Pump Bar

[IanMcDermid]

To straighten the record a bit. I did some sleuthing on the CCTV to check their stories. The make-out couple. Was a bartender who was cut early and having drinks with her boyfriend. So I can see how that would look like she was still at work. The massage couple was my Wife, she's working 90 hour weeks (not that it demands sympathy, merely the reality) and I'll contend that should happen back of the house. Oh and they are totes having sex in the kitchen lol! I'm sorry, I'm just having the most hilarious visions of the all male staff, under the heat lamps, Hell's Kitchen style "Yes, Chef!"

[Bullbear]

To straighten the record a bit. I did some sleuthing on the CCTV to check their stories. The make-out couple. Was a bartender who was cut early and having drinks with her boyfriend. So I can see how that would look like she was still at work. The massage couple was my Wife, she's working 90 hour weeks (not that it demands sympathy, merely the reality) and I'll contend that should happen back of the house. Oh and they are totes having sex in the kitchen lol! I'm sorry, I'm just having the most hilarious visions of the all male staff, under the heat lamps, Hell's Kitchen style "Yes, Chef!"

If that is the case.. then I support taking the wall out for an open kitchen..LOL.. JK
I like your style..lol

[AP]

It seems like a good business practice to make light of a customer's legitimate concerns.

[catch22]

So, you've confirmed my entire experience, yet don't even offer an apology?

And I wasn't really looking for one. I'm not looking for anything. I don't want free food, comped drinks, a refund back to my card, a handshake, a free dessert, a free beer. I didn't write what I wrote because I want something in return. I wrote what I wrote as an honest impression of my experience. I typed it out on my phone (at another bar, mind you) before I forgot some of the details because I care.

If I didn't care, I would have not have entertained your offer for feedback. I wouldn't have said a word. I wrote what I wrote because I want you to succeed. What I saw was a complete failure on customer service and professionalism. When this thread asked for feedback, I was expecting a business owner to say "Wow. My staff was making out in front of customers.. Wow. An employee was loudly discussing anal sex with customers? I'm sorry Mr. catch 22, that is disappointing."

Instead, I'm being tossed around as a bad guy. You are attempting to make a complete joke out of THE VERY FEEDBACK YOU WERE SEEKING. Now. I hope you aren't successful. If you only accept compliments but joke about complaints -- in the customer service industry you are doomed for failure.

I'm sorry to see that. I'm sorry to write this post. And I'm sorry to have even walked in the door.

[Filthy]

Catch, I had actually spent a good deal of time typing out a response earlier, to express some of my concerns that paralleled yours in regards to my first (and Last) visit to the Pump in post #281...and instead deleted it after some careful thought. It obviously would have fallen upon deaf ears as well, so I guess I'm glad that I didn't end up posting my original comments.

[jn1780]

In strip clubs and grimey back-alley bars.

Or Hooters, Twin Peaks, Bikinis or half the bars and clubs in the city that higher attractive women to be bartenders.

I don't care for it, but I'm not going to fault the business model. I should note that I was commenting on the "national treasure" comment. Not the other issues you were talking about.

[AP]

So, you've confirmed my entire experience, yet don't even offer an apology?

And I wasn't really looking for one. I'm not looking for anything. I don't want free food, comped drinks, a refund back to my card, a handshake, a free dessert, a free beer. I didn't write what I wrote because I want something in return. I wrote what I wrote as an honest impression of my experience. I typed it out on my phone (at another bar, mind you) before I forgot some of the details because I care.

If I didn't care, I would have not have entertained your offer for feedback. I wouldn't have said a word. I wrote what I wrote because I want you to succeed. What I saw was a complete failure on customer service and professionalism. When this thread asked for feedback, I was expecting a business owner to say "Wow. My staff was making out in front of customers.. Wow. An employee was loudly discussing anal sex with customers? I'm sorry Mr. catch 22, that is disappointing."

Instead, I'm being tossed around as a bad guy. You are attempting to make a complete joke out of THE VERY FEEDBACK YOU WERE SEEKING. Now. I hope you aren't successful. If you only accept compliments but joke about complaints -- in the customer service industry you are doomed for failure.

I'm sorry to see that. I'm sorry to write this post. And I'm sorry to have even walked in the door.

+1

[Bullbear]

geesh.. I think Ian listened to your criticism and is working on some changes. some of the things you didn't appreciate he explained his concept of wanting it to be more a bar atmosphere especially later in the evening. and he made a few jokes. by all means wish him failure.
I will be back for sure. there were some things I didn't like and I gave my honest review and I won't slight him for not falling over himself to apologize I think he took the feedback.

[AP]

He pretty much said, I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits and people aren't offended and if you are go home at 10. Seems like the criticism was well received. I can tell you if that's how they staff acts, me and my girlfriend will probably never go.

[Anonymous.]

I must check this place out, myself. It sounds very...interesting... after reading the last several posts in this thread - I am thoroughly confused about what happens in this bar and at what times.

[Bullbear]

He pretty much said, I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits and people aren't offended and if you are go home at 10. Seems like the criticism was well received. I can tell you if that's how they staff acts, me and my girlfriend will probably never go.

