Business ProfileforThe Hook Catfish Restaurant

There was a recent incident at The Hook Catfish Restaurant located at 1802 S. Highway 161 Jacksonville, AR 72076-5511. Since the passing of Mr. David Bush, the owner, in 2020, the quality of customer service and food at the restaurant has significantly deteriorated. On Saturday, 3/30/24 my business partner and I visited the restaurant for dinner. The food arrived at our table quickly, but we immediately noticed that the fish appeared excessively dark, indicating potential reuse of grease or refried fish. As a chef myself, I understand this as a sign of food not being freshly cooked. The fish and the fries lacked freshness, so I politely requested our server to return the food to the kitchen for a fresh, hot serving. Unfortunately, the manager (possible owner) approached our table in a confrontational manner, insisting that nothing was wrong with the fish and that all their fish is cooked fresh. Despite speaking to him discreetly, he formed a bullhorn with his hands like a child saying sarcastically, “Is’ this soft enough?” The situation escalated when the manager brought the cook out of the kitchen, covered in flour and cornmeal, to our table. While I appreciated the cook's concern, involving him in the matter was unnecessary. When I mentioned this to the cook, the manager threatened to ask us to leave. Feeling humiliated and embarrassed by the manager's behavior, my business partner and I decided to leave the restaurant. After more than 40 years of patronage, it is disheartening to witness such a decline in professionalism and customer service. I believe it is essential to bring this incident to your attention, because his behavior may have been exhibited towards other customers as well. It is crucial for the establishment to take appropriate action and hold the manager accountable for his unprofessional conduct. No customer should be subjected to such treatment, and I hope that steps will be taken to ensure that future patrons of are treated with the respect.