New dining options (flex dining) effective October 1, 2019

[Anderson]

On the Star? When did Star have meal options even for Sleeper passenger since it lost its Diner? Were you alluding to some other train that actually had meal options for anyone at all?

Thank you for illustrating the problem with the offerings.

So, for about six months or a year, starting something like six months after the diner was cut, you could pay for an actual heated entree that wasn't pizza or a sandwich. One item was beef stroganoff, and I recall there being a sausage-and-penne option (though the latter may have been on the Cardinal instead; IIRC they used the same vendor). Not full diner meals, but they were added in response to the blowup about pulling the diner and only having the cafe.

Of course, Amtrak never actually advertised the meals (I always made it a point to grab one if I was on the train) beyond slipping them onto the menu in the cafe. So nobody knew, nobody bought them, and they vanished quietly after a cycle or two.

 

[jis]

Not that I traveled much by the Star, so I would not have seen a menu anyway. But yeah, it was a well kept secret.

 

[Anderson]

To be fair, I only did the Star as much as I did in that timeframe because of Stupid Roomette Tricks.

 

[pennyk]

Thank you for illustrating the problem with the offerings.

So, for about six months or a year, starting something like six months after the diner was cut, you could pay for an actual heated entree that wasn't pizza or a sandwich. One item was beef stroganoff, and I recall there being a sausage-and-penne option (though the latter may have been on the Cardinal instead; IIRC they used the same vendor). Not full diner meals, but they were added in response to the blowup about pulling the diner and only having the cafe.

Of course, Amtrak never actually advertised the meals (I always made it a point to grab one if I was on the train) beyond slipping them onto the menu in the cafe. So nobody knew, nobody bought them, and they vanished quietly after a cycle or two.

.
I recall those meals and I think they were lightly advertised. I spoke to a few people who had tried to meals and they thought they were OK. Because of my food allergies, I was not able to eat any of the several offered options. The ingredients were on the box and I seem to recall taking a photograph of one of the boxes and I found the photo (copied above). The photo was taken 5/14/16.

 

[Anderson]

Pics later, but dinner was good tonight. Some Amtrak PR staff taking pictures of the diner. Probably for Amtrak Ink or something similar.

OBS is...putting their best face on it, but there is a distinct sense that they're quite steamed over this.

 

[lordsigma]

Pics later, but dinner was good tonight. Some Amtrak PR staff taking pictures of the diner. Probably for Amtrak Ink or something similar.

OBS is...putting their best face on it, but there is a distinct sense that they're quite steamed over this.

I feel very bad for the affected OBS staff. One server in particular I had on the crescent last year who was absolutely delightful - I hope they managed to get another position in the company.

 

[Winecliff Station]

Pics later, but dinner was good tonight. Some Amtrak PR staff taking pictures of the diner. Probably for Amtrak Ink or something similar.

OBS is...putting their best face on it, but there is a distinct sense that they're quite steamed over this.

I got more than just a sense from our attendant but then again I kind of invited open discussion

And just to confirm for those who were asking, traditional dining continues tomorrow as if it were still September

 

[Qapla]

When a construction project gets close to completion many, many people get laid off - Laborers and skilled workers alike ... it does not seem like people worry near as much about them losing their jobs as much as the Amtrak workers that are losing their jobs.

Losing a job is losing a job.

There is one business that lays off at least 1184 people every year and no one complains at all ...

 

[johnmiller]

Amtrak has switched to "Flex Dining" for Sleeping Car passengers on the following trains: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited and Silver Meteor.

https://www.amtrak.com/flexdining

So, are these going to be those microwaved meals like they've been doing before? If so, this definitely makes me NOT want to pay the money they want to charge to go on those trains.

Richard Anderson, who used to run Delta, is behind this, I am guessing. Cut a few dollars, but lose a LOT of customers.

Dining is one of the main attractions of riding Amtrak in the Sleeping Cars. I was actually about to book a round trip on the Crescent for $700 or so. But, if this is what they're going to do, I say "no sale."

What are your reactions to this? Thanks.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

Ok, I'm officially fed up with Amtrak's direction as far as the LD trains go. I'll be drafting a letter to my Senators and Reps tonight.

