If I have a customer that only takes one spoonful, I wouldn’t charge him. I have people in my cafe for one reason or another don’t like something, It’s not worth the trouble. If you sell a ton of Chili, you already know it’s not you thats the problem………………..Bill

Chewy, You’re getting mellow in your old age[:D]  
 
Whatyamean you don’t like my chili?
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2wD5TaMf2k[/tube]

Chewingthefat:  Have you posted a picture of your chili before?  I’d love to drool.

Chewingthefat:  Personally, I think you did the right thing based on your description of his behavior.  There’s a chance he’ll remember he was treated fairly and return.  And that’s what most people want: to be treated fairly.
 
Your story reminded me of an incident at a Waffle House location a few months ago.  They had a chili & BLT special, which I ordered.  The sandwich was excellent, but the chili on this occasion was seriously inedible.  Not only was I not allowed to exchange it for soup or something else, I was charged for it, a direct violation of WH policy.  This 35% tipper hasn’t returned to that location. 
 
Sidenote: WH isn’t known for serious chili, but when it’s freshly prepared and hot, it’s not bad.  Would I have rather stopped at Chubby’s?  Yes.
 
 

I would have thought that Texas chili would have onions in it.

Chewer, you did tha right thing. I have never met anyone over 3 years old that didn’t like Texas Chili but…
Joe

I’d have asked him what he didn’t like about it, and based on his answer, offered him something else. Maybe one of the awesome soups you’ve been putting up pictures of!

I’ve hardly ever returned any food … CERTAINLY NEVER BECAUSE I DIDN’T CARE FOR SOMETHING I ORDERED.

My policy: If something is not as described, but I like it anyway, I eat it anyway (and, if asked, I’ll say that it wasn’t as described, but I liked it anyway). If something is not as described, and I don’t like it, I send it back, and take any compensation offered. If something is as described, and I don’t like it, AND if the owner asks, I will explain that I like to experiment, and occasionally getting something I don’t like is the price for my usually discovering new things that I do like. If I am a regular at the restaurant, I may even give some examples from that restaurant. If s/he offers compensation, I will say, emphatically, that it isn’t necessary. If they still insist, I’ll accept not being charged for the item, or a substitute, but nothing more.
 
Now, mind you, if there is something seriously wrong, I will expect something more than a substitution or not having to pay for it. Now, for example, I was once served corn on the cob that had a rotten spot on it; all I asked for (or wanted) was another piece of corn (the manager sent me one to eat and two more to go). On the other hand, I was once served clams that were infested with crab-like parasites. They didn’t make me pay for the dish, but, other than that, there was barely even an apology. I never went back to that restaurant; frankly, it was a lack of any appearance that they were the least bit upset by this happening that was the key factor.
 
Bart

I’d sell everything. Move to Puerto Rico, change my name. Serve Hot Dogs and wait till May 11. 

CTF, I take care of my customers like they are guests in my house. If someone in my house doesn’t like something I try to accommodate, if they are as-holes about it I kick their a-s to the street ( most of those are family)…………..We serve many items with homemade gravy,some people may come back and say the gravy was great, one or two may say it was salty, I will then see another person putting my salt on it. You can’t please everyone, you did the right thing…………………Bill

I wouldnt have charged him, but if it were me who didnt care for the chili, i’d expect to pay for it regardless and I would just never order it again.

Seriously, I think you handled it well. The cost of a bowl of chili vs. the customer goodwill makes it a no-brainer. As has been mentioned, you might have found out why he didn’t like it. maybe it just had a spice he didn’t like, maybe too spicy, or maybe it doesn’t taste like Wendy’s. That at least gives you an idea whether he has a valid complaint or else just someone with no taste. Regardless, I’d give him something else. From what it sounds like (and after seeing your thread on your bowl of red) he’s just one of those people who has really weird tastes.

Guy comes in, orders a cup of chili and a sandwich.

Oh, by the way.  When I read your first sentence, I thought you were pulling a Henny Youngman on us!

In Texas, if you didn’t like the chili, they’d string you up!
 
[;)]