 30 minutes passes by and I still do not have my order. At this point it is now time for me to leave and I went to the counter inquiring about the refund I asked the server to provide. It was here that I encountered the woman owner as she was speaking to another server about my issue overhearing her say, “we don’t give refunds. That’s just policy”. Keep in mind:

I don’t see this policy posted anywhere.

It’s not on the bottom of the drink receipt I was given (see photo for reference).

As I approach the woman owner, I’ve begun to explain the situation about my ordering first. She calls the server over trying to verify the time I placed the order, again repeating no refunds are being issued. A man approached from the other side of the counter to tell me that it takes time make my order, that what I order had to be thawed out and this item is not widely ordered. Another server standing next to him then says and we opened at noon. The woman owner again repeats no refunds are issued. As I turn to leave, the food now arrives and I decline it (it’s now time for me to leave and I’m not eating 1.5 hours after I’ve ordered and having had a drink).

It’s important to resolve all valid customer complaints and that resolution not be:

Telling them of a policy not posted any place near where food is ordered.

Equipping servers with wait times based on items ordered so that the customer can make an alternate option or be ok with the long wait.

Finding fault with the customer in their order option instead of sharpening your process for your menu items which may include items not widely ordered and possibly revising the menu to accommodate the wait times that you can meet or even adding those words to the menu.

Not even offering an apology in the matter created by this establishment. Or refusal of service to any customer you deem not cooperative with your business motto and practices.

I’m an avid supporter of local businesses especially those whose owners look like me but this was an impressionable experience and not in a positive way. Sometimes first impressions are lasting and sometimes they can be recreated. I’m not sure of the case for...

1st & foremost they, claim to have a dress code one being no sneakers to which i've no problem. However security picks & choose whomever he will apply the code to, also if you're gonna have a dress code these should assuredly apply to your staff make sure your security isn't bias toward anyone. Next this place has no central air it was hot in this place was told by, i'm assuming a regular that it's always like this. Service stinks took wait staff over an hr to get to the table & not like it was just crowded & I understand why. Last; but truly not least the "DJ" was literally begging for tips to play a request needless to say, I will not be making anymore appearances @ the so called "Soul Train Lounge" Don Cornelius i'm sure is rolling over in his grave. Trust if anyone tell you this place is happening well obviously they know, not what they speak & to top it off they have the audacity to charge $15 again had no problem; with the cover just everything, I mentioned above management needs to do much, much better. Not sure if you'll get this but; no it wasn't just as you say your staff or what may as I stated had no problem with the policy even before, I left to change my shoes your security was about; to let another patron in with sneakers on until he seen me standing there looking! As for, Don Cornelius not being associated with; the club well duh that's call being sarcastic period. When I arrived back it wasn't just your staff with sneakers on was people your security is buddy, buddy with; as for not being a restaurant then don't serve food or drinks as others has stated in other post so not organized & have the attitude you're doing your patrons a favor just cause you're open one say they were there in July burning up well my party was there in September & still burning up! Truly hope you adjust but; with your security & how this site is ran time will tell wish you the best & yeah charging your patrons a charge to bring their own personal...

First off I was there to sing, and was treated as if I were there to beg them for a job. Secondly the grease that was used in the kitchen to fry my what was supposed to be fried hard fish was disgusting and old but not as disgusting as the owners wife's attitude was when I came thru the door. Third maybe had those things been BETTER it would've been ok but it's expected when dealing with B.O.B's. and I want to say the waitress and old boy who was the entertainment that night was the ONLY good thing that came outta that experience that particular night and I would've had a better experience as somebody who was supporting them had they been in a field down in Como Mississippi rather than at this place where the proprietor clearly doesn't even KNOW what they really have. Please don't make a legendary please a garbage can.OH and let me not forget that when I asked to get my money back they claimed they didn't do that (expected) and they made the guy why was the head entertainer that night pay for my being there on the back end bc they needed $20 smh at this point just close the doors bc I see that the owner it's own worst enemy. I also read the prior reviews and see where you guys are extremely professional when responding to patrons🙄😒 I'm sure that helps your business...

Signed Somebody who will NEVER come back

Do BETTER...