Rumors about Amtrak move to the MIC at Miami International Airport

[crescent-zephyr]

Well, the SCA said they were based in WAS. Are there any trains with OBS based in WAS?

It was told to me by one SCA, so it's not 100% irrefutable fact. That's why the thread is titled Rumors.

Currently there are not, the Capitol was.

I’m not saying it was a fact either. But it wouldn’t be crazy to think Amtrak has a full time chef for executives and special moves.

 

[MARC Rider]

So Amtrak can hire chefs just for special moves for execs, but they can’t hire chefs for the actual trains that people ride? I know, I know, we MAY get the diners restored on the east coast but this just shows the problem.

Welcome to corporate America, where the big shots have a special dining room while the regular workers have a crummy cafeteria. I'll bet the CEO of McDonald's doesn't chow down on Big Macs, except for occasional ceremonial reasons.

 

[railiner]

I don’t have inside knowledge of the subject, so just guessing that when Amtrak eliminated many chef and food specialist position’s in the past, instead of taking a “buy-out”, or retirement, some of these people elected to accept other position’s with the company such as LSA or something else. Perhaps some of them in that position could be recalled for special moves occasionally?

 

[crescent-zephyr]

I don’t have inside knowledge of the subject, so just guessing that when Amtrak eliminated many chef and food specialist position’s in the past, instead of taking a “buy-out”, or retirement, some of these people elected to accept other position’s with the company such as LSA or something else. Perhaps some of them in that position could be recalled for special moves occasionally?

It’s pretty common for corporations to have chefs to cater to the executives and VIP’s - I’m sure Amtrak is no different. I was just pointing out the irony.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

The post I quoted seems to imply these are Amtrak hired chefs that work only for special moves.

And how often do these special moves happen. Again, I don't think you can compare it to trains that run 7 days a week...and multiple trains at that on each route. As for being based in WAS, perhaps they're the ones who "create" the menus??

 

[jis]

So leaving aside the juicy contrived controversy over the "Chef", is there any further news/rumor about what the executives did in the way of visiting MIC. And is there any further movement as a result towards moving the terminus of the Silver Service trains to MIC?

 

[crescent-zephyr]

So leaving aside the juicy contrived controversy over the "Chef", is there any further news/rumor about what the executives did in the way of visiting MIC. And is there any further movement as a result towards moving the terminus of the Silver Service trains to MIC?

I heard that Amtrak was considering hiring a chef for MIC haha.

Seriously though - I do hope the meeting was productive as I would like to see Amtrak be able to move to MIC finally! It would certainly make things a bit more convenient!

 

[user 14106]

The executive entourage on the trip included the CEO Gardner. A railfan on a couple of the facebook groups got a photo of the back of American View and he was looking out. I'll give him credit for waving to the railfan and not just ignoring (which previous CEO Anderson probably would have done.)

Head to the Amtrak Silver Star and Meteor group to see the photos.

 

[zephyr17]

The executive entourage on the trip included the CEO Gardner. A railfan on a couple of the facebook groups got a photo of the back of American View and he was looking out. I'll give him credit for waving to the railfan and not just ignoring (which previous CEO Anderson probably would have done.)

Head to the Amtrak Silver Star and Meteor group to see the photos.

If anyone ought to have to eat flex dining, it is Gardner.

 

[MARC Rider]

If anyone ought to have to eat flex dining, it is Gardner.

Well, maybe Mr. Gardner should also be dining with Former Congressman Mica.

 

[looshi]

Currently there are not, the Capitol was.

I’m not saying it was a fact either. But it wouldn’t be crazy to think Amtrak has a full time chef for executives and special moves.

Acela OBS is based out of WAS. The executive chef typically works Acela First Class as their “regular gig”.

 

[joelkfla]

Acela OBS is based out of WAS. The executive chef typically works Acela First Class as their “regular gig”.

I thought Acela 1st class served prepackaged meals, one step up from Flex.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

And how often do these special moves happen. Again, I don't think you can compare it to trains that run 7 days a week...and multiple trains at that on each route. As for being based in WAS, perhaps they're the ones who "create" the menus??