It's being run like an airline, not a railroad.

 

[tim49424]

Amtrak has switched to "Flex Dining" for Sleeping Car passengers on the following trains: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited and Silver Meteor.

https://www.amtrak.com/flexdining

So, are these going to be those microwaved meals like they've been doing before? If so, this definitely makes me NOT want to pay the money they want to charge to go on those trains.

Richard Anderson, who used to run Delta, is behind this, I am guessing. Cut a few dollars, but lose a LOT of customers.

Dining is one of the main attractions of riding Amtrak in the Sleeping Cars. I was actually about to book a round trip on the Crescent for $700 or so. But, if this is what they're going to do, I say "no sale."

What are your reactions to this? Thanks.

I have a trip on the Cardinal to WAS and the Silver Meteor down to JAX (RT) in December but it may be my last eastern trip for awhile. I’ll have my fill of flex dining (or whatever they’re calling it then) and will stick to the western trains. The only exception would be if I were going to visit family.

 

[Katibeth]

I'll let you know....we're taking the Meteor tomorrow (9/30) from NY and getting to Ft Lauderdale 10/1.

You might be the last to enjoy real meals, and a hot breakfast. Enjoy your trip and the food. I hope to take the Capitol Limited and Silver Meteor from Chicago to Orlando next Sept and Oct.

 

[KMSAlex]

If anyone is interested, take a look at what Amtrak is looking for people to do.
Interesting.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-delivery-design-with-amtrak-get-carried-away-tickets-67029602345

 

[johnmiller]

I have a trip on the Cardinal to WAS and the Silver Meteor down to JAX (RT) in December but it may be my last eastern trip for awhile. I’ll have my fill of flex dining (or whatever they’re calling it then) and will stick to the western trains. The only exception would be if I were going to visit family.

So, is this already happening? I have a shorter trip from Memphis to New Orleans in December and got this message:

We have exciting news to share about your upcoming trip Train 59 from Memphis, Tennessee.
Staring [sic] October 1, we will be debuting a new dining experience aboard your train—made exclusively available for Sleeping Car customers. Here is what you can expect when you are onboard:

• A new dining menu with hot, ready-to-serve choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A wide selection of wine, beer and spirits (the first one is on us), plus unlimited soft drinks throughout your journey
• Complimentary room service provided by your Sleeping Car attendant
• Exclusive onboard lounge space for Sleeping Car customers to dine and socialize 24x7
• Flexible dining times without the need for reservations

Yeah, definitely NOT exciting news! I remember when they did this on the City of New Orleans on our way up to Chicago a while back. Didn't like it then, am not going to like it now.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Amtrak has switched to "Flex Dining" for Sleeping Car passengers on the following trains: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited and Silver Meteor.

https://www.amtrak.com/flexdining

So, are these going to be those microwaved meals like they've been doing before? If so, this definitely makes me NOT want to pay the money they want to charge to go on those trains.

Richard Anderson, who used to run Delta, is behind this, I am guessing. Cut a few dollars, but lose a LOT of customers.

Dining is one of the main attractions of riding Amtrak in the Sleeping Cars. I was actually about to book a round trip on the Crescent for $700 or so. But, if this is what they're going to do, I say "no sale."

What are your reactions to this? Thanks.

1). It’s not microwaved. They use a convection oven.

2). Blame Congress, not Anderson. He’s following the mandate they gave Amtrak to not lose money on F&B

 

[lordsigma]

When a construction project gets close to completion many, many people get laid off - Laborers and skilled workers alike ... it does not seem like people worry near as much about them losing their jobs as much as the Amtrak workers that are losing their jobs.

Losing a job is losing a job.

There is one business that lays off at least 1184 people every year and no one complains at all ...

Being in the trade unions and working construction is a different deal and that is a regular part of that lifestyle so I think that is an apples to oranges comparison - those are not meant to be permanent jobs. People use the transition between projects for downtime. But I think people go into jobs like this with hope for a little more job security. While it’s true that one should never presume to have total job security, I Don’t think there’s anything wrong with feeling bad. I feel bad for anyone that is laid off or furloughed from a permanent job unexpectedly regardless of employer.

