02/15/2026
Valentine’s Day lesson: A reservation isn’t a guarantee.
We had 8:15 reservations at Fogo. We get there early. 8:13.
Lobby? Wall to wall.
Wifey said it wouldn’t be busy. I knew better. That’s why I made the reservation.😌
We finally check in.
They tell us to step to the side and wait to be called.
I asked how long the wait would be.
She said she wasn’t sure.
So I asked how many reservations were still ahead of us.
She said 22.
Twenty two.
At that point it’s not a reservation… it’s a suggestion.
It’s 8:15 on Valentine’s Day. If we’re not eating until 9:45 or 10, what are we even doing?
I said respectfully, I’m not waiting an hour or two when I booked ahead.
A guy who had already checked in leaned over and said, “I was wondering the same thing.”
Now the whole lobby is listening.
I laughed and said “you can take our name off the list.” And as we’re walking out I said, “There are 22 reservations still waiting to be seated. Good luck enjoying Valentines Day in this place.”
And I’m not exaggerating… half the lobby followed us out.
Standards are contagious.
We walked across the street to Blackwall Hitch and had one of the best Valentine’s dinners we’ve had in years. Calm. Elegant. Smooth. Exactly how it should feel. I 100% will be back there to try the blackened Pork Chop!
This isn’t about ruining anyone. I actually love Fogo. But on nights like this, service matters. When customers plan ahead, businesses should too.
Would you have waited?