I think the point being made is that Amtrak brass are happy to sell a product they apparently consider unacceptable for their own consumption. That is a bad look for any business and I see no reason to defend Gardner on this point. I certainly would not defend any other company for this kind of hypocrisy.

 

[jis]

I think the point being made is that Amtrak brass are happy to sell a product they apparently consider unacceptable for their own consumption. That is a bad look for any business and I see no reason to defend Gardner on this point. I certainly would not defend any other company for this kind of hypocrisy.

Not defending Gardner specifically, but I have been looking for the bosses of McDonalds at McDonalds and it is pretty unusual to find them step foot in one for a luncheon meeting too. Same holds for airline CEOs enjoying the wonderful fare they serve at the rear of the plane too often. That sort of hypocrisy if that is what it is, is very very widespread.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Not defending Gardner specifically, but I have been looking for the bosses of McDonalds at McDonalds and it is pretty unusual to find them step foot in one for a luncheon meeting too. Same holds for airline CEOs enjoying the wonderful fare they serve at the rear of the plane too often. That sort of hypocrisy if that is what it is, is very very widespread.

Do you have an example of McDonald's execs sending their personal chef into a random McDonald's kitchen to cook a meal nobody else can order? Have you visited a McDonald's that charges $500 for the privilege of entering their dining room? I'm failing to see how this counters anything.

 

[jis]

Do you have an example of McDonald's execs sending their personal chef into a random McDonald's kitchen to cook a meal nobody else can order? Have you visited a McDonald's that charges $500 for the privilege of entering their dining room? I'm failing to see how this counters anything.

OK of course you are of course right. Only Amtrak is hypocritical. All other corporations are pristine

 

[Devil's Advocate]

OK of course you are of course right. Only Amtrak is hypocritical. All other corporations are pristine

No corporation is pristine but there are degrees to hypocrisy. If I was on a United flight (or AA, DL, etc.) with top brass who ordered food no customer could order I would call them out too. I just find McDonald's a bit of a stretch since it's so different in terms of pricing, expectations, and captive customers.

 

[lrh442]

If anyone ought to have to eat flex dining, it is Gardner.

I'm guessing that Stephen doesn't believe in the corporate philosophy of "eating your own dogfood."

 

[Amtrak709]

Oh--for the return of W. Graham Claytor. He was a real railroad man; a real passenger; and perhaps knew (or at least was beginning to understand) the Washington DC political beltway. I wonder how well Mr. Claytor would perform in today's climate.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Oh--for the return of W. Graham Claytor. He was a real railroad man; a real passenger; and perhaps knew (or at least was beginning to understand) the Washington DC political beltway. I wonder how well Mr. Claytor would perform in today's climate.

I was lukewarm on much of the Boardman era but having seen the alternative I wish he was still in charge and tackling issues his way. Just more proof that you never know what you've got until it's gone.

 

[jis]

Arguably, Boardman was in a more hostile environment than Claytor ever was. I doubt that Claytor had to arm wrestle an anti-Amtrak CFO foisted on him by a rump group of anti-Amtrak Congress people, who insisted on undermining him and forcing food service retrenchment over his objections.

 

[zephyr17]

I'm guessing that Stephen doesn't believe in the corporate philosophy of "eating your own dogfood."

No, but in this case, given the colossal Charlie Foxtrot that is Amtrak general operation this summer, perhaps he is "drinking his own Kool Aid".

 

[jruff001]

Oh--for the return of W. Graham Claytor. He was a real railroad man; a real passenger; and perhaps knew (or at least was beginning to understand) the Washington DC political beltway. I wonder how well Mr. Claytor would perform in today's climate.

What? Claytor traveled in an executive car and had an executive chef too.

 

[Cal]

What? Claytor traveled in an executive car and had an executive chef too.

I don't think that's the point.

 

[Palmland]

Hands on involvement by the leader sends a message to the troops. Claytor understood that, don’t think Gardner does;

Graham Claytor