Kobe Jones

Kobe Jones is a Californian Japanese style place in Docklands. Gaz and I heard about their $25 all you can eat sushi and was compelled to try it out because of the good value for money proposition. Knowing that this is a branded restaurant, I made the booking well in advance - at least two weeks before. We scheduled our appointments around the booking so we can drive all the way to Docklands, which takes us about 40 mins and sample the food.

When we arrived, the manager was outside the restaurant explaining to two guests that the restaurant is still in set up mode and for them to wait a little longer. Overhearing that, we went next door where there was a Sri Lankan roadshow going on. There were booths set up where exhibitors showcased their wares - from sarees to travel services. After about ten minutes we went back to the restaurant to be greeted by the same scene where the manager was explaining to another guest why the restaurant is not ready yet.

I was determined to wait in the restaurant so I stood around while she finished her spill and then tell her that we had a reservation for lunch starting 15 mins ago. She was surprised and went in to check. Later, she came out to tell us that the place was booked out for the Sri Lankan fest lunch, sorry we can't have lunch there etc etc. All I was interested in was why didn't anyone call us to inform of the change?? How difficult is it to track down the bookings of the day? Well, it seems it is a complicated process, that even the manager herself did not know if the restaurant was 'Kobe or not Kobe' on the day (what this means, we don't know) etc.

The manager then asked us if we would like to pay a cheaper price of $45 per head and taste the Sri Lankan buffet that afternoon instead. I was disappointed that I had to correct her - that the Japanese all you can eat is $25 therefore paying $45 is NOT a better deal.

Kobe Jones must really be struggling if they had to depart from their cusine and cater Sri Lankan food. Perhaps they would gain more patronage if they did not offend their guests while trying to get more business.