A Disturbing Encounter at a Popular Eureka Springs Restaurant

Photo byPhoto Credit Author - Cameron Eittreim

The Stonehouse has long been one of the most premier meeting places in Eureka Springs, with delicious food trays and a wonderful assortment of beer and wine. But, last night a group of visitors were severely mistreated by the staff and Holly Petro was so upset about the ordeal that she took to social media about it on the Facebook Group "Eureka Springs Community Bulletin Board"

Photo byPhoto Credit Author - Cameron Eittreim

Dining out is often more than just about the food—it's about the experience, the ambiance, and the way we feel welcomed by the staff. Unfortunately, for one long-time resident, a recent visit to The Stonehouse turned into a distressing encounter that left her and her friends shaken and questioning how such a place could stay in business.

A Night Out Gone Wrong

What was supposed to be a pleasant evening out quickly spiraled into a nightmare when a group of friends decided to visit The Stonehouse. They arrived with the intention of enjoying a meal and, like many patrons, expected to be treated with kindness and respect. However, what they experienced was anything but hospitable.

While waiting outside for a table, one of the friends—who, for medical reasons, cannot drink alcohol—had a soda with her. Given that The Stonehouse does not offer soda, this seemed like a reasonable choice. Yet, what followed was a shocking display of hostility from the restaurant’s staff that no one could have anticipated.

An Unprovoked Outburst

According to the account shared by the guest, an employee named Rob erupted into a rage upon seeing the soda, cussing at the group and even flipping them off. The verbal abuse was reportedly relentless and vile, leaving the guests feeling not only unwelcome but deeply shaken. The situation escalated further when another employee, Amanda, joined in, displaying similar rudeness and disdain.

What made the situation even more troubling was the lack of clear signage prohibiting outside beverages. Had there been a simple sign informing guests of the policy, the entire situation could have been avoided. Instead, the guests were blindsided by an aggressive confrontation that left them with no desire to stay and dine.

A Decision to Leave

Faced with such hostility, the group made the decision to leave The Stonehouse without even attempting to try the food. Instead, they crossed the street to Pied Piper, a restaurant where they were able to enjoy their evening without further incident. The experience left a bitter taste in their mouths, not from the food, but from the way they were treated.

As long-time residents, the group couldn’t help but wonder how The Stonehouse remains in business with such behavior from its staff. The experience was so jarring that they felt compelled to share their story, warning others about the potential for similar treatment.

A Call for Change

The incident raises important questions about customer service and the importance of clear communication. While restaurants have the right to enforce their policies, how those policies are communicated and enforced can make all the difference. A simple sign could have prevented the entire ordeal, and a more courteous approach from the staff could have turned the situation around.

This story serves as a cautionary tale for both patrons and businesses. For patrons, it’s a reminder to be aware of restaurant policies, even if they aren’t immediately visible. For businesses, it’s a stark example of how not to treat customers. The Stonehouse’s actions not only cost them a group of customers but also damaged their reputation within the community.

A Community Stands for Respect

Eureka Springs (ES) is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere—a place where residents and visitors alike are treated with kindness and respect. This incident stands in stark contrast to those values, prompting many to question whether The Stonehouse aligns with the spirit of the community.

For the group involved, the decision is clear—they will not be returning to The Stonehouse. Their hope is that by sharing their experience, they can help prevent others from enduring the same treatment and encourage the restaurant to reflect on its practices.

In the end, this story is a reminder that good food isn’t the only ingredient needed for a successful restaurant. Respect, kindness, and clear communication are just as essential. Without them, even the most popular establishments risk losing the trust and loyalty of their patrons.