All bars aren't for all people so get in where you fit in I suppose. there are lots of successful businesses that aren't my cup of tea but I don't wish them to fail. Why would I? its not all about me so if someone else enjoys it and a business can thrive then good for them. I have seen far worse at bars than a bartender slinging drinks and jiggling her tits and some crazy conversations. I think the Pump will be very successful and I hope it is.. and I plan on dropping in when I can.

[AP]

All bars aren't for all people so get in where you fit in I suppose. there are lots of successful businesses that aren't my cup of tea but I don't wish them to fail. Why would I? its not all about me so if someone else enjoys it and a business can thrive then good for them. I have seen far worse at bars than a bartender slinging drinks and jiggling her tits and some crazy conversations. I think the Pump will be very successful and I hope it is.. and I plan on dropping in when I can.

Cool. I'll stick with Skinny Slim's. My kind of place.

[Urbanized]

Funny, Skinny Slim's and Pump Bar are BOTH my kind of place. I guess I'm just weird.

[rezman]

I figure we'd give it a try. Sometimes when the wife and I are out running around, or out on the scooter, we stop somewhere for a drink and something to eat, usually in the afternoon or early evening. I don't do the after 10 and wee hour stuff anyway as I grew out of that a long time ago. I barteneded years ago and know full well the transformations of clientele and atmosphere between 5:00 pm and 12:30am and beyond. It just looks like a cool place to pull the bike over on an nice afternoon and sit outside with a cold one and relax for a bit, and maybe have a bite to eat.

[Plutonic Panda]

He pretty much said, I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits and people aren't offended and if you are go home at 10. Seems like the criticism was well received. I can tell you if that's how they staff acts, me and my girlfriend will probably never go.

He clearly said that after 10pm is when that stuff starts.

[jccouger]

I'm usually more on the conservative side, I blush really easily & I tend to shy away from all inappropriate jokes because I think they lack any thought or creativeness (I HATE "that's what she said" jokes). Though the more bad stories I hear about this place the more I want to go LOL.

I guess any press is good press, right?

[AP]

He clearly said that after 10pm is when that stuff starts.

Right. Which is why I said this: "He pretty much said, I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits and people aren't offended and if you are go home at 10"

[wsucougz]

...I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits...

Agreed!

[Plutonic Panda]

Right. Which is why I said this: "He pretty much said, I want an atmosphere where my bartender can jiggle her tits and people aren't offended and if you are go home at 10"

Alright.

[bchris02]

All bars aren't for all people so get in where you fit in I suppose. there are lots of successful businesses that aren't my cup of tea but I don't wish them to fail. Why would I? its not all about me so if someone else enjoys it and a business can thrive then good for them. I have seen far worse at bars than a bartender slinging drinks and jiggling her tits and some crazy conversations. I think the Pump will be very successful and I hope it is.. and I plan on dropping in when I can.

Completely agree with this.

The Pump doesn't sound like Catch22's kind of place and that's perfectly fine. It isn't going to be for everyone. I personally don't mind the Pump but out of all the new places that have opened it isn't my favorite. A good friend of mine loves it though is there all the time and I am glad for him. I hope the bar continues to be a smashing success. I am not a big fan of Sipango on Western or Edna's, but I am very glad OKC has places like that for those who prefer them. It really is good to see OKC's nightlife choices diversifying, from the uptight and sophisticated down to places to just let loose.

[AP]

After thinking about my previous comments about this, I realized I was probably too harsh. I've decided to hold my criticism until I've experienced the place first-hand.

[Urbanized]

Good call. Let me know when and I'll meet you.

By the way, I'm posting this from The Pump, and at the moment the average age is probably 45, with a dozen people around 60. Certainly different than any other time I've been here and I don't think it's the norm, but just goes to show how diverse the following is.

Also, there are currently no hijinks or innappropriate behavior. Or, inappropriate BAR behavior, I guess. The bearded hipster next to me at the bar is reading and highlighting a textbook of some sort. Certainly no den of iniquity.

[MikeLucky]

Wow, what a read this thread has become. Lol

Based on some of the comments it really starts to explain some of the folks that post here. Explains a lot.

After thinking long and hard about how to reply to this thread, I have decided to parse my words in the nicest way I possibly can. With that said... I can't wait to go to the Pump Bar, if only so that I can avoid the clientele like catch22 and those agreeing with him. Plus, it just sounds like an awesome place. That's as nice as I can say it.

[jccouger]

Catch22s post is borderline the most immature post I've seen on this board. That says a lot cause I experienced the "thunder" years.

You are going to wish that a fellow okctalk member's business fails because he didn't issue an apology for your petty complaints? Pathetic.

You for sure don't seem like the kind of guy I'd want to get a drink with. Or maybe you need to drink a little more? Relax, buddy.

[Urbanized]

Avoiding all of the drama and attempting to issue an impartial review...

Had dinner from The Pump for the first time tonight. Was looking forward to it as I always enjoyed Motochef. Had BOTH the potato soup with bacon jam (unbelievable) AND the steak and mac with pancetta and brussel sprouts. All I can say is that I will be eating there often. Absolutely on point. The only hiccup is that there were no bags for a to-go order (note for Ian). The staff was quick-thinking though, and shrink-wrapped it. Well played on their part. And with a minimum of face sucking and jiggling, I'll add.

Gotta say, quickly becoming one of my favorite/go-to spots.