 

[ruck]

So, is this already happening? I have a shorter trip from Memphis to New Orleans in December and got this message:

We have exciting news to share about your upcoming trip Train 59 from Memphis, Tennessee.
Staring [sic] October 1, we will be debuting a new dining experience aboard your train—made exclusively available for Sleeping Car customers. Here is what you can expect when you are onboard:

• A new dining menu with hot, ready-to-serve choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A wide selection of wine, beer and spirits (the first one is on us), plus unlimited soft drinks throughout your journey
• Complimentary room service provided by your Sleeping Car attendant
• Exclusive onboard lounge space for Sleeping Car customers to dine and socialize 24x7
• Flexible dining times without the need for reservations

Yeah, definitely NOT exciting news! I remember when they did this on the City of New Orleans on our way up to Chicago a while back. Didn't like it then, am not going to like it now.

FWIW my daughter and I recently(Labor Day weekend) took the CONO from Chicago to Jackson and back, I would have much preferred this menu to what was offered.

 

[Qapla]

I feel bad for those who lose jobs also. I guess the point I was trying to convey, and I may have missed the mark, is that, in my opinion, I think the emphasis concerning this change should be the loss of service and quality for the passengers - not the loss of jobs. After all, if this change causes ridership to fall - it could lead to even more jobs lost.

Waiting for reports of the new menu from those who have experienced it ....

 

[jis]

I suppose this could work out to be an experiment in determining what is the true transportation service demand as opposed to experiential service demand.

 

[Tirnipgreen]

Even as a coach customer on the Crescent, I have enjoyed the dining car. Are coach passengers now SOL with respect to dining options...?

 

[me_little_me]

If anyone is interested, take a look at what Amtrak is looking for people to do.
Interesting.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-delivery-design-with-amtrak-get-carried-away-tickets-67029602345

Then they can dump the diners and "diner lounges". Mark my words (unless congress intervenes).

 

[Eric S]

Even as a coach customer on the Crescent, I have enjoyed the dining car. Are coach passengers now SOL with respect to dining options...?

Guess that depends whether you consider the Cafe Car to be a dining option.

 

[bretton88]

So, is this already happening? I have a shorter trip from Memphis to New Orleans in December and got this message:

We have exciting news to share about your upcoming trip Train 59 from Memphis, Tennessee.
Staring [sic] October 1, we will be debuting a new dining experience aboard your train—made exclusively available for Sleeping Car customers. Here is what you can expect when you are onboard:

• A new dining menu with hot, ready-to-serve choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A wide selection of wine, beer and spirits (the first one is on us), plus unlimited soft drinks throughout your journey
• Complimentary room service provided by your Sleeping Car attendant
• Exclusive onboard lounge space for Sleeping Car customers to dine and socialize 24x7
• Flexible dining times without the need for reservations

Yeah, definitely NOT exciting news! I remember when they did this on the City of New Orleans on our way up to Chicago a while back. Didn't like it then, am not going to like it now.

The switch to Flexible Dining is probably an upgrade for the CONO.

 

[chrsjrcj]

Then they can dump the diners and "diner lounges". Mark my words (unless congress intervenes).

I could see Amtrak ditching the cafe/lounge cars, keeping the Viewliner Sleeper Lounge cars, and using cart service for coach passengers.

 

[tim49424]

So, is this already happening? I have a shorter trip from Memphis to New Orleans in December and got this message:

We have exciting news to share about your upcoming trip Train 59 from Memphis, Tennessee.
Staring [sic] October 1, we will be debuting a new dining experience aboard your train—made exclusively available for Sleeping Car customers. Here is what you can expect when you are onboard:

• A new dining menu with hot, ready-to-serve choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A wide selection of wine, beer and spirits (the first one is on us), plus unlimited soft drinks throughout your journey
• Complimentary room service provided by your Sleeping Car attendant
• Exclusive onboard lounge space for Sleeping Car customers to dine and socialize 24x7
• Flexible dining times without the need for reservations

Yeah, definitely NOT exciting news! I remember when they did this on the City of New Orleans on our way up to Chicago a while back. Didn't like it then, am not going to like it now.

I got the same message. It starts today.