Mayfest philosophical question

[TheTed]

I spend far, far too much time thinking about this, so I'll ask y'all.

Normally, I don't patronize 11-2 M-F downtown restaurants. They're useless to me and could all go out of business for all I care.

But Mayfest brings up a very deep philosophical question: Billy's is quite tasty, but patronizing it during Mayfest is not going to lead to it being open past 2pm or on weekends. If Billy's tried Saturday hours on a random Saturday, I'd be there ASAP. I'd love for there to be more fast-service type places open downtown during non-lunch M-F hours.

I even tried to go there on NCAA Tournament Friday immediately after leaving the first session. But they actually closed mid-afternoon and reopened later, an hour or more after the first session let out. That just made me dislike the place even more for their random, half-assed attempt at being open later once in a blue moon.

So, should  I eat at Billy's and support something that is tasty but adds little to downtown as far as I'm concerned? Or continue ignoring them until they decide they want to actually be part of a vibrant downtown?

[carltonplace]

I vote for option 2

[heironymouspasparagus]

Why get all twisted in the hours??  If the food is good, and you can get there, you should go.  Nelson's is now open at very inconvenient hours to my schedule, but I have gone when I can.  Same with Bill's Hamburgers - even though the sign says open Saturday, I haven't seen it yet.

Why would he spend the money to be open late when only 7 people are going to show up after say, 3:00 pm??  That would be crazy, and likely lead to losses that might remove any chance of you getting to eat there at all.

[we vs us]

I vote option 3: use your continued patronage as leverage to convince management to improve their service hours.  Talk to them, email them, facebook them, etc.  Convince friends and family to make a similar stink.  Then, when they change, reward them with more visits and visible referrals.

[DolfanBob]

I vote option 3: use your continued patronage as leverage to convince management to improve their service hours.  Talk to them, email them, facebook them, etc.  Convince friends and family to make a similar stink.  Then, when they change, reward them with more visits and visible referrals.

Wholly crap ! That just makes to much sense.

[RecycleMichael]

Billy is a good guy who makes a good burger at a good price.

I love eating there and sitting in the window during Mayfest.

Mayfest has five indoor galleries and many restaurants with good views and when it rains during the festival (and it always rains during Mayfest), I often go to Billy's.

My answer to your philosphical question...go there and have a burger, become his friend (I can help you meet him if needed) and encourage him to be open later.

One advantage I like about his hours open now is that he can be booked for evening private parties. I hosted a killer Christmas party at Billy's a few years ago. He can make lots of other food than what is on his menu.